I think Clairehdp was being sarcastic or perhaps she is actually referring to accessing the Hotel?! - do this drive 4+ times a week - it will take around 1 hour from Mirdif - I suggest going on the 611 (by pass road) much quicker than 311 - a few more KM's but no slow traffic!
You don't need your passport. We do this run at least once a week usually, and have never been ask to show our passport.
I've heard of people having ID checks when using the bus but never when driving themselves.
Yes - it's fine. Remember to take your passport though as they now have checks before you get to Al Hamra.
Where do they check passports? Went last Saturday and didn't see any sign of checkpoints.