ALEC - Expat Network

expat network

ALEC wins Al-Maktoum airport terminal expansion

ALEC has secured the work for Al Maktoum International Airport, Passenger Terminal Building Expansion. The first phase of this project increases the built up area of the Passenger Terminal Building from the existing 66,107 sqm to 145,926 sqm. The departure building will see the expansion of the public hall, commercial areas and offices as well...

ALEC wins UAE school construction deal

ALEC has been awarded the design-and-build contract for The New Jebel Ali School in Dubai, UAE It will be located within the Akoya by Damac development and have a total plot size of 32,000 sqm and a gross floor area (GFA) of 20,000 sqm. The Dubai-headquartered contractor has revealed that it will directly engage Broadway Malyan...

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.