Term life covers you for a fixed number of years and pays out only if you die within that term. Whole-of-life covers you until you die, whenever that is, and costs considerably more.
Term suits most people
If the goal is protecting a mortgage or covering your family until the children are independent, term is usually the right answer.
Where whole-of-life fits
Estate planning, or where cover is needed regardless of timing.
The expatriate question
Check whether the policy follows you if you leave the UAE. Some do not, and discovering that after you move is an expensive surprise.