One would assume if you have to pay tax then you should get some form of representation, ie a vote!...(outside without my hat again...)
G4, when you do your comparison of costs, consider that you will be travelling alot more, you won't be spending your hollidays in a camper around the national parks of the UAE. If you have kids you will paying for their sport etc as most schools only offer limited options and in most cases allow private operators to provide the service. About Dhs 500 per term is about standard for soccer or similar. Your set up cost in the first year will leave you with close to nothing if you have a family. After that it is up to you, there is a pilot's club (courtesy of the pilots) that gets you entry to beach clubs/gyms so no need to buy an expensive club membership. If you play golf then expect to pay.. The temptation is to get the maid and gardener so kiss goodbye to another 1500/month plus annual visa costs. You can get part time maids for 20dhs an hour. (someone help me here I dont have either) The interest free car loan from EK is 1000/month.