Excuse me?!
Ah John,
It was an interesting question, and since I'm in DXB and I've been to HK I was formulating the best I can do at an intelligent reply. There are pro's and con's to both situations and I was about to give my views on the family aspect. Then you post this crap,
"I'm also led to believe that in Dubai, females have much less respect and quality of life than in HK. She certainly won't be happy being locked in a compound sitting by a pool sipping cocktails all day, although understandably, I know this is very attractive to some spouses. For a holiday, maybe, but not ten or even twenty years."
What a moron. This is not a city of "compounds". Since 83% of Dubai are ex-pat, if you put us all in "compounds", it'd be one big jailyard. Furthermore, most of the wives I know here work either full or part-time. As for respect, my wife walks safely and comfortably at night in Dubai. Can you do that in New York?
If you're going to ask a question to gain knowledge, fine. But don't follow-up it up with an ignorant slur. You admit you've never been to either place and you write that?!?!
With your attitude, I'd suggest that both Cathay and EK are off the cards. Stay home.