Thanks all for the input. Much appreciated.
Given all the negatives I think the biggest key to QOL in a place like Dubai is a nice home so the wife can really feel comfortable.
What would be ratio of crew opting out these days vs company housing?
Is the service or oversight from rented properties a better/worse/similar experience compared with the company ones?
Example if there are electrical issues is it easier to obtain solutions from company sources in Accomodation dept, or renting on your own proves better in reaching solutions
CB