Don't be fool by the Emirates "First World" crap, Dubai is nothing more than a third world country getting a "First world Fake over". Don't come here with "rose coloured specs" have your eye's very wide open.
It's not a bad place to live but it's not great by any means. In America and Europe if you live there you're all covered by the same rules and laws, not here buddy, put a foot out of line and you're locked up then deported, while the local gets a slap on the wrist
The whole place is one big money making machine for the arabs, that's all it is, "A money go-round" It's getting more expensive by the month and the Emirates pay rise does'nt cover inflation, the layover allowance will only cover room service, so you're out of pocket before you start!
They're so short of accomadation at the moment you may well not get that shiney new apartment you're hoping for, there are some real horror stories going around at the moment about temp accomodation, so be warned.
Good luck