Weather wise Dubai is good from October to May with the exception of the odd storm, the summers are hot and humid sometime 50c

Oman is worth a visit. Stunning landscape and you stand more chance of encountering real Arabic culture than in Dubai and it's equally stable.

I think what most people would be shocked to find out is that Dubai is quite the sin city, very popular sex tourism destination. Also, I've had someone I knew go to jail but it wasn't a serious offense and it didn't seem that bad. It's actually a pretty chill place, very low crime rate. Just don't do anything you wouldn't do anywhere else and you should be fine.

Sound's nice. Enjoy and be safe. Yes, Syria is a mess and I imagine the regular people are pretty much decent there and everywhere. It is the politicians and the loud minority that always causes trouble, the regular people always get caught in the middle it seems.
 
Thanks!

Bel Amine
I think what most people would be shocked to find out is that Dubai is quite the sin city, very popular sex tourism destination. Also, I've had someone I knew go to jail but it wasn't a serious offense and it didn't seem that bad. It's actually a pretty chill place, very low crime rate. Just don't do anything you wouldn't do anywhere else and you should be fine.

Yep, there are some very seedy bars with what the local Time Out referred to as "overtly friendly female clientele" if you are looking for that sort of thing. Pretty much all human life is here.
 
The older part of the city (like more that 20 years  ) has lots or really good ethnic restaurants catering to the diverse international population. Unfortunately in the newer areas chain restaurants are the order of the day.
 

I had a chance to go there to be some kind of English language helper (for those that already know English, but would like to learn more of the nuances).  The pay was astronomical, but I sweat in 60 degree (F) weather.  I can't imagine having to deal with what they consider "normal" temperatures!