dubai…and then some?

ok, she doesn’t exactly live in the Burj Al Arab but she has a pretty sweet view of it. my bestie lynze has been living in dubai for 3 years now and i have YET to visit.   i will be making the trip this april or may but i need some advice!  does anyone have any recommendations for other countries to visit before/after my trip to dubai?  lynze has been everywhere so i need some more feedback on other awesome places to visit for a few days to a week. 
when i was little i loved to dig in the dirt, so naturally, my first dream job was becoming an archealogist.
that was no longer a career option when i grew up and realized dirt in your nails and hairy legs are seriously unattractive BUT i still dream of seeing the pyramids in egypt!

i hear istanbul is incredibly beautiful and the people are super friendly in turkey….am i wrong?

aahh cyprus, what is there not to like about you?  sun, beaches, island life, and mediteranean food.
sounds like paradise.

dear world travelers, ANY SUGGESTIONS!?