When I was working in the ME I always had 2(!!) passports. My european(mainland) home country did issue that after I told them I had to work in the ME(Qatar to be precise, it was enough to show them my company ID and my QR Visa) and that my employer may keep my passport which is really inacceptable to european standard.
So, I always had a "backup" passport ready to run in worst case to the embassy and have my way out of there. Would suggest everyone still down there(why the hell is still someone down there ^^) to have the same precautions taken.