My cynical take on things..if you're a young single guy or a young childless couple fair enough come for the experience and maybe some money.
In a word Abu Dhabi is a hole, the city is falling apart pretty amazing given it is the most wealthy emirate in one of the most wealthy countries in the world.
The accommodation is rubbish and is not likely to get better soon. Schooling is ridiculously expensive and not that good unless you can get your child into the British School or the American Community School.
Lifestyle wise unless you like drinking, shopping or getting out into the desert there is stuff all to do here. Expect a long wait to get into the British club otherwise AD Health & Fitness is the other affordable club.
When I came here 3 years ago it was much greener & cleaner, now the roads are dug up like Dubai and the place stinks of garbage and **** (sour earth from building sites).
The upside is that the work is good and I work with a great bunch of guys.