Need to just let us know whether you are on a package i.e. are you getting housing allowance, school, medical etc.
The cost of living is about on a par with the UK. About 3 years ago the dirham/pound rate was 5.5 to the pound, now it is 6.7 or there abouts. There is inflation here but it seems to be not spoken about too much. Petrol is cheap, I have just filled 16 gallons for 11 quid.
The tax man status is hard to fathom. It depends on whether you are working in the UK for the present year. It has taken several years for me to finally get a tax rebate for the period I worked prior to me coming here. The fact also remains that whilst you have any ties with the UK visa vee property etc the tax man will still expect you to submit a tax return. A company to get hold of with reference to this is Wilfred T Fry in Worthing. They deal with many of the pilots here and their tax problems. There is one thing that you should do and that is maintain your NI contributions. This will put you in good stead if you return after a short term contract.
As far as salary is concerned, if you are paid in dirhams into a UAE bank, the tax man cannot touch you.........yet. There has been an article from Gordon Brown talking about taxing all UK citizens abroad. This is though only a thought and not fact yet. If it did happen, then the implications are vast. I wish him a very painful visit to a local proctologist.....
Give some brief info on what your package is (on pm if you like)
rgds