Guys....why the whinge about the allowances. The issue of inflation in Dubai will outstrip anything else EK pays you. Rents going up at least 15% a year or else they evict you and rent it out at a higher price to the next person. Highways being built through housing communities (its none of the residents business....quoted in the newspapers!). For those of you thinking of joining, get used to the real desert as that is where your accom will be...Silicon (sand) Valley!!! Inflation gone up about 50-60% over the past 7-8 yrs but didn't see more than a 10% payrise in my pay packet all these years. As mentioned in another thread, pollution, cultural issues, rising living costs, mismanagement of staff by EK (fatigue, extension of duty hrs on a regular basis, working on days off/leave, my family doesn't even see me anymore) make it difficult to be here. Lastly, the important issue of dangerous driving...where else in the world have you seen so many accidents in one day or a week usually resulting from speeding idiots (vehicles usually with dark window tinting!!!). Big picture gents!!!