what is the travel time from eastern usa to dubai, uae?

A direct flight it would be approx. 13 Hrs 13 Min. You can get flight times for airports all over the world at https://www.jets.com/

Direct flight from NY (JFK) to Dubai (DXB) takes 12 hours 30 minutes. And 14 hours 20 minutes for the other way around (because it's against Earth rotation).

i know a friend comes in almost 12 hours .. from Portland to Abu Dhabi ..

A direct flight with Ettihad from new York will take about 14 hours. I know this as a friend of mine used it. Or it will take you more that 14-16 hours flying time ( give or take) with two flights - without considering transit time between flights. I have been to America and back several times in the past so I know. You can either take KLM wthich would go through Amsterdam or British Airways which will go through London. Both great airlines and Ettihad it a popular airline too.