How Much Dubai Holiday Costs? Your Quick Money Guide
If you’re picturing the Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, and endless shopping, you’re probably wondering how much you’ll need to spend. The good news is Dubai isn’t a mystery – you can plan a realistic budget with a few numbers in hand. Below you’ll get the typical daily costs, where to save, and whether cash or cards work best.
Breakdown of Daily Costs
Most visitors fall into three groups: solo travelers, couples, and families. Here’s a snapshot of what each might spend per day in 2025.
- Accommodation: Budget hotels start at AED 150‑200 ($40‑55) a night, mid‑range at AED 350‑500 ($95‑135), and luxury at AED 1,200+ ($320+). Booking early or using local promo codes can shave 10‑20% off.
- Food: Street‑food meals cost around AED 30‑45 ($8‑12). A sit‑down restaurant is AED 80‑150 ($22‑41). If you mix both, budget about AED 120 ($33) daily.
- Transport: The metro is AED 5‑7 per ride ($1.40‑$2). Taxis start at AED 12 ($3.30) and run about AED 2 per km. For a day of hopping around, expect AED 50‑70 ($14‑19).
- Activities: Desert safari ≈ AED 250 ($68), museum entry ≈ AED 30 ($8), and a night out at a club ≈ AED 150 ($41). Pick two big‑ticket items and budget AED 300‑400 ($82‑110) for fun.
Putting it together, a solo traveler can manage on AED 500‑650 ($135‑175) per day, a couple on AED 800‑1,050 ($220‑285), and a family of four on AED 1,400‑1,800 ($380‑490). Adjust up or down based on your taste for luxury.
Saving Tips for Your Dubai Holiday
Now that you know the numbers, here are a few tricks to stretch your dirhams.
- Cash vs. Card: Credit cards are accepted everywhere, but some small shops and market stalls prefer cash. Withdraw a reasonable amount (AED 300‑500) daily to avoid high ATM fees.
- Travel Pass: The Nol card gives unlimited metro rides for a day at AED 20 ($5.50). It’s cheaper than buying single tickets.
- Eat Like a Local: Head to Al Mallah, Ravi, or local shawarma stalls. A delicious meal under AED 25 ($7) keeps your budget happy.
- Free Attractions: The Dubai Fountain, JBR beach, and Al Seef historic district cost nothing. Pair them with a paid activity for a balanced itinerary.
- Hotel Deals: Look for “stay 3, pay 2” offers or early‑bird discounts. Booking during the off‑peak months (May‑September) can lower rates by up to 30%.
Bottom line: you don’t need a fortune to enjoy Dubai’s glitz. By planning daily caps, mixing cheap eats with a few splurges, and using the Nol card, you’ll keep your wallet happy and still see the city’s best. Ready to count your dirhams? Start budgeting now, and turn that dream holiday into a real, affordable adventure.
