Oh I don't disagree that people shouldn't read up on these things. But the above is more poignant if you're looking to stay permanently, not just visit on holiday or stay for a few years to earn some money. I too had fairly negative opinions on Dubai early on, but love it now. If you visit you'll probably have a different tune. I doubt you'd really notice it had such rules etc, just seems like any other tourist mega city really, only a little bit more secure, clean and organised.
Having said that, I went New Year last year, holy hell at the traffic. Usually it's not bad but the hours leading up to and after midnight near downtown centre, the city was buzzing and full of fervour, and traffic wise on lockdown. Everyone out partying, singing and celebrating even from out of their cars whilst stuck in traffic lol. Beaches, restaurants etc jam packed.
