I've only been here 1 month......35 to go!!. This place is expensive in comparaison to the US where I've lived for past 6 years. Coming from the UK or AUS maybe a cost adavantage, but expect to pay dearly for rental accomodation and expect lots of additional costs....agent fees,deposits up front, full 12 months rent paid in advance. Avoid the common chain of Spinny's supermarkets!
I'm in a good industry with good salary here in Dubai, but have received better pay & cost of living conditions elsewhere in the world.
With that said however, I'm still committed to make it home for the 3 year assignment though.

Good luck with your chossen profession and finding suitable employment.