Harry I usually think you have a pretty balanced view on things but simply stating that tax and NI is high in UK and that salary is "60%" of that in Dubai is not a fair comparison.
How much is a 3-4 bedroom house in East Midlands for example? Food shopping at Tesco in East Middlands or Belfast compared to Dubai? What about all the "hidden" taxes and fees in Dubai? What if you include the announced increase in fuel prices in Dubai to the equation? Upcoming VAT? Etc etc. I don't even know the answer to all these questions but it's not all black and white you know.
Anyway, middle range (terms and conditions) low cost carriers running road shows in the Middle East is quite interesting and really shows how bad things have gotten in some companies.
Good luck to everybody!
CP