So with an annual inflation running at 10-15 % yearly, let's say at least 30 % in total looking back across the last 3 years, what has been our salary increase over the same period ? We just got 4 %, I know. What we get earlier ? I recon that I've at least lost 20 % of my bying power here in the UAE over that period...and it will get lots worse....and then we have VAT coming next year.....fantastic....