LOL! I am the first to admit I have been spoilt by Dubai's usually very high service standards and beautiful hotels, but my OH who does not know Dubai was also disappointed - so I know I was not over-exaggerating!
Hi, we have been on holiday there and very disappointed. We went to Sal and stayed at an OK resort, bit shoddy by Dubai 5 star standards but nice big rooms, clean, etc. Sal was like Karama on overdrive....very persistent and quite intimidating shopkeepers trying to sell overpriced imports. The airport is tiny and woefully inadequate for a now thriving tourism industry. What was very off though was the hotel staff in general - they seemed to resent the holiday makers and everything was an effort.
There is also very little to see or do unless you are a wind surfer in which case it is ideal!
But, the weather was lovely (December).
Would we go back...no.