3 Days Dubai Cost – What to Expect on a Short Trip
If you’re planning a three‑day visit to Dubai, you probably wonder how much cash you’ll need. The good news is you can enjoy the city without blowing your budget, as long as you know where your money goes. Below you’ll find a simple daily expense guide and a handful of tricks to stretch your dirhams.
Daily Expenses Breakdown
Accommodation. A mid‑range hotel in a central area like Downtown or Marina costs around AED 350‑600 per night. If you’re willing to stay a bit farther out, budget hotels and hostels drop to AED 150‑250.
Food. Breakfast at a café is usually AED 30‑50. Lunch at a food court or casual restaurant runs AED 40‑80, while dinner at a nicer spot can be AED 100‑200. You can keep the total under AED 150 per day by mixing street‑food stalls with a few sit‑down meals.
Transport. The metro is cheap – AED 5‑10 per ride. A day pass for unlimited metro and bus travel costs AED 20. Taxis start at AED 12 and add about AED 2 per km, so a few short trips stay under AED 50 daily.
Activities. Visiting the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck is AED 150, while the Dubai Fountain show is free. Museums and cultural sites charge AED 30‑70. A desert safari with dinner typically costs AED 250‑350.
Total daily estimate. For a comfortable mid‑range experience, budget around AED 800‑1,200 per day. A tighter budget can bring it down to AED 500‑700 if you pick budget hotels, eat local, and limit paid attractions.
Tips to Save Money
Book your hotel early and look for “pay later” deals on popular travel sites. Discount codes for attractions are often posted on tourism boards or local forums.
Use the NOL card for metro and bus rides – it’s cheaper than buying single tickets each time.
Eat where locals eat. Al Barsha and Deira have great shawarma, falafel, and rice bowls for under AED 20.
Combine attractions. Many tour operators offer bundled tickets for the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Aquarium, and At The Top – you save up to 15%.
Travel off‑peak. Visiting in the shoulder months (April or October) means lower hotel rates and fewer crowds.
Finally, keep an eye on your spending with a simple note‑taking app. It helps you stay within the target range and avoid surprise charges.
With these numbers and tips, you’ll know exactly how much to bring for a three‑day Dubai adventure. Whether you’re chasing luxury or looking for a budget‑friendly escape, the city works for any wallet.
