Entering Country/Visa (Dubai)

Hello everyone! I am getting ready to visit/move to Dubai. I am wondering what the process is like entering the country/airport. I am a US citizen so I believe I get a 30 day visitor visa? I am hoping to secure a job and then transfer to a resident visa. What is the process like at the airport? Do I need to have contact information of people in Dubai or where I will be staying? Any information would be of great help!!