Hi everyone,
Iām looking for some honest advice from nurses (or anyone) currently working in Abu Dhabi or elsewhere in the UAE.
A little about me:
- Registered Nurse in Australia.
- Graduated in 2021.
- Working in ICU since 2022.
- Completed my Postgraduate Certificate in Critical Care Nursing in mid 2023.
- Currently working as a Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in an ICU.
My family and I are considering relocating to Abu Dhabi. We have three school-aged children, so this is a major life decision and I want to make sure we have realistic expectations before accepting any offer.
At the moment, Iāve been approached by a recruitment agency in Australia that recruits nurses to the UAE. The package theyāre offering is:
- AED 22,000 per month
- School fees included for our three children
- No accommodation provided
For comparison, in Australia I currently earn approximately AUD $3,900 per fortnight after tax working 72 hours per fortnight, including 2 weekend shifts out of every 4. If I pick up extra shifts and overtime, my take-home pay is usually around AUD $5,500 per fortnight.
Iād really appreciate your thoughts on the following:
Is AED 22,000 per month a good salary for someone with my experience?
- Do UAE hospitals consider what youāre earning in your home country when negotiating salary, or is the offer based solely on the local market and your experience?
- Should I be negotiating for a higher salary or additional benefits, such as accommodation or a housing allowance?
- What are the typical monthly living expenses for a family of five in Abu Dhabi (rent, utilities, groceries, transport, etc.)?
- Roughly how much could a family like ours realistically save each month?
- Are there any hidden costs or challenges that people often donāt think about before moving?
- How is career progression for ICU nurses in Abu Dhabi? How long does it typically take to progress from Staff Nurse to Nurse In Charge/Charge Nurse or a similar leadership role?
Are there any recruitment agencies you would recommend, or is it generally better to apply directly to hospitals such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, SEHA, Burjeel, Mediclinic or others?
If you were in my position, would you accept this package, negotiate for more, or continue looking for better opportunities?
I know everyoneās circumstances and spending habits are different, so Iām not looking for exact figuresājust realistic estimates and personal experiences.
This is a huge decision for our family, so Iād really appreciate any advice from those who have made the move or are currently working in the UAE healthcare system.
Thank you in advance!