DUBAI // Housing allowances are set to rise this year, providing some relief to more than a quarter of workers in the capital and Dubai, according to a survey by a global human-resources consultant.
Of 147 companies polled in the two emirates, 24 per cent of companies in Abu Dhabi and 41 per cent in Dubai indicated that they would raise housing benefits, according to findings by Mercer.
The average increase forecast for 2014 across organisations is 9.8 per cent in Dubai and 9.5 per cent in Abu Dhabi, according to the report “Spot Survey on Housing Allowance Increase in UAE”.
Of 90 organisations that responded to an inquiry about which employees would qualify, those in the capital said 91 per cent of their workforce and Dubai-based firms said 82 per cent.
The report concluded that 28 per cent of employees in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai would benefit.
“I would venture that the well-reported rise in Dubai rents is the reason why companies there are considering an increase,” said Nuno Gomes, Mercer’s Middle East information solutions business leader.
“Almost one in four workers in Abu Dhabi looks set to receive a rise in their accommodation allowance, with one in three Dubai employees likely to receive an increase. Rental rates in Abu Dhabi have remained stable in comparison, at least for the past 12 to 18 months, so organisations in the capital are not under the same pressure.”
Organisations had reacted cautiously to reports of steep 15 to 30 per cent increases in some Dubai locations, he said.
The Mercer survey also showed that last year 15 per cent of Abu Dhabi and 25 per cent of Dubai companies increased accommodation remuneration.
The survey polled organisations across industry sectors with high-technology companies heading the list followed by energy firms and the services sector.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Profile of MoneyFellows
Founder: Ahmed Wadi
Launched: 2016
Employees: 76
Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)
Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund
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Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
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TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
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Favourite book: ‘The Art of Learning’ by Josh Waitzkin
Favourite film: Marvel movies
Favourite parkour spot in Dubai: Residence towers in Jumeirah Beach Residence
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League, last 16, first leg
Ajax v Real Madrid, midnight (Thursday), BeIN Sports
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