Pam - Al Maha will be amazing!! I can't wait to hear all about it. When I was in Dubai last year I did a desert safari with Platinum Heritage, and they use the private reserve where Al Maha is located. Planning on doing the safari again with Lauri, and of course tea at the Burj.
Hopefully I'll get to see the pool this time at the GH. Last year it actually rained when I was there!