Having spent 2 years there (2008 - 2010) I would say that a lot of things are pretty expensive and supply can be very variable. the £7.00 box of Special K was what topped it for me.
The quality of fruit and veg was pretty parlous too.
The fact that you can only get a drink with a meal in about a half dozen places also restricted my outings to either the Golf Club or the Sheraton (italian meal for 2, bottle of wine and a couple of beers on a Thursday night about £120.00. Pint of Fosters £7.00 (35 QAR)).
There was an undoubted local attitude that if the westerners want to live like they do at home, they are going to seriously pay for it.
Not many people who haven't been in the ME realise there is only a single government controlled retail liquor outlet, half an hours drive out of town and charging at least 50% more than the UK.
Only seriously cheap thing was petrol, my Escalade cost £7.00 / week to fuel. My Jeep in the UK is about £90.00.