I assure you that life in Dubai is nothing like in KSA. There is no way I would ever live in KSA and find the restrictions for women there very offensive.

The negatives of Dubai are more along the lines of dreadful traffic and driving, never-ending construction, delays in gettings things done.

If you go to a shopping mall here, you'll recognise over 50% of the shops - we even have branches of Debenhams, Boots and Marks & Spencer (although sadly not a proper food hall!). Most Western films are shown here, albeit with a few edits and with Arabic subtitles. Quite a lot of band and artists play here now - we have just had the Jazz festival (not very jazz - headlined by an excellent David Grey) and Desert Rock ) and 2 day festival).

My recommendation is that you organise a 'taster' trip to try & get a feel for the city.