Hi There,
I am also off to Dubai in 3 weeks although I have family - ex-pats over there.....prev thread is right in a couple of places you can go to.
In the Mall of the Emirates there is a lovely mid-East restaurant in the Harvey Nicholls store (upstairs) and there is even a sheeshah part (smoking) area if you want. Go for lunch.
The Atlantis Hotel is famous for its aquarium, go also there for lunch over the weekend, the buffet is fab and you can get all sorts of food from around the world. And there are desert buggy safaris (yawn....)
However, in a nutshell Dubai is only fun if you are mad about shopping, or just want to lie in the sun, be treated to 5-star hotel and service.....otherwise its just highrises & sand!!!!
Enjoy!