It's unlikely. Dune is deeply rooted in science fiction concepts and world-building. Without a fondness for the genre, you might find it hard to get into the story and its elements.
The reason why they disliked science fiction was probably because such novels usually contained a lot of scientific elements, but they often did not conform to one's understanding and imagination of the real world. Perhaps it was because science fiction was often too sci-fi and did not match one's personal life experience and perspective. However, if you liked science fiction, you might like those that explored the future and technology.
A lot of people don't like science fiction because they think it's too focused on future or alternate realities and not enough on the present. Also, the genre can sometimes seem too technical or nerdy for their taste.
Hard science fiction often has a lot of complex scientific concepts. If you're not into science or find it difficult to understand, it can be a turn - off.
You could start with softer sci-fi that focuses more on characters and their relationships, like 'The Left Hand of Darkness' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It has a lot of human elements and less technical jargon.
Hard science fiction just doesn't appeal to me. Maybe it's because it requires a lot of concentration to understand all the scientific theories in it. I like fiction that I can relax and enjoy without having to think too hard about science.
Hard science fiction often focuses too much on complex scientific concepts and technical details. It can be difficult to understand and lacks the emotional and character - driven aspects that I enjoy in other genres.