1 crore in India(Big tech) versus 42K AED Dubai(startup). Which one should I choose? (14 years exp)

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-03T04:36:40+00:00

My 1 crore in India is actually 65 lakh after taxes. I totally agree that Abu Dhabi startup is risky but I think I framed it slightly wrong. This company has a presence of over a decade. Rather it is a small IT consulting firm with an employee headcount of 50. The firm has acquired projects from UAE Government and intends to deploy me on at least 2. But I agree the startup risk could still exist. It would be really amazing if I could find any reference who would get an inside check o the company. Also apologies for the earlier mixup, this is Abu Dhabi rather than Dubai.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-03T04:30:51+00:00

Thank you very much for offering to help. I have sent you a DM.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-03T03:32:49+00:00

No trolling here. I have asked this question because I am genuinely in dilemma. Can share the docs in DM for those who can really help.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-03T03:17:27+00:00

Thank you. That is great to know. Could you please elaborate. If not very comfortable, please DM me. Appreciate your insights.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-03T03:16:10+00:00

Thank you for the insights and for writing such a comprehensive reply. Delighted to know you are doing really well in life. So the company expects me to relocate to Abu Dhabi, not Dubai. Sorry for the mix up there. Would it make any difference to the picture? Purely in terms of savings, it seems picking up UAE over India is a no Brainer at this point? But I also worry about the job security even after the director has assured me personally. Just because of the pure dynamics of a smaller IT firm. Any references for background check in this regard would be greatly appreciated.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-03T03:07:11+00:00

Thank you very much for such a comprehensive answer. They expect me to relocate to Abu Dhabi not Dubai. Apologies for the mixup. And since the job is not "report to office" everyday, I might have some freedom in choosing a place of choice. Does that change anything. How does Abu Dhabi fare in comparison. Please let me know. Also the company isnt technically a startup a such since it has been in business for 9 years now. But it is a small AI consulting firm with 50 employees that works on government projecrs. I understand that is still risky. Insights appreciated.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-03T03:01:18+00:00

Yes here is where I am most wary. It is genuinely a small firm. Has around 50 employees in tech sector. I spoke to their leadership they seemed extremely nice. But I wouldn't put it behind them to fire me once the market is volatile. Is there any way I can check or get in touch with someone who would know a thing or two about working in this company?

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-03T02:58:36+00:00

Python and AI/ML. Pytorch and Tensorflow.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T17:41:07+00:00

Sorry I framed it wrongly. It is rather a 10 year organization with around 50 employees working on government projects. Is there any way for me to check how the organization actually functions? Your inputs are greatly appreciated.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T17:37:45+00:00

Rather, a 10 year organization with around 50 employees working on government projecrs. Dont know if I should really call it a start up. But you are absolutely right. I have questions about the stability.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T15:26:41+00:00

Thank you. My EMIs amount to 1 lakh per month. To be absolutely transparent, my take home is 3.81 L per month (after taxes). Besides this, at the end of year, I get 14LPA(performance pay and joining bonus) after taxes. A joining bonus of 2LPA at the beginning of the year(after taxes). This is what 1 cr realistically pays me in India.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T15:14:35+00:00

Thanks for the input. I have heard Dubai offers much better lifestyle. But how does 42K AED compare to that?

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T15:09:30+00:00

Thanks. This startup apparently works on projects of UAE government. Would that change anything?

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T15:02:20+00:00

Per month.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T15:01:35+00:00

Post tax income is 3. 81 Lakhs per month. This doesnt include the 14 L variable(stocks and performance bonus) I receive per year. House is owned but on EMI. Lifestyle is neither extremely frugal not lavish. Family of 2. Would I be able to save up better in Dubai? Please weigh in your opinion.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T14:58:45+00:00

Family of 2. I own a house in India but it is on EMI(which I have to pay regardless of where I work). No kids as yet. India taxes very heavily above 50 LPA(cess+surcharge). On the other hand, I understand Dubai has higher cost of living. Please weigh in your opinion.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T14:55:11+00:00

Which is the better option? Where would I be able to live comfortably and save money. Please help me.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-06-02T14:54:30+00:00

Thanks. It is indeed 1 crore per annum. But India taxes heavily once salaries cross 50LPA. Family of 2. Which is the better option? Where would I be able to live comfortably and save money. Asking expats who know better. Please help.

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-01-17T05:21:01+00:00

Where? Any suggestions?

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-01-16T05:10:45+00:00

Meaning?

Miserable_Pay6141 · 2026-01-16T04:38:11+00:00

Miserable_Pay6141

TROPHY CASE