Visiting Dubai on a Budget
Dubai is known as one of the world's most extravagant cities, but you don't have to spend a fortune to experience this glitzy destination.
The best way to see the city on a budget is to explore it by foot. Take a walk along Dubai Creek and Deira's traditional souks or even try an abra ride (a traditional wooden boat that costs just 1 dirham).
1. Stay in a Budget Hotel
Despite its reputation for being a high-priced tourist destination, Dubai is actually an excellent place to visit on a budget. The city is home to some of the world’s best hotels, gourmet restaurants and shopping malls and offers tons of things to see and do on a budget.
One of the easiest ways to save money on your trip is to stay in a budget hotel. These hotels are typically less expensive than their more luxurious counterparts and often offer great amenities, such as an outdoor pool, a fitness center, or a restaurant.
If you’re traveling with a family, look for a hotel with family rooms. These are a great option for travellers who want to be near their kids during their stay in Dubai.
Another way to save money on your trip is to book your hotel room well in advance. Booking your stay at least 90 days in advance will help you get the cheapest rates for a hotel in Dubai.
When booking your hotel, try to find the cheapest date available and make sure to book during off-peak season. This is typically between December and February.
If you’re looking to save even more on your trip, consider staying in an apartment-type hotel. These are affordable and come with a lot of extra perks, including free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a kitchenette. Moreover, these hotels are located near popular establishments such as the Dubai Marina Walk and Mall of the Emirates.
2. Rent a Car
One of the best ways to visit Dubai on a budget is by renting a car. This will save you money on transport and allow you to see all of the city’s sights at your own pace.
You can find affordable rental cars at many locations throughout the city. The minimum age to rent a car is usually 21 years old, but some companies will even let you drive if you’re 18.
If you’re traveling alone, you may want to rent an SUV or sports car for extra space. This will help you feel more comfortable on long journeys and allow you to stop at fun attractions along the way.
While driving in Dubai, make sure to follow the rules of the road. You can be fined up to 1,000 AED for running a red light or using your mobile phone while driving.
It’s also a good idea to pack a phone mount like Lamicall Car Vent Phone Mount or Magnetic Phone Car Mount to keep your phone safely out of the way when driving.
You can always get a discount by booking your car ahead of time online and selecting the right plan for you. If you’re planning to travel with a large group, there are several daily plans available as well. You can even rent a car for an entire month if you’re looking to save on transportation costs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
3. Eat Local
Dubai is often regarded as one of the world’s most expensive cities, but there are many ways to enjoy this famously over-the-top emirate on a budget. With a little research, travelers can discover an abundance of affordable restaurants in the city that are able to satisfy their cravings without breaking the bank!
The first place to look for cheap eats is in the city’s reasonably priced neighborhoods. Bur Dubai and Deira, in particular, are abounding with budget restaurants that offer top-notch cuisine at a fraction of the cost of other parts of the city.
Another great way to save money on meals is to visit local markets. For instance, the Deira Fish Market, Dubai Fruit and Vegetable Market, and Spice Souk all have a wide selection of fresh produce at much cheaper prices than supermarkets.
In addition, if you are visiting the United Arab Emirates on a trip with friends or family members, consider splitting your food costs by ordering meal combos. These typically include a main dish, side dish, and beverage for a set price, reducing your overall bill.
Also, consider dining at a restaurant that offers generous portions so that you can share the food with others. This not only helps reduce waste, but it can also be an excellent way to spend time with your group or family without spending a fortune!
4. Take a Free Tour
Dubai has a reputation for being expensive and glamorous, but there are plenty of things to do on a budget that won’t break the bank. From a stroll along the beach to venturing to the top of the Burj Khalifa, you can have a fantastic time without letting your wallet suffer!
One of the best ways to explore Dubai on a budget is to take a free tour. Local tour operators offer day trips to old Dubai and other destinations around the UAE, including desert safaris, dune-bashing and more.
If you want to learn more about the city’s history and culture, you can book a tour with a driver and guide. During the tour, you’ll visit some of the city’s most significant historic sites and landmarks.
For example, you’ll get to see Dubai Creek, the city’s original waterway. This will help you understand the city’s past and how it came to be the glitzy modern hub we know today.
Another way to explore Dubai on a budget is to use a self-guided walking tour. These walks are designed by experts and can be downloaded to your smartphone. The app will give you detailed information on each attraction, as well as navigation functions to help you find your way.
If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, you can also download an audio tour app. These tours are available for download on Apple Store and Google Play and feature pre-recorded narrations that will guide you from point to point in the city.
5. Go to the Beach
Visiting Dubai on a budget is possible and there are many ways to spend your money while in the emirate. One way to do this is by taking advantage of the city’s free activities and events.
The beach is one of the best things to do in Dubai, especially if you want to relax and unwind while in the city. It’s a popular hangout spot for both tourists and locals, and it’s open all year round.
You can rent beach loungers and towels from some of the resorts nearby, but you’ll be better off just taking a few things along with you to enjoy the sand and water. You can even find some cheap refreshment stalls here, making it a great place to relax with your family and friends while on holiday in Dubai on a budget.
Zabeel Park is another great spot to go if you’re on a budget and looking for some free activities in Dubai. It’s home to the famous Dubai Frame which looks like a picture frame, and it’s filled with exhibits that explore Dubai’s history through various environments- the desert, oasis, mountains, and along the coast.
You can also take a walk around the city’s old district which is full of beautiful buildings and quaint lanes that are delightfully devoid of cars. It’s also home to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding which hosts a range of free community events.
6. Go to a Brunch
If you’re planning to visit Dubai on a budget, one of the best ways to save money is by going to brunch. It’s a fun way to spend time with friends, especially on weekends.
Brunch is a type of meal that involves both sweet and savory items. It typically takes place between 10am and 2pm, and it is usually more leisurely than a regular breakfast or lunch.
A brunch can be a fun way to meet new people and try different foods. There are plenty of options to choose from, including omelets, pancakes, french toast, eggs Benedict, and sandwiches.
It can also be a fun way to get together with friends and family. You can have a brunch at your hotel, or you can go to a restaurant near you.
Another great option is to have a brunch at someone’s home. It’s a perfect opportunity to make new friends, as you can chat and laugh with your host.
Guests can bring drinks to brunch, such as coffee or orange juice, and finger foods that are easy to grab and eat. These can include simple sandwiches, cookies, and fruit.
Brunch is a good way to spend time with friends and family, so it’s important to find the right spot for you. It’s not a cheap event, so it’s important to be prepared for the bill. It’s also best to bring a few friends, so you can share the cost of the meal.