Dubai
Given that Rick lives here, had a solid discussion on the recent cloud seeding-caused floods and the plans for a multi-billion-dollar storm drain system, the complexities of the Dubai-Sharjah border (hello Dubai landfill), and of course, actually visiting the border on foot to personally experience some of the day-to-day experience of a lot of locals.
Uzbeki for lunch at Donaza, one of Rick's favorite places, then a quick stroll through a nearby mall, then over to some museums in nearby Sharjah. The Sharjah Art Institute does some solid exhibitions on artists from parts of the world we don't see enough of outside of the Middle East and Central Asia, while the Sharjah Museum of islamic Civilization is extensive and underrated; although in all fairness, Sharjah is overshadowed in general. The nearby Al Ashiyah Cafeteria for some chapli kebab was delicious for a basic meal before heading out to the airport, too.
Back at Dubai International Airport, had a bit of time so headed to the Emirates Business Class Loungw, which is massive. So many different types of buffets based on various cuisines, and so large they had multiple locations of each type of buffet so no one would have to walk too far for food. The food itself is not exactly memorable, but they do have some cool stuff in the lounge, including a Moet and Chandon lounge within the lounge itself (!). Not sure exactly how big the lounge is, but One Mile At A Time speculates it is 10,000 square meters (108,000 square feet), which feels about right.
Had an on-time departure and the same crew that I flew in on for the late night/early morning flight. Most flights back to Europe and the USA seem to depart between midnight and 3:00am local time, and United's DXB-EWR flight is no exception with a 1:55am departure. The halal tumeric poached prawns were not as good as the lamb on the inbound, but since the goal was to go to sleep after eating, I wasn't complaining.