hi OptingOut
I rarely post anymore but my advice to you is to stay in company accommodation.
Don't get me, wrong I am not saying that living out is a bad thing or even buying is a bad thing. I own two apartments but I bought them cheap and won't buy anymore. Now is the time to seat and wait.
You are, in my mind, too late. Now play it safe and if your family situation has changed so much, like others have said, move to an apartment and just enjoy what's on tap for a while.
Rents are going higher and this is not a rational market so you can be out priced pretty quickly.
As for living away from DXB.. Sure, it is cheap but if you are on your own, what are you going to do in RAK or wherever ? I lead a quiet life and would probably enjoy the country lifestyle in my own country but I never came to DXB to live like a hermit.
We are for years, let's not make it worse than it needs to be.
My 2 fils.
Good luck however with your choice.