At least in the Eurozone you have a choice about the car you drive, the phone company, internet , .You have if you wish a low cost alternative .
In the UK after running 2 cars,mortgage,taxes I was much better off than I am here and that is with about the same take home salary..
Lots of little extras here that are hard to account for...I spend a lot on tickets home and car hire, to get away from the place. Wifes usually do a runner in the summer months, again extra expense, and with DUbai being a popular ( for the moment) holiday destination you can count on lots of friends and family availing themselves of your hospitality..
BBC website article on internet censorship
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5024874.stm A few thinks about the dear old UA of E, but guess what, its blocked in Dubai...you gotta larf'