Those two keywords point to Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Beaches can be found in Malaysia. Of course, they cannot be compared to those in Maldives but technically they are still the same thing. So why not visit a desert in Abu Dhabi instead?

You will have plenty of active stuff to do: sand dunes bashing, camel riding, have dinner and spend a night in the desert, etc. Sand dunes bashing is literally roller coaster on sand and you have got to spend a night in the desert! It is pitch black there after sunset (of course, you will have your own tent with lighting) so when you look up to the skies, you will be seeing countless shining stars...something you will not be able to experience in the city. You can also visit Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. One of the highlights there is the world's fastest roller coaster ride, Formula Rossa. The trill can never be matched on any roller coaster in the world, in my opinion! If your husband is a Ferrari/car enthusiast, this place will be a dream come true for him.

In Dubai, you can visit the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Mall and Bruj Khalifa. As Dubai is a more commercialised tourist place, you can spend a day or two max there.