The most logistically simple combo. Two nights in Dubai, then onward to Malé. The connection is built into Emirates' three-times-daily schedule, the visa rules align, and flight time is short enough on both legs that you can land in Dubai in the evening, see the city for two days, and fly to the Maldives without losing momentum.
Pacing
Two nights is the right length. One is too rushed for a city this scaled; three starts to feel like a separate holiday that competes with the Maldives. Stay near DIFC, Downtown, or City Walk — all put you within twenty minutes of DXB by Metro or taxi. Marina is fine but is on the opposite side of the city from the airport, which costs you an hour on departure morning.
Booking notes
Emirates' multi-city booking tool prices a DXB stopover at modest premium over a straight-through fare. flydubai's separate-ticket pricing is sometimes cheaper than a connecting fare; book the legs independently if you want flexibility on dates.