The long and short of all this is simple, the per Diem's emirates pay is not enough.
In front of me now is the Garden Court menu from our current hotel in SYD.
2 course $78 3 course $94
So if you're sad b'stard and like to hibernate in your hotel room then the per diem's will cover it, but if like most human beings you like a proper evening meal and a glass of wine then NO!! you out of pocket, it as simple as that. End of story.
w'nkers