Well, if you're moving from somewhere like Houston to Dubai the climate change will be subtle! The dog should be ok, but this is a hot country for about 4 months out of the year. This makes it harder on pets that need to go out regularly. Also, not all cultures share the love of dogs as pets. You might prepare yourself for that.

There are lots of good schools (in the general area of the Meadows or the greens), but as many people on the forum will tell you it's about space. I would start looking asap at schooling options followed by how you'll get your dog over there. I'm going through the process of moving our cat, and as I'll be in temporary housing for up to a month I am already looking into where she'll stay while we settle (and that's 3 months away).