EK...
I actually agree with you on Dubai. Somehow, it grew on me and I accepted it. I told friends that Dubai was "an acquired taste". I've been back once and honestly didn't miss living there but enjoyed the 4 days I hung out with friends.
For me, it was all about EK the airline... the city for me was do-able.
Didn't mean to come across quite as strong as I may have....
Kap