Related: A guide to the UAE teaching market and how much you can earn
John McGrath left the UK for the UAE for many of the usual reasons — the tax-free salary, the good standard of living and the year-round sunshine.
And when he sat down and thought about it, he realised just how much more money he took home each month living and working in Dubai.
So he created a TikTok video to share the salary comparison with the world.
At a time when the UK economy is teetering on the brink of recession, inflation is hovering around 10 per cent and taxes are on the rise, it serves to underline how poorly the UK is doing on an international basis.
The exercise in totting up monthly goings in the UK and UAE has since notched more than four million views. In the video, the primary schoolteacher shows how much he would have earned in the UK after the many deductions, such as taxes, rent, car finance and food, from a salary of £33,850 ($41,074) — leaving him just £171.94 for socialising and saving each month.
But in Dubai, thanks to free accommodation provided by his employer and no income tax, he has £1,604 left each month from his £32,460 annual salary after paying bills and buying food.
“I get all [year] round sunshine, and I get health care provided by my employer and I only have to pay 20 per cent [insurance] co-pay, which means anything as an outpatient, I pay 20 per cent for, but I get to see a doctor or a dentist on the day,” the 36-year-old from Redcar says in the video.
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UAE salaries at a glance: in pictures
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TEACHER/LECTURER: The average salary in UAE is Dh9,000 with lows of Dh4,000 and highs of Dh21,000. Headteachers earn an average of Dh46,000 with highs of Dh75,000. University staff are typically well paid, with assistant professors and full lecturers earning between Dh20,000 and Dh40,000. AFP -
FLIGHT CREW: Salaries for cabin crew and aircraft technicians range from Dh6,000 to Dh23,000. Pilots can usually secure between Dh20,000 to Dh60,000, depending on experience. EPA -
FOOD AND DRINK: The average salary for a bartender, waiter or supervisor is Dh4,000 to Dh5,000, rising to Dh7,500 to Dh8,500 for managers. Chefs and head chefs can expect to take home between Dh6,000 to Dh38,000. Hotels often provide staff accommodation. Hollie Adams / Getty Images -
ACCOUNTING AND AUDITING: A flooded market with basic accountants often earning Dh5,000 to Dh10,000. Senior auditors can earn Dh30,000 or more. Accountants who move into finance and management can expect significantly higher salaries. Getty Images -
CONSTRUCTION: Engineering jobs have been hit hard by a downturn in the sector, but it remains a skilled and respected profession. Junior salaries for site inspectors and engineers begin at a few thousand dirhams, rising to Dh45,000 or more for construction managers. Gulf Talent says salaries in Saudi are higher than the UAE in some roles. Sammy Dallal / The National -
NURSES: The true heroes of the pandemic, these professionals worked around the clock to treat patients and save lives. Salaries range between Dh4,000 to Dh14,500 and can be higher for senior nurses in higher-end private hospitals. AFP -
HEALTH AND SAFETY: Health and safety has become a key priority. Junior roles in this sector can take home, on average, about Dh5,500 a month. That rises to Dh22,500 for managerial positions. Victor Besa / The National -
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR: Non-medical staff are currently in demand as the role of managing patients, their documents, payment and test results is increasingly crucial. Salaries vary but can be in the same region as nurses. Reem Mohammed / The National -
CYBERSECURITY: The threat posed by cybercrime has never been more real, with the sale of financial assets, documents and medical records a lucrative business. Systems analysts and software engineers can earn Dh25,000 or more, rising significantly for those with high-end cybersecurity experience. Unsplash -
HR, MARKETING AND FINANCE: Senior roles in these managerial classes vary significantly, but are generally well paid and often come with performance-related bonuses. Gulf Talent lists HR manager and HR business partner salaries at up to Dh42,500. An HR director of a major firm can earn twice that. Getty Images -
SALES AND MERCHANDISING: As the economy slowly picks up, the retail sector will be looking to fill key roles again soon. Gulf Talent lists sales staff salaries from Dh1,500 to Dh3,500. A sales merchandiser can take home twice that each month. Paulo Vecina / The National -
HOTELS: A duty manager at a hotel can earn anywhere from Dh6,000 to Dh26,000 per month. Front of house staff, including concierge, can take take home between Dh1,500 to Dh9,000. Staff accommodation is typically provided. Sarah Dea / The National -
LEGAL: Lawyers and legal advisors can earn between Dh7,500 to Dh37,500. That rises to more than Dh53,000 for legal counsel positions, though the average sits at about Dh20,500. Jeff Topping / The National -
OFFICE ADMINISTRATION: Jobseekers for secretarial and receptionist roles can expect salaries ranging from Dh2,500 to Dh8,000. Personal assistants and office managers fare better, from Dh4,500 up to Dh22,500 for higher-end firms. Getty Images
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“And I have to pay only between £10 and £15 to see them. I am not paying any tax, so I am fine with that. Hashtag move to Dubai,” he added.
He is by no means alone. Facebook groups in the UAE are reporting an increase in the number of people seeking advice on how to move to the country.
Keren Bobker, who runs the British Expats Dubai group, which has almost 12,000 members, said: “We have seen an upsurge in membership in the jobs group from people in the UK hoping to move to the UAE.”
Members of her group planning a move abroad include Saima Rashid, 42, from the north of England. She will move to Dubai in two weeks.
“The move is something I had been thinking about for a while. Initially it was just mainly to do with the weather, because it is fairly gloomy.
“But I think the main driving factor was the last couple of years with Covid.”
Her mother became sick at the end of last year, and the family were prevented from visiting her in hospital. It was the final straw, she said.
“That was quite distressing. We had no say in what was happening. That was the main push.”
She said she feels there has also been a “deterioration in everything” in the past couple of years.
“And I am a [high-rate] taxpayer as well. So when I think of all the taxes I am paying I feel there is no benefit,” she added.
Those factors led her to seek a transfer to Dubai. She has visited on holiday and has friends and family who live there.
“I chose Dubai and I think the reason was, when I went on holiday, I felt it was pretty safe to walk around,” she said. “Because I will be living by myself, I wanted to move somewhere I would feel safe.
“Sometimes here, when it’s a bit dark, you have that feeling you are put in a vulnerable position. And obviously it’s tax-free and good weather.”
Covid was also a factor in the decision by Alessandra Sestito’s family to move to Dubai.
The couple moved with their daughter, 11, from Surrey last August because they were tired of feeling stuck at home during the pandemic.
It was “comfortable, but basically the lifestyle of an 80-year-old”, said Ms Sestito, 47, who is originally from Italy but now holds British citizenship.
“I felt we needed a change. I started to think of the best place for us.
“The dream was: always sunny, English-speaking country, good salary and amazing British schools for our daughter. It wasn't easy. After researching, Dubai seemed the place.”
They miss aspects of the UK but are happy they made the move.
Chandni Adatia, who lives in England, would also like to relocate to Dubai. The family have already visited 10 times and fell in love with the country.
“I love the weather, it’s a lot safer and cost of living is similar to UK. My husband is looking for a job but it’s hard to find one,” she said.
“He has been applying but has not heard anything yet. If my hubby finds something we will definitely move as a family.”
