Hi,
First thing is its very difficult to get school places in reception and KS1, having said that its not impossible and it really does require you to hold your nerve 9easier said than done). Schools to look at would be JAPS (jebel ali primary), STAR (umm al sheif), Kings (umm suqeim), JPS (Jumeriah primary school), JESS (Jumeriah english speaking school (2 sites)).
Hospitals and doctors are generally good, we havent had any problems and DS has had his appendix out (American hosp), broken leg, broken arm (too much rugby), physio and various other stuff. I have been more than happy with all his treatments.
Your DH employer should cover accom, shipping and insurance of your container, flights home, medical for the family (it may be that you pay for dentist, physio stuff like that) and also most companies operate a system where you pay something like the first 50dhs and you cant claim it back, but not all.
Accom is very expensive, although I see your DH company will pay, bear in mind they may not pay for what you want, where you want. Set up costs are expensive, deposit for DEWA (water and elec), you dont have a choice for your broadband tel tv supplier despite what the advertising says.
Can you say where your husband would be working and then we can better advise ideal locations. However bear in mind your ultimate aim is to be closer to school, as school runs can take forever.
Housing can be in manicured residential areas with pools, lakes, security guards all very bubble (Lakes, Meadows, Arabian Ranches). Other options can be local land which is fab, places like Jumeriah, Umm Suqeim. Many people live in apartments, the two main areas are Business Bay which is near Dubai Mall or what is commonly known as New Dubai, the Marina, JBR, JLT, Tecom, the Greens.
Shopping - petrol is cheap although not as cheap as it used to be, its costs me 180dhs (GBP30 approx) to fill my 2 tank pajero which does about 600kms. Food is the same cost as the UK IMHO as I do not shop around at carrefor, Geant etc. I go to spinneys which sells waitrose products and to Aswaaq a local supermarket. Fish and herbs are cheap as chips. Huge bundle of fresh baby spinach for 1dhs ;-) 2 litres low far milk 10dhs. Cheese is expensive, steak is cheap.
Alcohol is available either from a government shop MMI or A&E but has 30% tax. However you can go to another emirate and get it cheaper ;-) if you come IMHO you must miust must get a licence. people dont and it is illegal. Yes you pay but you do get the cost back in vouchers.
No you do not have to cover up and yes you can drive. Just be respectful, no bikinis in the malls (too flipping cold anyway).
Toys are expensive but we do have ELC, most people get visitors to bring stuff over, or use amazon or shop and ship.
We've been here 5+ years and love it, sailing, the beach, gauranteed weather, bbq's, friends, however we are moving into the hot season and yes it is HOT. It will reach 50 on a few days, and yes the humidity is horrid but everywhere is ac, the car, the mall, the villa, the bus stops ;-). Ramadan is mid summer this year, that means no eating drinking smoking in public, so no chance of a coffee in the mall, mostly, there are always ways ;-).
Loads of mums and tots thingies going on, and of course meet the mums at school and all that. Not a problem for most people.
For more info check out www.expatwoman.com/dubai
If you need more info just ask away. Of course I forgot to say, some people dont like it, it isnt as beautiful as the beaches in Aus, or SA, yes it can be heart breaking to see some of the labourers, the beauraucracy will drive you insane at times. It can seem like it is hard to meet people, you must put yourself out there, accept every invite that comes your way for the first 6 months and then start to filter who you want to remain friends with.
Good news getting help in the home is cheap. Why do you need help when you do it all yourself now? Because its the desert and the sea and everything always always always is covered in sand, open the windows and you can write your name in the sand. Because it takes ages to get things done. TBH Dubai is 40 years old and yes they have made mistakes but they are learning.
good luck.