For most residents working in typical middle class jobs, the biggest factor that makes the difference between survival and enjoying life is whether or not you have to pay for accommodation. Rental costs are crippling, for example a single person living in a decent 1 bdrm apartment has to allow about 10,000 dhs per month (and often pay the full year upfront). On a salary of 10,000, that doesn't leave much. Compare to 3 or 4 years ago when a similar apartment cost 40-50,000 and you had a similar salary. It is possible to live cheaply otherwise.

Here's another Dubai cost of living guide. It's not easy to give an accurate guide due to the wide range of nationalities and living arrangements.