hi all, flying JFK-DXB-MLE in two weeks.
My layover in DBX is 8h5m but I've not yet seen Dubai Connection offered under My Booking. I booked my trip as part of an Emirates vacation package, not sure if DC is excluded if booked this way? As I understand, if I qualify for DC, it should have shown up in my booking info a month prior to departure.
I get in DXB at 7:45 p.m. and leave for MLE at 4:20.
Two questions:
Since the bulk of my layover is overnight, is it worth going into the city? Are things open to see/eat that late (or early)? Emirates travel agents said I have enough time to go to the Burj and come back, but I'm not necessarily interested in going to the Burj - would much rather see some street life/have dinner with locals, etc.
Am told that I need to get a tourist visa to exit airport if I decide to leave the airport. How onerous/long is that process at the Dubai airport? And altogether - going through security/immigration/customs exiting and re-entering airport - how much total time would I really have to be in Dubai?

TIA!