Dubai Marina is a really lovely area. There are loads of restaurants around the marina side so it’s very pretty. Have a look on Dubai Property - Buy, sell or rent your Property in Dubai with Better Homes – Helping you in investing, managing and short-term renting your property in Dubai cos they have apartments for rent there. They do short-term rentals too which might work out cheaper than a hotel.

For hotel apartments you could try Broadway or Richmond although I don't have contacts for those. Have a look on The Emirates Network [TEN] - UAE's Gateway To The Net (United Arab Emirates), in the directory, which has a lot of useful links.

Marmite, yes I think you'll get this in Spinney's! Plus all your fave Waitrose stuff!

A guy and a girl sharing an apartment does happen an awful lot but you do also hear stories of people getting caught out. I've heard a few stories of women who have had car accidents, (one was even pulled over to check her vehicle registration plate) They've also been known to follow up on your 'story'. Just exercise caution

If you have any other questions just fire them off!