The Dubai airport is pretty awesome! I flew through there on my way to Germany for our honeymoon a few years ago. It was a little unsettling with so many muslims but I had never been to the middle east before. Everyone was pretty friendly and we had a 4 hour layover.

I booked 5 tickets on Emirates tonight.
Bangkok for 10 days at the end of May.

Thanks for all your help!

First, Emirates is the best airline you will ever fly. Period. Second, I have flown through Dubai many times. Easy peasy and man I wish I could have spent some time there. Unfortunately I just had connectors. Customs is easy for Americans I believe you get a 90 day stamp no visa required (although I came from Kuwait with a flak and kevlar in my seabag once and yes, they asked me where I was going. Thankfully I was going to AFG (oh awesome) so they let me go).

The airport is beautiful. I spent 24 hours there once. Not a bad place at all.

armored well done. Let us know how the trip goes and how your Emirates experience was. One thing I like about them is they have no bullshit PAs. Whatever is the min required, and then a little more to let you know how many languages the FAs speak. Usually it is around 14. Enjoy!