Agree with most, if not all, the comments here.
Banks in the UAE - SUCK.
All of them them that I have tried - no experience of Llyods - but have been with NBD, mashreq, Citi and HSBC over the years, and they all suck.
HSBC will screw you on the exchange rate, but if you send money in US$ there's little they can do. I deal with the Jebel Ali branch, the manager there is an smart Emirati guy, who is very helpful.
Best to keep your dealings with the bank to a minimum. get a Citi/Emirates credit card (free) and send your money overseas with one of the exchange houses. They offer good rates, will negotiate for larger transactions and chrage a small flat fee regardless of the amount.
Have to say both HSBC and Citi have Credit card teams that are very good.