So you’ve landed a new job in Dubai. Congratulations! Now it’s time to find a place to live. Staff accommodation in Dubai can be tricky to navigate, especially when you’re unfamiliar with the city and culture. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about finding staff housing in Dubai so you can get settled in and focus on your new role. From understanding your options to negotiating a contract to setting up utilities, this guide will be your new best friend. Dubai may seem like an intimidating place, but with the right information you’ll feel at home in no time. Take a deep breath and dive in—your Dubai adventure awaits!
Types of Staff Accommodation in Dubai
When it comes to staff accommodation in Dubai, you’ve got options. The most common types are:
•Shared flats: This is a popular, budget-friendly choice where you share an apartment with other workers. You get your own room but share the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms. Rent is usually around AED 2,500-4,000 per month.
•Studio apartments: If you want your own space, a studio apartment is a compact, self-contained unit with a kitchenette and ensuite bathroom. Studios typically range from AED 3,500-6,500 per month.
•One-bedroom apartments: For a bit more room, a one-bedroom apartment includes a separate living room, kitchen, and bedroom. One-beds usually go for AED 4,500-8,000 per month.
•Employee accommodation: Some companies provide subsidized housing for staff in apartment buildings or villa compounds. Rent is deducted directly from your salary, making it a convenient option. However, availability depends on your employer.
•Sharing a villa: Another popular setup is sharing a villa with a group of co-workers. Villas offer more space with a garden and parking but rent for a single room in a shared villa can be comparable to a one-bed apartment.
As you can see, Dubai has accommodation for all budgets and living preferences. The key is finding an option in the right location that suits your needs. With the proper paperwork like an Ejari contract, setting yourself up will be a breeze. Happy house hunting!
Key Considerations When Choosing Staff Accommodation
When choosing staff accommodation in Dubai, there are a few key things to consider:
- Location is key. Look for housing within proximity to your place of work and key transit routes. Dubai’s traffic and heat can make long commutes unpleasant, so opt for something within 30 minutes of work if possible.
- Type of accommodation matters. Flats, apartments, villas – there are many options. Flats or apartments in a residential building are most common for staff and budget-friendly. Villas will be more spacious but pricier. Think about the level of independence and facilities you want.
- Cost is a major factor. Rent in Dubai can be high, so set a budget and try to find options within it. Flats and apartments typically range from 25,000 to 60,000 AED annually for staff. Also consider utility and internet costs which are usually paid separately.
- Shared or private. Sharing with colleagues is an affordable option, with single rooms starting around 30,000 AED. But for privacy, a small studio or 1-bed may be better if within budget.
- Contract and amenities. Check what’s included – are utilities, parking, gym or pool access part of the deal? How long is the lease – 6 months to a year is standard for staff. Ensure the terms suit your needs before signing.
Doing your research and thinking about what’s most important to you will help in finding suitable and affordable staff accommodation in Dubai. While the options are many, focus on location, budget, facilities, and contract terms to find housing that supports your needs. A comfortable and safe place to live will make your experience working in Dubai that much more enjoyable.
Average Rent for Staff Accommodation in Dubai
The cost of staff accommodation in Dubai can vary depending on the location and amenities. As an employee, the rent for your accommodation is typically deducted directly from your monthly paycheck.
Average Rent Ranges from AED 800 to AED 5,000 per month
The average monthly rent for a bed space in a shared staff accommodation room is between AED 800 to AED 1,500. For a private single room, you can expect to pay AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 per month. More spacious rooms with additional amenities like an en-suite bathroom or kitchenette fall within the AED 3,000 to AED 5,000 range.
- Shared room (3-4 people): AED 800-1,500 per person
- Private single room: AED 1,500-3,000
- Larger room with en-suite and kitchen: AED 3,000-5,000
The cost depends on the location of the accommodation within Dubai. Rent in areas farther from city centers and workplaces, like Al Quoz, will be on the lower end of the range. More central locations in Deira, Bur Dubai, or near business districts like Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina will be at the higher end.
Other factors that determine the rent include:
•Facilities – Options with pools, gyms, recreation rooms, laundry, etc. tend to cost more. Basic accommodations provide just a room with a bathroom.
•Furnishings – Fully furnished with a bed, closet, seating, linens, and kitchen essentials costs more than an unfurnished space.
•Utilities – Accommodation where utilities like AC, electricity, water, and WiFi are included in the rent will be pricier than options where you pay utilities separately.
•Building quality – Newer buildings with high-quality construction and finishes warrant higher rent compared to older, more basic buildings.
While staff accommodation rent in Dubai may seem high compared to other places, the standard of living and salaries are also generally higher in the UAE. When budgeting for a job in Dubai, be sure to factor in the cost of accommodation to determine if the total compensation package will allow you to live comfortably.
Additional Costs to Budget For
Utility Bills
When budgeting for staff accommodation in Dubai, don’t forget to account for the additional costs of utility bills. These include:
- Electricity and water: Expect to pay between 500 to 1,500 AED per month for a 1 to 3-bedroom apartment depending on usage. Dubai’s hot climate means high air conditioning costs, especially in summer.
- Internet: Internet packages start around 250 AED per month. For staff, a basic 10 to 20 Mbps unlimited package should suffice for most needs like email, web browsing and streaming.
- DEWA: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) bill includes costs for electricity, water and sewage. Budget at least 700 AED per month for a typical apartment. DEWA bills are issued quarterly.
Housing Fees
In addition to rent, budget for various housing fees charged by landlords and building management. These include:
- Security deposit: Equal to one or several months’ rent to cover any damages. Usually refunded at the end of the tenancy.
- Service or maintenance fees: Charged by building management for services like cleaning, security, gyms or pools. Around 20 to 40 AED per square foot annually.
- Cooling fees: Many buildings charge extra for district cooling costs. Budget 100 to 300 AED per ton of cooling per year.
- Agency fees: If using a housing agent to find and lease an apartment, one-time agency fees typically equal 5% of the annual rent.
- Other fees: These may include parking, storage, or move-in/move-out fees. Check with your landlord or agent for details.
By understanding all the potential additional costs involved with staff accommodation, you can budget properly and avoid unexpected expenses. Careful planning and negotiation can help minimize extra fees, keeping your staff housing costs affordable and within budget.
Tips for Finding the Best Staff Accommodation
Do your research
With so many accommodation options in Dubai, it’s important to do your homework. Check reviews on sites like Google, TripAdvisor and ExpatWoman to get a sense of what past residents loved (and didn’t love!) about different properties. Look for places with overwhelmingly positive reviews mentioning things like helpful staff, well-maintained facilities, and a convenient location.
Visit in person if possible
While you can learn a lot online, nothing beats seeing staff accommodation in person. If you’re already in Dubai, take the time to tour some of your top choices. You’ll get a feel for the overall vibe and quality, talk to current residents, and determine if it’s somewhere you can really see yourself living. If visiting from abroad, at a minimum, request a virtual tour via video chat to get visuals beyond photos on the website.
Ask the right questions
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, especially about things that matter to you. Inquire about the payment schedule, contract terms, facilities access, and any restrictions. Make sure you understand all fees and what’s included in the base rent before signing a contract. It’s also a good idea to ask about the accommodation’s tenant profile to determine if it’s a good fit based on your lifestyle and needs. The more information you have upfront, the fewer surprises down the road.
Negotiate the best deal
Rents and contract terms are often negotiable, especially if you’re booking long-term. Don’t be afraid to ask for a lower price or reduced fees. The worst that can happen is the landlord says no. You may be able to get perks thrown in like free Wi-Fi, parking, gym membership or pre-paid utilities. It never hurts to ask, and you could save a good amount of money.
Trust your instincts
Even after doing your due diligence, go with what feels right. If something about an accommodation seems off, or the landlord makes you uncomfortable, keep looking. Your instinct may be picking up on something that’s not yet obvious. Finding staff accommodation is an important decision, so make sure you end up somewhere you feel genuinely good about.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the inside scoop on what to expect with staff accommodation in Dubai. While the options and amenities may differ depending on your employer and budget, you can look forward to a comfortable place to call home during your time working in this exciting city. The convenience of staying close to your office and included utilities will allow you to focus on adjusting to your new job and exploring all that Dubai has to offer. Though the accommodation itself may be temporary, the experiences you gain from living abroad and immersing yourself in a new culture can last a lifetime. Make the most of this opportunity and allow an open and adventurous spirit to guide you. Before you know it, your time in Dubai will fly by – but the memories you make will stay with you wherever life may lead you next!
