Singapore versus Dubai

[dutch20]

Anybody care to make a comparison between the two, have you lived in both places?. If so which one do ( did) you prefer.

If I had a choice of placement which one would you pick? And Why.

Situation:Family with two young children ( 1 and 3)

[chuckauie]

Singapore for sure...I'm sure the money is better in Dubai, thus you can afford to have things that you cannot have in Singapore, but in terms of excitement etc..its got to be Singapore..

[Dubai]

 Dubai.
You can have a nice villa international schools for children maids plus very nice car.It is easier and cheaper to fly back to home.Nice food and restaurants.
I am happy in S.pore But If I had chance to choose I would choose Dubai.

[hot_ice]

This is amazing. I am also considering Singapore and Dubai. It is difficult to choose one over the other.

Who says Dubai cannot be as fun as Singapore? It is a modern region! Dubai is now the concentration of all the "best" of the world. Haven't you heard of 2 extensions of Dubai being developed entirely in ocean? 2 land pieces shaped as 2 palm trees visible from the space. Dubai is coming along to shock the world.

But then again, Singapore is a piece of heaven. Like an oasis.

[chuckauie]

dubai is too artificial..nice buildings and developments are not what makes a city great...

[Vicomte de Valmont]

I worked and lived in S'pore for 2 years then 1.5 years in Dubai. I am now in HK since last October.

If I had the choice I would go back to Dubai IMMEDIATELY. S'pore is a great place but NOTHING beats Dubai. It's simply a fantastic place and its living quality beats S'pore. It's a very exciting place and you can do SO MANY things that you cannot do in S'pore. Especially if you have a family and children. So many activities and fun for them.

And there is so much $$$ in Dubai!!!

Do NOT hesitate. You will never regret it!  

[*****]

I lived in Dubai and Sharjah for 3 years before coming here -I say pretty much of a muchness for your kids! Same ex pat life. Singapore pays more for us ( teachers) and life in Dubai can be a bit frustrating at times.  BUT the cost of  living is cheaper in Dubai  and cars are fabulously cheap!

Just remember - it's way, way hotter and the summer months are almost unbearable.  This makes a big difference for your children as they can't leave the house easily.

BUT the winters are fabulous!  Camping in the dessert, cool evenings by the sea and eating in 5 star hotels every night.

Ahhh! Almost makes me want to go back!
Hope it all works out for you!

And if you do go - the Jumeira Beach Hotel has cocktails on the 24th floor balcony at sunset...BLISS!

[makanaka]

DXB vs SG - Dubai wins, and not narrowly. Cost of living is lower, without (and this is worth stressing) a lower standard of living. DXB is a *lot* more cosmopolitan than SG is, as less than 20 per cent of the population (officially) is Emirati. You can buy a car (if you're tight for cash first couple of years check out the Sharjah used cars dealerships) for very little, petrol costs less   and with a liquor permit you can keep your refrigerator stocked with your favourite poison. It's a major air hub, tourism destination, and is a lot closer to the EU than is SG. Go for it.

[tomy]

Wish me good luck!!!!!!!!
I am still waiting for my application to be accepted
I can't wait to to go there after 5 years in Singapore I really need a change>
I heard so much about the Emirates that I am willing to go to any of them.
Wish me Luck.

[OT boy]

Any Orchard Towers in Dubai ?

[Indeedy]

Yeah its called Tampax Towers !

[Girlfriend]

What about life for older chidren in Dubai?
I have heard the secondary schools are difficult to get your children into? What is social life like for them? Any advantages over Singapore for this age family?

[Vicomte de Valmont]

Yes... so many activities for people of allages! Teenagers, young people, older people..... Dubai is FANTASTIC!

And yes OT Boy: the party scene is even better than SG  

[IMHO- a mum's POV]

I have lived in both  countries - twice.  I will say from my own personal experience that I preferred Singapore with younger kids.  I just found the transition very easy.  Dubai was great when we were child free but now having just been on a visit there & observed my friends' children (mostly 9-15years old) I'm not too sure that my kids will not despair from boredom.
Lots of easy $$$ in Dubai and it's easy to spend but I will honestly say, there's not much culture and even the "older" age groups seem to be pretty bored.  

I think the best idea, if you get the chance, is to visit both countries and see what your gut feeling is.

[shajifiroz]

I lived in Dubai, Kuwait & Qatar before I came to Singapore. I have been in Singapore for 4 years, its really nice city.
But to me, nothing beats Dubai...Wow! What a vibrant city to live....& settle down.
Dubai is going to have many more "Best" in the world. Better place to raise children..& what not!!!

I have been longing to relocate to Dubai...though I am very well positioned with second largest IT company in the World in Singapore.

Good luck to all..

[This message has been edited by BoardManager (edited 29-04-2004).]