What people fail to understand is that UAE doesn't have the rank turned of India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh - maybe not even similar to the spinning pitches of the Caribbean. Yes, spinners have found success in the Emirates but that is largely for 2 reasons;
1) The theory that UAE is more spinner friendly is false and heresy. The main reason as to why spinners have done well in the UAE is because Middle-Eastern conditions are not meant for a sport like Test cricket, especially fast bowling. Running in and out for 5 days in the UAE heat desert heat is an extremely strenuous job. Spinners have it comparatively easier, just a couple of steps into the pitch, a roll of the arm and you're done. But to run in for 20-25 overs a day and give it all you have is a different ball game. And YET, not all spinners have done well, and that brings me to my second point.
2) The bowlers who picked wickets in Test matches were bowlers who were performing throughout the world on every single pitch they played. Saeed Ajmal and Yasir Shah are notable mentions. Both have had a history of performing not only in the UAE but also Sri Lanka and the UK, and were overall decent travellers.
Therefore, the analogy that UAE is like the rank turners of India where Dean Elgar takes 6 wicket hauls for fun or the land mines of India where Kraigg Braithewaite takes 6-fers is false and quite frankly, expecting too much of the bowlers.
Fast bowlers have done considerably well in the shorter formats of game in the UAE (played on the same pitches) which goes onto show that in short bursts and small stints, even fast bowlers have a lot to offer but 9 hours a day, for 5 days in the UAE climate is harder than running a marathon.
Bowlers who have done well in the UAE were actually good bowlers, like Abbas, Ajmal and Yasir. The latter is only playing his 3rd game since his comeback and looks quite unfit, maybe that is why his game isn't the way we are accustomed to.
