I have been based in Abu Dhabi for the last few years and live in Dubai.
Depending on where you live in Dubai its a relatively easy drive to AUH.
From the Dubai Marina Area, SH Zayed runs 4 lanes in both directions, in my opinion one of the best paved and maintained motorways/highways ive driven on. No pot holes, no lights and a max speed of 139.9 to avoid a radar ticket in Dubai Emirate, and 159.9 in the Abu Dhabi Emirate (or so i've been told )
The drive takes just under an hour.
Abu Dhabi is a bit behind Dubai as far as options for restaurants / entertainment / night life vs Dubai, but catching up fast with all the development planned.
Frankly, ive just about had it with the Dubai Traffic, and am considerig a move back to Abu Dhabi in the near future. ...
Oh , sometimes they have portable radar traps, but not sure what speed that is triggered at ..