If you visit Dubai, you have to go check out the spectacle that is the Madinat Jumeirah. The Madinat is actually two separate resorts and courtyard villas, with a giant modern souk (made to look authentic) in the middle with tons of restaurants and shops.
Here's a sneak peek at Al Qasr, a gorgeous mock-Arabian resort that is part of the Madinat. I think it's worth it to pay more and get a view of the Burj Al Arab, which has become the symbol of Dubai and is an uber-luxury hotel also operated by Jumeirah. If you see Dubai in the news, you see the Burj Al Arab.
