I've been there as recently as January. Your statements match exactly what I observed. There are ignorant people on this thread who have rarely ventured beyond their own driveway and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. But it sure doesn't stop them from repeating the same baloney being spread by the likes of Micheal Savage. I love the "My mom's best friend's brother told her..." statements. Sigh.
So I've heard -- it looks and has the feel of the Land of Oz...I know all about Rush and Tiger Wood playing golf there.
It's still a "rogue" Muslim "Las Vegas" as in the Star Wars bar scene where behind glitter and glamor, the rats plot, plan, and play.
Questions:
It's still Islamic, and Dubaians still abide in the Koran, right?
Is there evidence the UAE has supported terrorism? Al Qaeda?
Shielded Bin Laden?
Recognized the Taliban as an entity?
Been involved in international money laundering, and third-party arms trading?
Does not recognize Israel as a sovereign nation?