haha not in Dubai. It isn't ignorant, no worries.
Do some research on foreigners in Dubai. It is like a multicultural hot spot.
Anyway, I can understand her not wanting to move even locally. If you guys do change your minds in four or five years, do consider Dubai.
As I said, it is like a European country on an desert island. There are pubs, women, clubs etc. Hell, there are churches in Dubai as well. When you get the chance, Google "Is Dubai safe for Americans?".
The other thing is that IT guys from the US and Canada are in huge demand there. They often make three times what they make at home. A lot of people go there for a few years, make a crapload of money, and then move back.
You are right though, it probably would have been a more attractive option, had you been single.
From easyexpats:
I see this post is almost a year old, but I thought I'd reply.
I am a young, fair-skinned, light-haired American college student, and I am spending the semester here. I haven't had a single problem in this city whatsoever regarding my nationality or name or color or language. Nearly everyone here is from somewhere else, with a large European population. English is spoken by everyone, although obviously some is better than others. All of the street signs and menus and everything are in Arabic and English. I dress as I would in the States, I eat the same food, I shop at the same or similar stores. It is a very safe city for Americans, or anyone else for that matter.
As long as you are respectful of the local culture, you will do fine here. I actually just visited a dentist who moved here from Michigan 8 months ago. There are a lot of medical facilities along Jumeirah Beach Road, I'm sure you could find a job.
I'm not sure I could live her permanently, but that is mostly because my family and friends are all Stateside, and I miss them. But as far as the comforts of home, there is a starbucks and a mcdonalds on every corner.
Hope this helps!