Hmmm. I wonder about some of the info here. I've been to Dubai many times including twice in the last two months. Americans and western Europeans do NOT need a visa. That's very outdated info. Dubai is fantastic for tourism. They have several great new golf courses. The Dubai classic is being held next month with the worlds top golfers at the Majlis (which I played last month) and Montie has a great new course nearby. Wadi-bashing is a blast. I prefer to rent my own 4-wheeler and head off to the dunes and dry creek beds. Of course there is the beach, shopping, nightclubs, etc. too. DXB has the worlds most luxurious hotel (Burj Al Arab) and a soon to be built underwater hotel.