Aussie,,
Its good that you are asking all these questions, because the last thing you want to do is go to DUBAI and have a major culture shock. The city itself is extremely modern and westernised. But it still holds islamic values over this. Yes you can take your partner to dubai and "no" they dont have to cover the body from head to toe in black.
What i suggest you do is visit
www.emiratesgroupcareers.com and read up on "living in dubai". There are short little video's to watch. If you have the money, why dont u go for a short trip and see how it is. If you intend on living in Dubai, respect the laws because "the police dont **ck around". If you show a slightly violate islamic law. (I.e drinking on the street etc"). YOUR OUT~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.. Australia is way too soft on law enforcement as opposed to dubai. Hence "Extremely low crime or NO crime exist in dubai"..
Jonboy80
Wine?