Dear Overbank,
Life in the Emirates and Dubai especially, is rather unique, It depends on what you are really after.
To give you brief on the low-down of life in Dubai:
Driving 
in Dubai is extremely dangerous and very stressful especially along the very infamous road of Sheikh Zaied road and the part that connects Sharjah and Dubai. It can take you up to 2-3 hours to cover a stretch of 7km. Do not come to Dubai and start driving with the Aussi courtesy in mind, prepare to polish up some of the outback driving mentality, but you are a RAAFees no worries - you can pull a few Gees on the road.
Accommodation 
allowance Starting from Dhs. 100000 per annum with one time furnishing allowance starting from Dhs. 30,000 paid by the airline. Also depends on the number of your family. An average apartment 3 bedroom around 110 to 140000 UAE Dirhim (in Aussi money; One Aussi dollar =2.40 AED approx.). Other allowances are also paid such as Transport Allowance,Telephone Allowance,Telephone Installation Charges. Negotiate well with EK. Cheapest car (new) around 50000 AED usually EK will help you with interest free loan. Ask around once you have accepted the position. DO NOT RUSH into things.
Cost of Living around 50000 USD PA for a family of four.
Education 
in the UAE for expatriate children is generally very good since it is all private. Almost all expatriates use private schooling for their kids as this is fully paid by the Airline.
Education Support Allowance;
Up to 3 children (age 4 and in full-time primary education up to 19th birthday)
Primary : Dhs. 28,000 per annum. However, if the invoiced school tuition fees are below Dhs. 10,000/- per annum then the Company will reimburse 100% of all actual invoiced compulsory 'core' tuition fees. If the invoiced school tuition fees are above 10,000/- per annum then the company will reimburse 100% of the first Dhs. 10,000/- and 90% of the remainder of all actual invoiced tuition fees, subject to a maximum reimbursement overall of Dhs. 23,500 per annum .
Secondary: Dhs. 45,000/- per annum. However if the invoiced school tuition fees are below Dhs. 20,000/- per annum then the Company will reimburse 100% of all actual invoiced compulsory "core" tuition fees. If the invoiced school tuition fees are above Dhs. 20,000/- per annum then the Company will reimburse 100% of the first Dhs. 20,000/- and 90% of the remainder of all actual invoiced tuition fees, subject to a maximum reimbursement of Dhs. 42,000 per annum.If in boarding school abroad then 2 extra ELT(Education Leave Tickets) per child per annum
Once again ask your colleague as to where is the best school or at least a reasonably good school.
My figures are a bit old. Please re-confirm with EK for the latest but at least this will give you a guide
Medical Insurance 24 hrs Worldwide cover limited family coverage plus family cover limited to Dubai with no hospitalisation. For family coverage including hospitalisation paid by employee. Family coverage is compulsory.
Profit Share Eligible employees in employment by 1 April (the beginning of the financial year) are eligible for the profit share payment (if any), if they are in employment for the complete financial year. Any employee joining after 1 April, will commence participation with effect from 1 April in the following financial year.
The only outdoor life you will enjoy with your family in the summer is the beach or the malls between April-Nov due to the heat and humidity, however between Dec and April is very nice.
DO NOT DRINK IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A LICENCE TO DRINK (you need a permit), AND DO NOT DRINK AND DRIVE. THEY WILL MAKE YOU EXPERIENCE HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH M. Prison.
WATCH OUT FOR THE LOCAL DRIVERS AND THE ASIAN DRIVERS - THEY ARE LUNATICS. Also note a road rule particular to the UAE: Locals have right of way!!
There is no point for me trying to tell you do not come and stay down under, or to give you the negative or the positive of the place, but I will tell you that you should do what your gut feeling tells you to do. The UAE is a bit like the outback of Australia - you never know what to expect and it is an experience in my opinion everybody should try at least once. You need to weigh up if the package is suitable for you and your family. What suits one person may not suit another.
Good luck
Safe and happy flying to all