I live & work in Dubai, I used to think it was a marmite city, you either loved it or hated it. I've lived here for 2 years now and it's a bit meh. It has it's good points - nightlife, weather, diversity of cultures, safety etc. it also has it's bad points, superficial, super expensive, arsehole ex-pats etc.
As a holiday destination it's great for 5 or 6 days, the quality of service at even 3* hotels is excellent. Pick the right time of year to visit and you will have a great time. Abu Dhabi is a nicer, more established city, Dubai is a building site.