Ultimate Guide To Dubai On A Budget - All You Need To Know

Dubai has a notorious reputation for being an expensive city. If you're on a backpacker budget and wondering how to enjoy this glitzy paradise, look no further. We've curated a budget guide to help you navigate the city in the cheapest way possible. Exploring Dubai on a budget doesn't get easier than this!

Dubai on a budget: The cheapest time to visit

The low season is the best time to visit Dubai on a budget. This usually falls between June and September. Most people prefer to visit Dubai during the cooler months, so summer sees a significant drop in tourist numbers with most things being pretty cheap. To attract visitors, hotels often offer attractive discounts and deals during this period. Airlines typically reduce ticket prices as well to fill empty seats during the off-peak season.

However, it can get extremely hot during the summer, so if you cannot handle the heat, it's advisable to not visit during the summer.

Dubai on a budget: Cheap accommodation

Accommodation often takes up the biggest chunk of your expenses in Dubai. While the city is known for its expensive hotels, some options are easier on the pocket. It pays to know that regardless of booking a cheaper hotel, you're more likely to experience better standards here when compared to other destinations. For instance, a two-star hotel in Dubai would offer amenities a three-star hotel would anywhere else. On that note, let's check out some of the cheapest hotel chains in Dubai:

Rove

Rove Hotels are a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers seeking a stylish and convenient base in Dubai. This homegrown brand offers a unique blend of modern design, excellent location, and great value.

Popular Rove Hotel Locations in Dubai:

✦ Rove Downtown: Perfect for exploring Downtown Dubai and the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.
✦ Rove Dubai Marina: Offers stunning views of Dubai Marina with easy access to the beach.
✦ Rove City Centre: Conveniently located near shopping and entertainment options.
✦ Rove Trade Centre: For business travelers and those attending Dubai World Trade Centre events.
✦ Rove Healthcare City: Situated in a prime location for medical tourists and professionals.

Premier Inn

Premier Inn is a popular hotel chain known for its comfortable accommodations and affordable rates. In Dubai, they offer a great option for budget-conscious travelers without compromising on quality.

Popular Premier Inn Locations in Dubai:

✦ Premier Inn Dubai Investment Park: Ideal for business travelers with easy access to the metro.
✦ Premier Inn Dubai Al Jaddaf: Conveniently located near Al Jaddaf Metro Station and Bur Dubai.
✦ Premier Inn Dubai Barsha Heights: Offers proximity to the Mall of the Emirates.
✦ Premier Inn Dubai Ibn Battuta Mall: Directly connected to Ibn Battuta Mall, ideal for shopping enthusiasts.
✦ Premier Inn Dubai Dragon Mart: Located near the massive Dragon Mart shopping complex.
✦ Premier Inn Dubai Silicon Oasis: Suitable for business travelers in the tech hub.
✦ Premier Inn Dubai International Airport: Convenient for early arrivals or late departures.

Holiday Inn Express

Holiday Inn Express offers a great option for budget-conscious travelers and is known for its consistent quality and modern amenities. The chain has multiple locations across the city, each with a unique charm.

Popular Holiday Inn Express Locations in Dubai:

✦ Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport: Ideally situated for early morning flights, this hotel offers convenient airport transfers and comfortable rooms for a restful stay.
✦ Holiday Inn Express Dubai Internet City: Perfect for business travelers, this location is close to tech companies and offers modern amenities for a productive stay.
✦ Holiday Inn Express Dubai Safa Park: Located in a residential area, this hotel provides a peaceful retreat while still being close to Dubai's top attractions.

Dubai on a budget: Free activities and things to do

Soak up the sun at the beaches

Dubai boasts a wide array of beaches, many of which are completely free to access. Affordable public beach options like Al Mamzar Beach and Jumeirah Beach offer budget-friendly fun. Kite Beach provides convenient amenities including toilets, showers, and shops, while the lively atmosphere of The Beach near Jumeirah Beach Residence offers a vibrant shopping and dining experience. Visit Black Palace Beach for stunning views of Palm Jumeirah and Burj Al Arab. And for a more secluded escape, explore Dubai's numerous smaller beaches.

Explore the local souks and bazaars

Step back in time and experience the charm of Dubai's vibrant souks. Located on the picturesque Dubai Creek, these historic marketplaces have been the heart of the city's trade for centuries. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of alleyways, where you'll find an array of authentic products. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are exceptional favorites! Complete your adventure by taking a leisurely abra ride across Dubai Creek for just AED1.

Take a trip to Old Dubai

Discover a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Explore Dubai Museum, which is housed within Al Fahidi Fort, discover many art galleries within restored historic buildings, and soak up the ambiance of this Creekside gem. Don't miss the chance to learn about coffee's rich history at the Coffee Museum.

Contemplate over art at Alserkal Avenue

Discover Alserkal Avenue, a former industrial area now reinvented as a 500,000-square-foot creative art space. Immerse yourself in the world of art with free entry to galleries like Custot and Elmarsa, featuring contemporary and North African collections. This dynamic space also boasts a thriving food, fashion, and music scene, as well as a lively calendar of community events.

Catch the Dubai Fountain

One of the most popular free things to do in Dubai, the Dubai Fountain, is an absolute must-see. Located at the Dubai Mall, this world-renowned spectacle features towering water jets dancing to the tunes of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and more. It's perfect for families seeking free entertainment. This is also a great way to bask under the Burj Khalifa. If your budget won't allow you to climb the world's tallest building, you can make the most of it by admiring it from down below.

Wander along the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk

Palm Jumeirah is home to a collection of Dubai's most prestigious resorts, such as Atlantis, The Palm, and One&Only The Palm. While a resort stay is undoubtedly enticing, you don't need to be in one to enjoy the Palm. Discover its charm by exploring the 11km boardwalk, where stunning panoramic views await. Afterward, recharge at The Pointe, offering a variety of waterfront dining options.

Cheap Eats in Dubai

Eating out can be an expensive affair in Dubai, but there are many ways to enjoy authentic flavors at half the price. Here are some of the best budget restaurants in Dubai:

Ravi Restaurant

A beloved institution in the heart of Dubai's diverse Satwa neighborhood, Ravi Restaurant is a haven for food lovers from all walks of life. This Pakistani eatery boasts a menu brimming with tempting options. Don't miss the fiery mutton chops or the rich, creamy chicken mughlai, perfectly complemented by fluffy stuffed paratha.

Al Ustad Special Kabab

A hidden gem nestled near Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, this unassuming restaurant is a longstanding local favorite for authentic Iranian cuisine. Their mouthwatering kebabs are a must-try and don’t miss the delectable saffron rice paired with tender, yogurt-marinated meat – a dish meant for sharing.

Bu Qtair

This laid-back cafe, nestled in the vibrant Umm Suqeim Fishing Harbour, serves up fresh seafood delights. Must-tries include crispy fried fish, zesty BBQ shrimp, and fiery fish curry. Enjoy your meal with stunning harbor views before heading to Sunset Beach for a picture-perfect moment with the Burj Al Arab.

Café Isan

Café Isan offers a taste of home-cooked Thai cuisine in Dubai without the hefty price tag. Their JLT branch is a local favorite, renowned for its flavorful curries, hearty soups, and satisfying stir-fries. You can also enjoy their delicious food in Jumeirah Village Circle and Time Out Market Dubai.

Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung, a Taiwanese dumpling house beloved worldwide, has been a Mall of the Emirates staple for years. Their hearty noodles, iconic xiao long bao, and delectable vegetable dishes make it a perfect pre-pit stop for Ski Dubai. Locals rave about their affordable prices—you can enjoy a satisfying meal for under AED50.

Transportation on a budget

Transportation in Dubai offers great value, but costs can add up when you're staying longer. With some advance planning, you'll easily be able to navigate the city and save money along the way.

Taxis vs public transportation

Taxis are readily available, whether hailed on the street, booked by phone, or ordered through popular apps like Uber or Careem. For a more personalized experience, consider renting a taxi with a dedicated driver for a few hours. At a flat rate of AED400 for three hours, this can be a cost-effective way to explore the city's diverse attractions.

Dubai also boasts a modern public transportation network including the metro, tram, and bus services. Many of the metro stations are conveniently located, providing easy access to major parts of the city. While ideal for solo travelers, public transport might not be the most economical choice for families or groups. In these cases, renting a taxi could offer better value.

Renting a car

Dubai offers convenient driving with plentiful parking at most destinations. Renting a car can be ideal for families or groups exploring the city, but consider insurance, Salik tolls, and parking costs. Car rental companies like Hertz and Europcar have convenient kiosks at Dubai International Airport and various locations throughout the city.

Money-saving apps

Take advantage of the city's money-saving apps to score incredible deals on dining, accommodations, and attractions. Popular platforms like Cabone, Zomato Gold, BOTIJM, Voucher Skout, The Entertainer, and Smiles offer fantastic discounts.

For flexible transportation, consider carsharing with ekar or uDrive. Enjoy pay-per-minute or daily rates, with convenient pick-up and drop-off options.

Quench your thirst affordably with the Guzzle app, providing 2-for-1 drink deals at numerous restaurants. Both free and premium versions are available, offering varying levels of savings.