Hello Lina,
I lived in Bahrain for 1 year in the past and I've been in Dubai for 4 years.
Regarding your question 1:
This topic will depend on experiences and individuals, I guess.
In my experience, I had many friends who I could have real connections although there was not many things to do in Bahrain. I think that was the point, people get closer when they focus on what they have and spend more time together.
In Dubai, there are lots of attractions all around to enjoy & spend time and also there are more people. Chance to meet more people is high but spending time together is less. Plus people live and leave fast in Dubai; you make friends and they leave sometime soon. But I see that families with young children find friends and get connected more easily.
I hope that will give you some idea.
