Hello Craig

Im Heather, English but married to an aussie

I dont know about the IT questions but i can answer the others

to come into dubai you dont need a visa, they will stamp your passport and that will cover you for 60 days, if you find work you leave the country and re-enter on a work visa, if you dont find a job in that time dont worry, leave the country and re-enter they will stamp your passport again (there is no limit to how many times you re-enter. i did it for 1 year)

Cost of living isnt bad, food is reasonable in the supermarket, you should be able to afford dinners out in 5* hotels

If you are clever you will get a good package with your job, they will pay your rent, travel expenses, maybe even a car. depending on how quallified you are and how much they want you, (but you are from a western country that means you already have your foot in the door)

No worries about being an Aussie out here, although you will be asked about the Cricket alot


hope i helped

Heather