If I live the same lifestyle I would at home (UK-which isn't cheap) - as in same size house, car, same nights out- I have more left at the end of the month than I would there. Or I can do the Dubai thing, have a more luxurious life, and have the same left. It is all a matter of choice. I still think the UAE is the best thing going at the moment but that doesn't make it perfect or as good as it was 10 years ago.