Suggested daily budget – 50-60 EUR / 52-62 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)
Destinations
Dubai on a Budget: Experience the Luxury Without Breaking the Bank
Dubai is famous for its extravagant lifestyle, towering skyscrapers, and world-class attractions, but you don’t need a millionaire’s bank account to enjoy this Middle Eastern gem. With a little planning, you can experience Dubai’s best without blowing your budget. From exploring stunning architecture to enjoying authentic local food, Dubai offers plenty of affordable experiences for savvy travelers.
Currency
The currency used in Dubai is the United Arab Emirates Dirham (AED), often abbreviated as Dhs or DH. While credit cards are widely accepted in malls, restaurants, and hotels, it’s a good idea to carry some cash for smaller transactions like taxis, market purchases, or street food. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, so withdrawing money is convenient.
Local Food
Dubai
is a melting pot of cultures, and its food scene reflects this diversity. While upscale restaurants are plentiful, you can find plenty of affordable, delicious meals if you know where to look. Here are some budget-friendly dishes to try:
* Shawarma – A popular street food, this is marinated meat (usually chicken or lamb) wrapped in flatbread with garlic sauce and pickles. Prices typically start at 5 AED, and it’s filling and flavorful.
* Mandi – A traditional dish from the Arabian Peninsula, mandi is slow-cooked spiced rice served with chicken or lamb. You can find it in many local eateries for a reasonable price.
* Falafel and hummus – A vegetarian favorite, falafel (deep-fried chickpea balls) and hummus (a chickpea dip) are both cheap and readily available.
* Arabic bread and mezze – Enjoy fresh khubz (Arabic bread) with a selection of mezze like baba ganoush, tabbouleh, and labneh for a tasty and affordable meal.
Visit local eateries and chains like Al Mallah, Zaroob, and Eat & Drink to sample authentic Emirati and Middle Eastern food at low prices. You can often find filling meals for as little as 15-20 AED.
Activities to Do
Despite
Dubai’s luxurious reputation, there are many activities and attractions that are either free or come at a low cost. Here’s what you can do on a budget:
1. Explore Dubai’s Traditional Markets (Souks) – Head to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira for a taste of traditional Dubai. You can browse for free, and if you’re in the mood to shop, haggling can help you snag some good deals on spices, perfumes, textiles, and gold.
2. Dubai Fountain – Located outside the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Fountain puts on a spectacular water show set to music. It’s completely free, and shows run daily in the evening.
3. Burj Khalifa – While it can be expensive to go to the top of the Burj Khalifa, you can still admire this architectural marvel from the outside for free. If you want to go up, booking tickets in advance (especially during non-peak hours) can help you save.
4. Beach Day – Dubai has several public beaches that are free to visit. Kite Beach and La Mer offer beautiful views, free entry, and a range of activities like beach volleyball and food stalls for snacks.
5. Explore Old Dubai – Take a trip back in time with a visit to Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. It’s free to wander the narrow lanes of this restored area, where you can see traditional wind towers and visit small museums and art galleries.
6. Abra Ride – Take an abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek for just 1 AED. It’s one of the cheapest ways to enjoy beautiful views of Old Dubai from the water.
7. Desert Safari – While desert safaris can range in price, budget options are available for around 100-150 AED. These tours often include dune bashing, camel rides, and a barbecue dinner under the stars.
TIps for first visit
Use Public Transport –
Dubai’s metro system is modern, clean, and affordable. It’s a great way to get around the city, especially to key tourist attractions. A Nol card (metro pass) makes using the metro, buses, and water taxis easy and cheap.
Stay in Budget Hotels or Hostels –
While Dubai is known for luxury hotels, there are plenty of affordable accommodations available. Look for hotels in areas like Deira or Al Barsha, where prices are lower but still close to major attractions.
Shop smart & check for free or cheap attractions-
If you want to shop, avoid splurging at high-end malls like The Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates. Instead, visit Dragon Mart or Dubai Outlet Mall for discounted goods and bargains.
Free or cheap attractions: Dubai has numerous parks, public beaches, and free attractions like the Dubai Marina Walk or the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see flamingos for no cost.
