Visit Dubai For Less With These Tips & Pointers

Is a trip to Dubai on your mind but feel like it’s way out of your travel budget? Then read on to find out how you can experience this amazing city at a lower price…

Dubai is a world-class city known for its five star hotels, upscale shopping malls, fine dine restaurants and stylish bars, normally attracting the rich and famous who want to experience the ultimate in luxury. Dubai and budget are two words that at first glance don’t seem to be associated with one another. However, you’d be surprised that it’s totally doable to visit Dubai if you’re budget is low, and we explain how below.

Choose What Kind of Holiday You Want to Book

There are two ways you can travel to Dubai: either by booking a separate flight and hotel deal or by booking an inclusive package. Both can save you money, it just depends on your travel preferences. If you really want to budget, then why not look into some great value flights to Dubai which we offer in partnership with a number of major airlines, including Emirates and Etihad Airways and pair it with one of our Dubai hotels? We also have a holiday package to Dubai at the 4 star Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai which includes return Emirates flights and a 5 night stay from just £444pp. This saves you a considerable amount on your trip!

Opt for Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Dubai is best known for its opulent hotels, some of which are the world’s most expensive properties but there are plenty of other accommodation options in the city. If you’re going to be spending time sightseeing and exploring then you could save a great deal of money on your trip by opting for something like an Airbnb and basing your stay in older parts of the city such as Bur Dubai and Deira, both of which have lots of affordable mid-range hotels. If you can handle the heat, then we suggest you visit Dubai during the summer months as this is when hotels are at their cheapest.

Search For Discounts

If you’ve already researched Dubai and know what you’d like to get up to on a break here, then why not do some deeper research into the attractions you’ll be visiting? Companies and brands often offer special deals and discounts if you sign up on their websites, and many venues across Dubai such as bars and restaurants offer happy hours which you can check out by downloading the Entertainer lifestyle app for UAE, which also includes discounts on a wide array of attractions across the city such as hotels, restaurants, clubs and theme parks. This is definitely a necessity in saving money on your getaway to Dubai.

Dining in Dubai on the Cheap

It’s not just the fine dining that makes Dubai’s culinary scene so special. There are many cheap eats across the city away from its hotels and malls which offer a more authentic local dining experience. The bustling 2nd of December Street in Satwa is perfect for dining on a budget with Arabic eateries including Al Mallah, which is considered to serve the city’s finest chicken shawarma. Old Dubai is also filled with budget eateries and independent cafes which work out cheaper than chains. Another way to save money on dining in Dubai is to visit a supermarket and pick up some goodies to enjoy at one of Dubai’s lush parks or gardens.

Save Money on Public Transport – Opt for the Metro

The metro is certainly the most cost efficient mode of transport in Dubai, especially for longer journeys. The city’s metro system covers major attractions and downtown as well as the airport, Old Dubai and the Dubai Marina. If you do come across an attraction that isn’t within reach of a metro station, we still recommend that you take the metro to the nearest possible stop from that attraction then take a taxi for the remainder of the journey. We strongly recommend that you opt for a hotel set within walking distance from a metro station so that exploration of Dubai doesn’t become costly.

Avoid the City’s Mega Malls & Check out These Retail Therapy Hubs

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise, and not just because of its fancy malls and department stores; there are many ways you can shop here on a smaller budget. The markets of Deira, Dubai Creek and the Bur Dubai are great for some retail therapy and also for people watching; here you can pick up some unique souvenirs and haggle for a great bargain. If you do want to experience the luxury of shopping at mega malls in Dubai then why not plan your travel during the Dubai Shopping Festival in January, which sees malls across the city offering sales and promotions on items at thousands of stores, ranging from 25% to 75% off.

Take Advantage of Free Entertainment

Save on spending money and experience Dubai’s free entertainment. A popular choice would be the immense sound and light show at the Dubai Fountain which takes place every evening. There are also cultural events to enjoy in Dubai for free, including the Sikka Arts Festival in March which hosts live performances, entertainment, art installations and exhibits at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The Archive Dubai library is also an excellent hub for free events such as open-air concerts and exhibits, and if you really want to experience a slice of culture you should visit the Dubai Camel Racing Club to witness a camel race.

Visit Attractions at Little or No Cost

There are countless attractions in Dubai that are either free to enjoy or extremely cheap. For starters, you can experience some of the city’s pristine public beaches which don’t require an entry fee, including the Jumeirah Public Beach which has some great sports facilities and picnic spots among its green areas, golden sands and swaying palms. Another budget friendly Dubai attraction is the abra water taxis at Dubai Creek. These traditional wooden boats take you on a ride down the creek with some stunning vistas of the city from just AED1, which equals as pennies in UK money. Many of Dubai’s museums are also free to explore, including the Coffee Museum which is you guessed it, dedicated to all things coffee.

We hope that a holiday to Dubai now seems less financially overwhelming and that you can look into visiting this incredible city without the fear of it being out of your budget.