Check the UAE Tourism website.
Lots of info there.
There may even be info on the Emirates website.

As a Canadian if you leave the airport you will need a visa, and from I understand Canadian visa's are expensive here the UAE.

Hi,

The new rule since last year is that all Canadians now need to apply for a visa in advance from Ottawa before coming to the UAE. If you are traveling by Emirates or Ittihad Airways to the UAE from Canada, they can sort out your visa if you inform them. But if not, it takes about 3 weeks to get a visa as well as your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months. The visa cost is pretty expensive but do check the websites for details. I do there is a good website thats sorts out your visa quick and easy (if you are in Canada) but i'm not sure if i'm allowed to post the link here. Also, check out the UAE embassy in Ottawa or online- that will have the most updated info. Good luck!

sandra -

There are lots of 'services' that handle Visas for travelers to many/all destinations, but if you have the website for a particular 'service' you can list it, then leave it to the individual to decide themselves whether they choose to use them.

I do wonder why it should be so expensive for Canadians and 'prior' arrival, no less?

oh ok great!

The website my friend uses is www.visaenterprise.com. they are great and are pretty quick.

They've only started this requirement since January 2011, post the UAE-Canada dispute over airline landing rights. Previously Canadians (like most of North America and Europe) were able to get a 2 month visa on arrival. but let's hope this new visa rule changes again.