The housing argument is an interesting one. There is certainly a benefit to company accommodation but what is it really worth?
Harry, you include housing rental income back home? Maybe for you but that's assuming of course one has a house "back home" or elsewhere. Accruing equity is a very valid point. Many have lost out on substantial gains "back home" not owning a home thinking they can simply save enough in the ME. Personally, I would struggle to buy the house we left "back home" due to the huge appreciation in price over 10 years. Aveo has some very valid points and it would certainly be relevant for those from parts of the UK, Australia and Canada as well as the US.
Let's hope next week helps us all out a little bit more.