i was in dubai last week and tried to open an account with ME (emirates bank) and they said that they no longer open accounts for non residents.

this was after they told me that i could do it online (which i had already tried)

i went next door to an internet cafe and tried again, but to no avail.
i went back to the branch and they told me "oh, that is no longer possible for non residents"

anyone else had any joy opening an account anywhere in dubai?