Thinking about a trip to Dubai but worried about the price tag? You’re not alone. Many travelers assume Dubai is only for the ultra‑rich, but with the right numbers you can enjoy the city without blowing your budget. Below you’ll find the most common costs you’ll face, plus practical ways to keep your wallet happy.
Food: A breakfast at a café costs around AED 30‑40. If you grab a street‑style shawarma or a fast‑food combo, expect AED 20‑30. Mid‑range restaurants charge AED 80‑150 per main dish, while fine‑dining can start at AED 250. A good rule of thumb is AED 150‑200 per day if you mix cheap eats with one nicer meal.
Transport: The Metro is the cheapest way to get around – a single ride is AED 4‑8 depending on distance. A day pass for unlimited rides costs about AED 20. Taxis start at AED 12 and add AED 2 per km; a 15‑minute ride in traffic is usually AED 30‑40. Ride‑share apps like Uber or Careem are similar in price.
Accommodation: Prices vary a lot by area. A budget hotel or hostel in Deira or Bur Dubai can be AED 120‑200 per night. Mid‑range hotels in Marina or Downtown run AED 300‑500. Airbnb listings often sit between AED 200‑350 for a private room.
Attractions: The Burj Khalifa observation deck (At The Top) costs AED 150‑180. Desert safaris start at AED 150, while a day at Aquaventure or Wild Wadi is about AED 250‑300. Museums and cultural sites usually charge AED 25‑50.
Miscellaneous: Expect a small tip of AED 5‑10 at restaurants, AED 2‑5 for housekeeping, and AED 20‑30 for Wi‑Fi if your hotel doesn’t include it.
Now that you know the baseline, here are a few tricks to stretch those dirhams.
1. Travel off‑peak. Visiting between May and September brings lower hotel rates and often fewer crowds. Airfare also drops noticeably.
2. Use a Nol card for the Metro, trams, and buses. It’s cheaper than buying single tickets and you can top it up easily.
3. Eat where locals eat. Food courts in malls, small shawarma stalls, and souk cafés serve tasty meals for a fraction of touristy spot prices.
4. Book activities online. Many tour operators offer 10‑20% discounts if you reserve in advance through their websites.
5. Stay in a serviced apartment for longer trips. You’ll get a kitchen, save on meals, and often pay less per night than a hotel.
6. Check the free attractions. Public beaches, the Dubai Mall’s aquarium window, and the Al Fahidi historic district cost nothing.
7. Cash vs. card. Some smaller shops give a tiny discount for cash payments. Keep a mix of both handy.
By planning your daily spend and using these tips, a comfortable 7‑day Dubai adventure can fit into a budget of AED 2,500‑3,500 (about $680‑$950). Adjust the figures up or down based on your style, but you’ll always have a clear picture of where the money goes.
Ready to book? Grab the numbers, set your budget, and enjoy the city’s sparkle without the stress of overspending.
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