Can you stay in Dubai and still get housing allowance or has the rule changed recently and one has to stay in Sharjah to get the same?
Yes...a bulk of the pilots stay in DXB (mostly Mirdiff or Silicon oasis areas)
however beware...recently they made Ras Al khaima...a "home base" which means you will be rostered for flights out of RAK as well...and your check in is at RAK ops.
Expect to fly 95 to 100 hrs a month due to current shortages. Average salary for capt might be around 48 to 55K including housing, transport, uniform etc...depends on how much you fly.