The accommodation allowance in Dubai is definately insufficient, irrespective of whether you are on a single/married with kids contract. Having been here 6 years now, I have had to fork out money all the years except the last year, and this is only because I live in the hood (not exactly run down, but definately not a fancy neighbourhood), and is protected by the rent cap. If I was to move out to lets say the marina/old town, you are looking at paying 220 ish for a 2-bed flat + utilities. In other words you would be forking out roughly 4 grand a month from your back pocket. Not saying that you can't afford that, but then don't call it an accommodation allowance, cause it gives a wrong picture of how much cash you have in your hand at the end of the day.
And as a few guys have mentioned, if you're looking to live in a villa, well then you would be forking out 10 grand a Month......