Being single, I can save quite a lot of money every month, but then again I'm living on crewfood and Baracuda-beers..
If you do have a family, it will be very difficult to save a decent amount of money (comparing to West-European countries, no facts or figures, just personal observations which might be wrong..)
+ Schooling is for free in Europe, EK pays about 90%
+ Pre-school (nursery) is free in Europe, about 1000Dhs/month in DXB, not paid by EK
+ Wife and kids want to go home to visit family (tickets & stay in Europe needs to be paid)
+ Pension fund is simply pathetic in EK
+ No social security in EK
+ Anyone thought about health insurance AFTER you leave EK to go back to Europe, you won't be covered anymore, so extra expenses again
+ Eating out is affordable thanks to EPC (Pilots initiative)
+ Health clubs affordable thanks to EPC
+ Beach clubs affordable thanks to EPC
+ You have to dress up a house or apartment, but can be evicted anytime
+ Buying in DXB is way to expensive now (correction expected)
+ ...
Ok guys, these are just a few personal thoughts in between games after a few G&T's, I stand to be corrected as usual...
MR8