For what its worth I was a net contributor to Dubai as an F/O. I know others that had a seven year plan and saved every bean that came their way. If I'd done that I'd have been run over by a truck at the airport.
For me, recreation is more expensive. Most things that I do with the kids (particularly in the summer) cost a fair amount of cash. There are the beach hotels and Satwa but not much in between. Most other places in the world there are a range of activities that can be done with a range of costs. Here that isn't true because there just isn't the breadth of choice. Its the same with schools. If you are an american and use the US schools; it costs.
Bottom line for me. I end up going to a 5* hotel and stumping up 700 chips for a meal not because I want an expansive lifestyle but because I don't have a choice. I'd be happier with my flat hat and ferret, drinking Theakstons XB and eating steak and kidney pie at a fifth of the price.
But...I guess thats why we get the big bucks.