Hi have lived in Dubai for the past 10 years as an EK wife & can thoroughly recommend it. This is NOT Saudi Arabia!! You can shop,drive and socialise to your hearts content. You can also work - which I do with my husband's consent
Conservative dress is advised, knees covered & shoulders in malls etc. Lived in the UK all my life until I came here & have had an infinitely better quality of life since I have been here
Good luck,happy to be a sand groper