You won't have any problems whatsoever in Dubai checking in at a major hotel catering to Westerners.

Though service foucussed training means many hotel staff are generally more liberal in their views than can be the case with some Middle Easterners, hotels are often staffed by contract workers from East Asia who are much more relaxed about such matters, and as per KenJohn's example many hotels will go out of their way to be accommodating.

Personally I believe it is important to respect local culture, so minimise Public Displays of Affection, as I do at home in Singapore, though I know not everyone signs up to this approach for various reasons.

The main draw for Europeans is the year-round warm weather, low humidity, relatively swift flying time, modest four hour time difference, and it's handy for those who for visa reasons are not permitted in the US.

Dubai has great shopping malls, superb restaurants, the unique Ski Slope, Wild Wadi Water park, innovative destination hotels with pristine beaches. All at very sensible prices, on the whole.

It would be difficult for anyone aware of those options to get "bored" on a short break in Dubai. Wayne Dyer said “Life is never boring, but some people choose to be bored.” And with all the priviliges we have in life, I really think it is no-ones fault but our own if we get bored.

And there is plenty orginal to see and do. Ever ridden dunes in a convoy of 4x4s? Walked around the Gold Souk by night? Smoked apple tobacco in the desert under the stars? Joined in a Ramadan feast? Eaten fresh dates while watching a belly dancer? Stayed at the Al-Maha tented seven star hotel? Learned how to hunt with Peregrine Falcons? Soon you'll be able to stay on the QE2 which will be permanently mooored there.

You can see a little of old Dubai on a dhow sunset trip, and the more adventurous traveller can journey to see some amazing achitecture and awesome landscapes in nearby Oman and further afield in The Yemen, which is a fascinating country, for those interested.