Thanks for this information. I'm probably flying an AA award from BEY-AMM-DXB, both RJ legs. BEY-AMM is 07:40-09:30. For AMM-DXB I have a choice of 20:30-00:30 or 08:00-12:00.

I was in favor of the evening flight (to avoid two early mornings) but the prospect of a free hotel near the airport is intriguing. However, I'd definitely still want to get into town, even if I have to buy a full visa.

Is it possible to arrange for the free transit hotel at the transit desk but then still buy a tourist visa to be allowed to exit the hotel?

Seth