I have just returned from a 2 year stint in Dubai. Took not so long to get my UAE pilots licence and medical and flying was cheaper than the uk for a fully kitted C172.
There are no tailwheels available nor can you fly at night without a CPL. There are no privately owned aircraft all belong to companies. Check the rules and I recommend talking to UAQ Umm Al Quwain Aero Club. The instructors are very nice guys and the club fleet is well maintained. The flying is different as you can imagine being the desert with temperatures up to +50 in the summer.
Any info you need about flying in the UAE on a 1st hand basis, drop me a PM.