Woman are respected in Dubai, they just don't have the same level of equality that we have in Britain. Women often have separate queues so they are served first! They are seen as the backbone of the family.
Maids are "owned" by families to the extent that they are not in possession of their own passport. The reason for this is that they are being sponsored by the family and if the maid was to do anything wrong the sponsor can be fined, imprisoned or thrown out of the country. Most maids make around £300-£600 per month. They also have their visa costs paid, a month holiday each year which most use in one block to visit their home country. Flights to and from their home country are paid by the sponsor and they are also provided accommodation and a food allowance. £300 a month doesn't sound that bad when you consider the overall package really. What do we pay au pairs in the uk? Considering a three bed house costs around £30k a year to rent, a private room in a house is good value. Many maids own several properties in their own countries as working in Dubai gives them enough money to do that.
The conditions that the workers you see around aren't great but they given a wage, accommodation and health care as part of their package. I'm not saying that living in camped conditions is good for them but many are very greatful that they have a job. They come from countries where they would struggle to find work to feed their families.
Service workers in hotels are often given accommodation within the hotel.
Someone mentioned using children for camel racing. This is not true anymore and hasn't been for some time. The camels are now ridden by robots.
The cost of a can of coca cola is regulated to ensure that everyone can afford it. The price (in a shop) is fixed at 1.5 dhs which is around 30p.
It is illegal to have sex outside of marriage in Dubai. It is also illegal to live with your partner. These things are generally ignored as long as you do not get in to trouble for anything else.
Being gay is also illegal. Again, a blind eye is turned providing you aren't being obvious about it.
Saudi has far worse conditions for women than Dubai. If a single woman falls pregnant whilst in Saudi then she will be imprisioned, given lashes and then deported with "prostitiute" stamped on her passport.
There are many things that can improve in Dubai but things have been improving over time. The country is relatively new and they are still working out the kinks.
Someone mentioned not being able to leave your hotel? Absolute rubbish! You can go wherever you choose! There is plenty to do and many places to see. It is safe to go where ever you want to with little crime happening. Theft, assaults, murder, robbery etc are all very rare.
The education system is entirely private. This can be costly but you are assured a high standard of education with a maximum of 22 children in a class and a teacher and teaching assistant in each class.
The healthcare is private but of a very high standard. There is also a hospital that will see migrant workers that have not got medical insurance. This treatment is free.
There is still a lot that can be improved but sitting in Britain, clutching pearls and saying you'll boycott the place won't help.