Jim Morehead,
Personally was flying thru (and based in) the Arabian Gulf long before most of the guys at EK could even find it on the map.
Always prefered DXB (over AUH) as there always seemed more to do.
A good friend of mine had a rather big boat (60' loa) and was always accomodating. 'Tis the best way, knowing someone with a boat...and far cheaper.
Prices (in general) are certainly much higher now than just a few short years ago.
If you go to work there, get everything in writing, as many will lie, lie, and lie again unless it's in black and white.
Wishful thinking just does not work in that part of the world, and never has.