JM.
You might have thought of this, and I apologise if you have, but might it be worth your while taking a holiday in each place with Mrs JM. Arrange to meet a few prooners for a beerio or two, and a guided tour of the cities etc.
Having visited Dubai myself on a couple of occasions I feel that I could live there as much as I could live anywhere. It wouldn't be home as such, but would be a great place to have a life. All the recognisable features are there, plus plenty that make Dubai a uniquely part of the Middle East. There are all the usual amenities of clubs, bars, social clubs, sports clubs, fishing clubs, riding clubs: just pick up a copy of Time Out when you arrive to get the low-down. It seems a pretty good place for children to grow up as well: there are European and American schools and a university if you want them to stay close to hand.
Don't take our word for it: try it for yourself, even if it's only for a week! Good luck whatever you decide.