Ferris, just to add to your post, another reason crime seems so low here is it isn't reported unless it is solved. Unlike the west there is no free flow of information from the police and justice system to the media. If someone is assaulted downtown in the small hours, unless you know that person or it is instantly solved with the perpetrators in court (unlikely) you won't hear or read of it. Yes it is safer here than most western cities but I am under few illusions as to the actual versus reported crime rate. Burglaries are not uncommon either.
JM, if you hire a car and drive to Dubai watch your rearview mirror. The driving here can be exciting and the biggest threat probably comes from the kid coming up behind you at the speed of heat in daddy's Merc.
Rgds
UAE