McGreaser,
You completely miss the point here. Remember that it was their idea to build a mega monster project in the middle of nowhere. Without the expats and workers they would still be riding their camels.
What they do is discrimination and some might call it racism.
From where I come, government programs are not related to nationality nor skin color. They are targeted to the ones who need it the most...
I do not consider myself in that category but I can assure you that the last group who need it are the locals over here.
After being here for a considerable time, most of us are still in disbelieve over all the practises over here...other good suggestions for them : VAT for non-emirati? Income tax for expats... bring it on...
interesting to see what will happen the next few years...seems to me like a big house of cards in a way...