Hi PRT2010,
I'm on a housing allowance. Live in the "downtown" area close to Dubai Mall / Burj Khalifa. Rent is 70k p.a. for a 1 bedroom / 2-bathroom, high-end (by DXB standards) apartment. 5 min walk to the mall / eateries / bars. 15 mins to the airport. Add to that agent commission (about 5% - 3,500) plus water/electricity - 100/month. So total is 75k yr - so pocket 1/2 the housing allowance.
So my point is with the way rents are in DXB right now...allowance is a good idea once you've had a few weeks to settle in and look around.
CP