Sorry if this question is slightly off-topic: I'm thinking of cashing in some SkyMiles for the FC Emirates award JFK-DXB (mainly to check out the cabin and service everyone speaks so highly of). Anyway, I'm wondering what there is to do once I get to DXB? I'm not super-wealthy, so I won't be staying at places like the Burj (in fact, that's another thing - I have to figure out where I can afford to stay). I'm not a big shopper or anything - usually when I travel, I like to check out the cultural and historical sites. Can anyone here point me someplace that will discuss what there is for a middle-class American to see and do in DXB? Also, I generally try to be sensitive to local culture and customs when I travel overseas - anything in particular I have to be cautious about when traveling to DXB? I wouldn't want to inadvertently offend anyone or unknowingly commit any crimes!

Thanks!