When I visit Dubai. Though it is rare and I do not have friends there. Tend to have a drink at night. Most of the times there, when I start a chat with a lady next to me, discover that she is in business :(
Heard stories from friends who are married to western ladies and were living there, that their wives had horrible time going out shopping or relaxing at a coffee shop.
Let aside the horrible traffic there. I find it worse than here.
You are right about the varieties there but I have noticed that all malls are almost the same. Only names and architectural differences.
Just MHO and some observations.