A chap I know walked out on the EK bond, this was pre biometric days.
When an opportunity arose that involved quite a bit of ME transit including DXB, he merely legally changed his name (took the wife's maiden name I think) and happily strolled in and out of the UAE when he needed too.
He's still doing it to this day I believe.
in regards to being an expat, do your job, make your money, keep your gob shut and leave when the money or sh1t bucket is filled.