The minimum required connection time for J is 6 hours, 8 hours is for economy.

Are you sure? Because this is what I found on the Emirates website:

Ah, in that case I guess the rules changed due to COVID and you're right...

Why would that connection not qualify? From a connection time > 6 hours qualifies in J. So that can�t be the reason if your connection is 7:50.

See the follow up message... looks like it's been quietly changed

Quietly indeed! I get regular emails from them about how great they are (and these days on how to buy miles at a discount, never mind that flying is a bit of an issue at the moment and therefore so is using miles..). But never anything about changing STPC minimum connection requirements. Imagine a 10 hour layover inside DXB, even with lounge access. Without it..... well we wont talk about that.

Hello,

I've requested the Dubai connect option from my booking.

If it says, "room not assigned" does that mean I'm just waiting for a room to be assigned? How far in advance does that occur? I'm still give or take 2 weeks out.

Don't worry about it, you'll be given a voucher when you fly and your class of travel will determine which hotel they put you in when you land.

Can't seem to find it online or even in this thread recently - would a Skywards First Class booking qualify for the DXB Connect offer?

Anyone have experience applying for a transit visa through dubai connect? I got a generic automatic email that they received my information but nothing else. I assume I will hear back next when approved, but not sure when I should call if I dont hear back. Four days before my flight?

Haven�t done Dubai Connect in a while, but a visa is not issued and there is nothing to apply for.

When you check in at your point of origin you�ll be handed three copies Dubai Connect vouchers that look a bit like boarding passes.

On arrival at Dubai, just before immigration at T3, to the right, there�s a Dubai Connect desk where you present your passport and the three vouchers. Two vouchers, and your passport are returned to you, and you�re presented with a slip to show at immigration. Immigration will use the slip as a visa of sorts, which you have to keep for exit if I remember correctly, and you�ll then be let into the UAE.

If you�re in F or J, there will be chauffeur drive to your hotel, and back to the airport. You�ll hand the third voucher to the hotel.

Essentially emirates is taking responsibility for you. The only constraint is your bags are checked through to destination, and emirates chooses where you stay (separate hotels for Y and premium classes).

Is there any way to confirm the Dubai Connect booking went through? Booked an award ticket in J that qualified, and on the "Manage my Booking" screen there was a link to arrange it. I filled everything out and it shows the assigned passengers at the bottom with a room number, but nowhere does it state that it's confirmed. I also never received an email. Appreciate the input!

If it shows assigned it�s confirmed.

Yes, correct. You don�t get any other confirmation.
When you check in, they will print vouchers for the transport to the hotel (bus for Y, can for F/J), the hotel itself and the meals that are included. That�s all you get.

Adding a DP for hotels. I’m currently at the JW Marriott Marquis on a F booking between BKK and MLE. Hadn’t seen this hotel mentioned before.