As mentioned, you can layover in the terminal w/o a visa. Need to get out? There are two ways. First, as you step off the escalator after disembarking, ask one of the EK staff if they will give you a vouher for a room. It never hurts to ask, and often they just offer even if you don't want one (happened to me 2 weeks ago, and I wasn't even flying EK). The EK desk in the Immigration Hall (after you step off another escalator) will take care of the details. The second option is to reserve a room and keep a copy of the reservation, and et EK to do the formalities in the Immigration Hall. I thought roadrunner21 had an excellent suggestion, although the JW Marriott (5 mins away -on ABS) has had rates as low as AED 400 lately. ^