Been in the United Arab Emirates for the first time in 2004. I had been invited by the Minister of Agriculture as a specialist for organic agriculture. The meeting took place in Abu Dhabi. I don't like the arrogance of the Arabs and they don't show off with the wealth we pay. Although I had free flight and 5 star hotel instead of 5 days only 3 days remained when I had done my job. Something like that doesn't excite me at all.
Coming years I have used the Dubai airport several times in 2005, 2006, 2007 (2x), 2009, 2011, 2012 (2x), 2013, 2022, 2023, 2024 to visit other countries, mostly with an overnight. In 2012 I have spend time to visit the organic market downtown.