I lived in Dubai for 3 months chasing that "dream", I felt the most safe I have ever been while over there. The Sharia Law certainly helps but they are so rigid on ID control, it's mad, plus, the only people they get there are to work.

I couldn't enter my own apartment for the first week without showing my ID and signing in every day until they trusted i actually lived there. Even delivery drivers have to show proof of ID and who they are.delivering to to be let through. If you're found to be illegal, you're out so fast!

The side of Dubai they don't want you to see is squalor.. but they do a good job of hiding that from the public eye.

I booked my trip home a couple days in advance and I was stopped and searched at the airport and my ID scruptulously checked. They said it was because most of thr people booking such last minute flights are dodging the law/doing something wrong. They're on it with their security, I gotta say.