Well, I snagged a refundable award ticket that gets me in at 23:45 on 6/23 (LH630 F) and out at 02:45 on 6/27 (EK213 J). Not sure if this is my final plan yet, but since I lose the ability to book EK with CO miles at the end of March, I will have to lock in by then.
I guess this makes me Gold.
There was a previous post about arriving late on Thu (since it was indicated we'd meet up Thu afternoon) -- should I be stalking the ANA tool to find a Wed flight instead?
Also, since I know little of Dubai geography, which of the listed hotels would be most convenient for the DO?