When moving to Dubai, you may opt to be housed by Kings’. The property market in Dubai is very different to the UK, so staff accommodation can be a safe and secure option for many teachers making the move.
What you can expect:
- A one-bedroom apartment or a two/three bedroom apartment for families
- Utility bills paid for (DEWA – electricity and water, A/C) up to a capped maximum (in order to dissuade wasteful use of A/C eg leaving it on when away on holiday!)
- Gas
- Furnished
- White goods
What is not covered:
- Mobile phone
- Internet and television package
- Electricals excluding white goods, i.e. DVD player
What’s included? (based on previous experiences)
- Everything you need to get started in Dubai!
- Double bed (and bedding)
- Towels
- Furniture, e.g. sofa, wardrobe, etc
- Fully equipped kitchen including cutlery and crockery
- Kettle
- Saucepans
An example of the accommodation where you may be housed:
One-bedroom apartments in JVC
The apartments are situated within easy driving distance to all three Kings’ campuses and to the Mall of the Emirates. The accommodation is furnished and boasts a shared pool and gym.
Family apartments in Barsha
The apartments are situated within easy driving distance to all three Kings’ campuses and to the Mall of the Emirates. The accommodation is furnished and boasts a recreational area, shared pool and gym.
Sourcing Your Own Accommodation
If you opted for a housing allowance and this has been confirmed, a copy of your Ejari/tenancy contract, in your name, must be provided to the HR department in order to receive your allowance. Whilst it is not as easy as the UK property market, it is not impossible. Finding a property online is a good starting point. Property Finder is a useful website as well as Dubizzle.
Some things to be aware of when renting your own property:
- The rental price is often stated if you pay for the year in advance, additional fees may be added if paying quarterly or monthly
- Some estate agents/landlords ask for a number of post-dated cheques (often between 2 and 4) in advance
- Rental prices are on the increase, but certain areas of Dubai have an ‘increase cap’ – an estate agent would know more about these areas
- DEWA (utilities) often ask for a deposit upfront – this is in addition to the rent
- A security deposit is often asked for by the agent – this is in addition to the rent
The Dubai Government rental guide is a really informative starting point.
For those who have opted to take a housing allowance the requirements are:
- Verification of Housing Rental Allowance Form including Tenancy Contract & Ejari in your own name. Ejari is the system whereby tenancy contracts are registered in the UAE.
For those who are married or living with partners, whether opting for accommodation or an allowance, the following additional documentation is required:
- Verification of Benefits Form to be signed by partner’s employer. Your partner’s employer would need to complete this and it must indicate that they do not receive a housing allowance or accommodation. This will be issued closer to your date of joining.
