hey desertguy...
tks for the exhaustive info, but I've got one more for u...
are you aware of what kind of visa do airlines issue normally for expats?
I heard that some (like quatar) denies multiple entry visa, meaning you cant leave the country without prior authorization of the company. Obv. UAE is a different state and rules can be different, but you can never tell !!
And also do u know what kind of freebies they gen. offer?? company ZED or staff ID's...