I've been to their airport en-route from Tokyo to Cairo... it was very upscale and it seemed that money was everywhere. You could buy gold bullion right there at the airport.... and all of the service vehicles on the tarmac were BMW 7-series...

The Palm-shaped island (man-made) would be worth seeing:
http://realestate.theemiratesnetwork.com/developments/dubai/palm_deira.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Islands

Good luck Tom -

Safe trip -
James

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1987 Mercedes 300SDL; SOLD
1985 Mercedes 300D; SOLD
2006 Honda Pilot - wife's ride; 122K;
1995 Toyota Land Cruiser - 3X locked; 182K