I'm based out of IAH and made GS the last two years with 55-65k spend on UA. A majority of my flights were international polaris which is what I think really drives the qualification. Like others have said, you're probably extremely borderline. Making 1K the past years may help your chances.

I used to go to DMM a couple times a year. The EWR DXB route is nice because you can really stretch using united metal, but alternatively I would look at going to LHR or FRA. I would often fly into Bahrain, stay there and then carpool w/ a coworker. The airport is much nicer in Bahrain and so are the accommodations.