I was recently offered and booked Dubai Connect even though I wasn't on the shortest layover (I was connecting VCE-DXB-NBO and opted for the afternoon flight over the morning flight so I could have full night's sleep). Have them check MMB to see if the link shows up.

in this case.EK pays for a hotel room for first & business class connecting passengers (STPC) flying EK both legs where it is impossible (due to schedules not availability) to have a short connection (under 8 hours) in DXB


So if flying on an award ticket where there is an earlier flight but no availability, would taking the later flight mean no STPC? There was an 8 hour or less paid option but to get award business class tickets only the later flight (14 - 16 hour layover) was the only choice.

Right no STPC where the long transfer is due to lack of availability rather than schedule.

As others have suggested, try Dubai connect, otherwise get a room at Le Meridien anyway, throw the bags down and explore.

Cabs are very cheap in Dubai.

Start at Marina and work your way back through Jumeirah Beach, Burj Khalifa, and Old Gold Souk if you want cheap souvenirs (or expensive gold!)

You should be able to do this all in the time alloted as long as you don't spend too much time in one place. You could also use the metro for some of this to save some money but it would take longer.

You will likely need to buy tickets for Burj Khalifa online in advance. Avoid disappointment, this is a bucket list item.

Easy to find places to eat at any of the above (I would not eat near the Old Gold Souk). Maybe try to plan visit to Burj around dinner time, dozens of places at the mall (and souk across the fountain on the small bridge).

Shorts are OK.

Back to the hotel to shower and off to the airport.

If you do not want to try to navigate yourself you could do a tour but based on arrival time i don't know this would work. (I find some of the tours waste your time by taking you to the shopping area of their choice).

Thanks everyone.