Peter Siddle hopes less flat pitches will help Australia avoid a repeat of their miserable tour of the UAE in 2014.
Siddle is one of four members of the current Test squad who also took part in a lopsided 2-0 series loss to Pakistan some four years ago.
Michael Clarke's men claimed the No.1 Test ranking in 2014, arrived in Dubai amid great expectations then were batted into oblivion on flat decks.
Younis Khan helped himself to three centuries while Misbah-ul-Haq raced to a record-breaking ton in just 56 deliveries.
"They're not fond memories," Siddle said in Dubai, where the visitors start their only tour game this weekend.
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"The conditions (on this trip) are a lot different compared to the first time I played here.
"It's exciting when you see the wicket is breaking up a little bit.
"The Dubai wicket has had a lot of cricket played on it during the Asian Cup. The whole square has been used a lot more.
"Whereas last time we came here the wicket was a lot flatter."
Australia will be minus almost half of their first-choice XI against Pakistan, a product of the Cape Town cheating scandal but also Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins' injuries.
Selectors are yet to appoint a vice-captain. Mitch Marsh is widely expected to get the nod.
Siddle, the most experienced member of the squad with the exception of Nathan Lyon, hopes he can help fill a leadership void.
"I got to play under some great guys on my first-ever Test tour," the 62-Test veteran said, rattling off the names of icons Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee and Ricky Ponting.
"I've taken a lot of knowledge from them and hopefully I can pass on a bit to these guys.
"From an outside point of view, the side in the last little bit maybe lacked a little bit of leadership."
The 33-year-old highlighted legspinners Yasir Shah, who tormented Australia with 12 wickets at 17.25 during the 2014 Test series, and Shadab Khan as some of Pakistan's most potent threats.
"In the past we have come into series, worked hard on spin but not specifically on what they are bowling, the deliveries, the cues to watch as a batter," Siddle said.
"We are having good discussions about those two guys."
The first Test starts on October 16.
