Is Dubai Expensive to Visit? Our Ultimate Budget Travel Guide

Dubai – the city of glittering skyscrapers, luxury malls, and sun-soaked beaches. With its mix of glamour, desert adventures, and awe-inspiring landmarks like the Burj Khalifa, it’s no wonder Dubai has become a bucket-list destination for travellers. But one question tends to come up again and again: is Dubai expensive to visit?

Spoiler alert: it depends. While Dubai is known for its luxury, you can definitely enjoy the city on a budget if you know where to look. From affordable flights to budget-friendly accommodation and inexpensive activities, this guide will break down everything you need to know about Dubai travel costs — and how you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

How Much Is Public Transport in Dubai?

Getting around Dubai is easier and cheaper than you might think. The city has a modern, well-organised public transport system that includes the Dubai Metro, buses, taxis, and the traditional abra (water taxis). Here’s roughly what you can expect to pay at the time pf writing, October 2024.

Dubai’s Metro system is a popular and cost-effective way to travel, especially for visiting major tourist spots like Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa, and Mall of the Emirates. It’s modern, air-conditioned, and super clean. For most tourists, the Metro will cover the key areas you’ll want to visit, and it’s an easy way to avoid traffic (which can be chaotic in Dubai).

If you prefer something more traditional, hop on a water taxi (abra) for just 20p. It’s an old-school way to cross the Dubai Creek, perfect for exploring the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in the older part of the city.

In terms of how much per day in Dubai you’ll spend on public transport, budget around £5-7 per day if you’re sticking with the Metro and buses. Taxis are more expensive, so try to limit those if you’re keeping an eye on costs.

How Much Is a Flight to Dubai?

Now for the big question: how much is a flight to Dubai? The price can vary depending on when you book, the time of year, and where you’re flying from, but generally speaking, here’s roughly what you can expect for return flights from the UK in October 2024:

From London: Return flights typically range from £300 to £500, depending on the season and how early you book.

From Manchester or Birmingham: Prices are comparable to London, ranging between £300 and £550.

To save on flights, avoid travelling during peak periods like Christmas or New Year, and try booking at least 2-3 months in advance. Midweek flights are often cheaper and using budget airlines can help lower the cost of travelling to Dubai.

Pro tip: Use comparison websites like Skyscanner or Kayak to find the best deals on flights, and consider setting up price alerts so you’ll be notified when fares drop.

The Cost of Accommodation in Dubai

Dubai has an impressive range of accommodation options, from the ultra-luxurious to affordable alternatives. The accommodation cost in Dubai can vary dramatically depending on where you stay, here’s what you can roughly expect to pay at the time of writing, October 2024.

Luxury hotels

Dreaming of staying at the iconic Burj Al Arab or Atlantis The Palm? Expect to pay anywhere between £300 and £1,000+ per night. These top-tier hotels come with extravagant perks like private beaches, Michelin-starred dining, and some of the most stunning views in the world.

Mid-range hotels

For a more moderate budget, Dubai offers plenty of great 3- and 4-star hotels in popular areas like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina. These will set you back around £60 to £150 per night, offering comfort without the splurge.

Budget accommodation

Yes, budget options exist! Hostels are available for as little as £20 per night, and affordable chain hotels like Premier Inn or Ibis start from around £30-£60 per night.

For those on a tighter budget, Airbnb is another excellent option, with rooms or apartments available from £40-£80 per night, depending on the location. Staying in neighbourhoods like Deira or Al Barsha offers more affordable rates while still being well-connected by public transport.

Is It Expensive to Eat Out in Dubai?

When it comes to food, Dubai is a melting pot of flavours — you can find everything from budget-friendly street food to Michelin-starred restaurants. But the big question is: is it expensive to eat out in Dubai? The answer is, it depends on where you go.

The Cost of Food in Dubai

If you’re dining at high-end restaurants in areas like Downtown Dubai or Jumeirah Beach, a meal can easily cost £50-£100+ per person. Places like Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen or Nobu offer unforgettable dining experiences, but they don’t come cheap.

On a budget? Head to Al Dhiyafah Road or the food courts in Dubai’s many malls for delicious and affordable meals. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of Middle Eastern, Indian, and Asian dishes for as little as £5-£10 per meal.

Dubai is home to some fantastic street food, and grabbing a shawarma or falafel wrap from a local vendor will only set you back £2-£3. If you’re self-catering, supermarkets like Carrefour and Lulu offer a range of groceries at reasonable prices.

A daily budget for food in Dubai can range from £20-£30 if you’re mixing up meals between street food, casual dining, and the occasional splurge.

Tipping in Dubai

Tipping in Dubai is similar to other major cities. A service charge is often included in restaurant bills (usually 10-15%), so there’s no need to tip extra unless you feel the service was outstanding. If service isn’t included, a 10-15% tip is appreciated.

Tipping porters in hotels £1-2 per bag is standard, and when taking taxis, rounding up to the nearest Dirham is common practice.

The Cost of Alcohol in Dubai

The cost of alcohol in Dubai can be eye-watering due to the high taxes on alcohol in the UAE. Here are some average costs at the time of writing (October 2024), A pint of beer in a bar or restaurant can cost £8-£12, while a glass of wine might set you back £10-£15. Cocktails? Expect to pay £12-£20.

If you’re looking to buy alcohol to enjoy in your hotel or Airbnb, you’ll need to visit a licensed store like MMI or African + Eastern, where prices are slightly lower but still significantly higher than what you’d pay back home. A bottle of wine typically costs around £20-£30, and a six-pack of beer is about £12-£15.

It’s also worth noting that alcohol consumption is restricted to licensed venues (bars, restaurants, hotels) and drinking in public places is illegal.

Cheap Activities to Do in Dubai

Despite its reputation for luxury, Dubai has plenty of cheap activities that won’t dent your wallet. Here are a few suggestions for budget-friendly fun:

Dubai Fountain: Catch the world’s largest choreographed fountain show for free at the base of the Burj Khalifa. The water dance happens every evening, and it’s one of the best free attractions in the city.

Beaches: Public beaches like JBR Beach and Kite Beach are free to visit, offering sun, sea, and sand without a cost. Perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.

Explore the Souks: Wander through the bustling Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. It’s free to browse, and you can haggle for great deals if you’re looking to shop.

Abra Ride: For just 20p, you can take a traditional wooden boat (abra) across Dubai Creek. It’s one of the best ways to experience the older side of Dubai on a budget.

How Much to Budget Per Day in Dubai

If you’re wondering exactly how much per day in Dubai you’ll need to budget, here’s a breakdown for a budget-friendly trip:

For a two-week stay in Dubai, you can expect to spend between £1,190 to £1,708 if you’re keeping things budget-friendly. Of course, this can go up if you decide to indulge in a few splurges along the way.

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So, is Dubai expensive to visit? It certainly can be — but with these Dubai travel tips, you can enjoy this incredible city without breaking the bank. From affordable transport and budget-friendly meals to cheap (or free) activities, Dubai has plenty to offer, even if you’re travelling on a shoestring. Safe travels!