Cheap Holiday To Dubai
Introduction
How to find a cheap holiday to Dubai? I get asked that a lot by friends who want to visit Dubai, especially if I can’t out them up myself when they want come at the wrong time.
Luckily there are a lot of budget options in Dubai. Despite appearences you can live quite cheaply in the city, and in the article we will take a look at the budget options for travellers.
Dubai’s rise to tourism stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. From a sleepy desert outpost to a gleaming metropolis bursting with world-class attractions, the emirate has become a magnet for travelers seeking luxury, adventure, and a taste of the extraordinary.
In 2023, Dubai was crowned the world’s No. 1 destination by TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards, marking its second consecutive year at the शीर्ष. This prestigious accolade speaks volumes about the city’s consistent ability t
Time of the Year
The busiest time of the year for Dubai is October to March, which is mainly due to the weather, thus the number of tourists visiting dramatically increases along with a lot of business people coming for conferences and exhibitions. Consequently air fares and hotel prices rocket during these times.
So by visiting in the months of May to September you will be able to get better priced air fares and hotels. Now the weather is an issue during these months, it’s hot and very humid, but there are plenty of places to visit during the day such as the malls, museums etc, Dubai is a very good at air conditioning! This is the best time of year for a cheap holiday to Dubai.
Flights: Navigating Affordable Airfares
Timing your travel
As mentioned above, travel in the off-peak season to get better cost air fares and hotels. The off-peak season is between May and September.
Booking in Advance and Using The Right Tools
Booking in advance is also a key enabler for cheaper air fares, so check the booking sites to optimise the air fare versus how far in the future you book it. There are many flight comparison tools available to help with is as well, so make use of them.
Dubai has two airports, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), and there are premium airlines servicing DXB and there are low costs carriers servicing both DXB and DWC such as Fly Dubai. So either try to get a good deal with one of the premium airlines like Emirates, BA, United etc or concentrate on the low cost carriers. This will obviously depend on where you are coming from.
Alternative Airports
The UAE is a small country and has multiple airports near Dubai that provide some great budget alternatives. The two most applicable are Sharjah Internal Airport (SHJ) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), both of which service low cost carriers such as Air Arabia and Wizz Air respectively, amongst others.
These low cost carriers will obviously offer better air fares so they are worth exploring if they fly to a location near you. Alternatively you can fly indirectly via multiple stops if you don’t mind the changes.
Accommodation: Finding Comfort without the Cost
So you have made it to Dubai, what next? You need to find somewhere to stay that meets your budget which along with flights will be your biggest cost. There are multiple options for a cheap holiday to Dubai, so let’s take a look.
House / Pet Sitting
A popular trend around the world is to hire a pet sitter when you are travelling to look after your animals when you are gone. So as someone wishing to visit Dubai you can use this service to provide free accommodation whilst you are visiting the city.
Typically these services charge a fee. You register yourself and create a profile including verifying your id etc. Then you can use their system to find potential pet sitting opportunities in Dubai, and match with someone in the system.
You get to stay at their home whilst they are away, look after their pets and experience life in Dubai for free. Clearly you need to fit your travel plans around the dates that the pet owner wants, but it’s a fantastic way to travel.
Here is a list of Housesitting Agencies that can help you.
Each of these services have people in Dubai looking for pet sitters. Go an explore and of course you can use this service for many other countries as well.
Youth Hostels
Youth hostels are budget accommodation found around the world and run by the International Youth Hostel Association. They normally consist of shared rooms for men and women, along with single room and doubles which are more expensive. The accommodation is basic, there is normally breakfast provided (included or chargeable), but the prices are excellent.
The hostel in Dubai is located in the Al Qusais area of Dubai, near the airport. It is within walking distance of the Stadium Metro station on the Red Line, and surrounded by shops and cafes with easy access to food and groceries.
The list below describes some of the facilities:
| Rooms Single Room, Double Room Triple Room, Male Dormitory, Female Dormitory | Internet Free! WiFi available in all areas of the hostel. | Transport Airport Pick Up & Drop (Extra charges) Bus hire (Extra charges) Car Hire (Additional Charge) |
| Parking Free Parking (Secured Parking) Accessible Parking Street Parking (Extra charges) | Food & Beverages Free Breakfast, Restaurant On-Site, Coffee Shop Fruit Basket (Extra charges) Mineral Water /Juices (Extra charges) | Pool and Wellness Swimming Pool, Sun Umbrellas Sun Loungers or Beach Chairs Shallow End, Pool/Beach Towels Outdoor Pool (All Year) Lifeguard, Life Jackets |
| Reception Services Concierge Service, Luggage Storage Ticket Service (Extra charges) Safety Deposit Box (Free) 24-Hour Front Desk, First Aid Kit Dubai Sightseeing Tours (Extra charges) | Cleaning Services Trouser Press (Extra charges) Ironing Service (Extra charges) Dry Cleaning (Extra charges) Laundry Services (Extra charges) | Business Facilities Fax/Photocopying/Print Out (Extra charges) Meeting Room Facilities (Extra charges) Conference Hall (Extra charges) |
| Recreational Area Garden Sit Out Area. Barbeque area for groups. Arabic Style Sitting Area. Lobby sitting areas | Pets Pets Are Not Allowed. | In Private Rooms Comfortable bed, Air-conditioned Satellite TV channels, Chair & Table Luggage Rack, Dressing Table & Mirror Refrigerator, Attached Bathroom Hot & Cold Shower, Free Soap & Tissue Free Bath Towels, Daily room cleaning. |
For more information and booking please check here. A great accommodation option for a cheap holiday to Dubai.
Budget Hotels
There are many budget hotels in Dubai including well known chains such as Premier Inn. The cheapest range of hotels are in the traditional areas of Deira and Bur Dubai, and also the further you go out of the city center the cheaper the rates get.
The table below list 5 other budget hotels in Dubai with typical prices. These prices can change depending on the season and other factors so check with the place directly,
| Hotel Name | Location | Typical Price per Night | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al Waleed Boys Hostel | Deira | AED 70 | Link |
| ROYCE YOUTH HOSTEL L. L. C | Bur Dubai | AED 74 | Link |
| Traveler’s home | Deira | AED 95 | Link |
| Dubai Hostel Bedspace and Backpackers | Bur Dubai | AED 107 | Link |
| Rovers Boys Hostel | Deira | AED 122 | Link |
There are of course many other options and you can google “budget hotels in Dubai” to find them. As with flights if you book well in advance you can shop around and find the best deals.
Food: Savoring Dubai’s Culinary Delights on a Budget
Dining in Dubai can be a very expensive business. Food prices have risen a lot in the city over the last 2 years as the world recovered from Covid, but there are many budget options as well. Here are some options to consider. We all enjoy eating out, so these are great options for a cheap holiday to Dubai.
Shopping Mall Food Courts
The malls in Dubai have food courts as well as full restaurants. The food courts contain the usual international chains such as McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut etc., but also local budget chains as well that serve cuisines from all over the world.
Food Discount Apps
There are many discount apps available in Dubai that will give special deals for restaurants and fast food out lets. You can search for Careem, The Entertainer, Cobone, Groupon, and more. Download their apps and check out the deals. The deals are better in the off-season like the summer, as there are not so many travelers.
Supermarkets
Most supermarkets in Dubai sell ready food, some with an excellent choice of sandwiches, hot food, ready meals as well as groceries that you can buy to cook back at your accommodation. Places like Spinneys, Lulus, Carrefour, Waitrose and there are many local grocery store chains as well such as West Zone, Choithrams and more.
Budget Restaurants
There are a multitude of budget restaurants in Dubai as well, located in residential areas such as Deira, Bur Dubai, Satwa, Al Barsha 1 and more. Head to the areas where there are less expensive properties and you will find some great quality restaurants. Some of these are chains such as Eat and Drink, Ravi’s (Satwa), and more. There are many different options to check out, you need to go out and explore the areas that you are staying in, to help with that cheap holiday to Dubai.
Entertainment: Enjoying Dubai’s Attractions without the Expense
Organized entertainment in Dubai can be quite expensive but there are plenty of low budget options and free things to do as well. Here is a list of some ideas:
The Beaches
Almost all the beaches in Dubai are free to use so they are a great place to start. If you are coming in the summer to keep costs down, then the early morning and sunset time are still options, although still warm and humid. You can check out this article for the best beaches in Dubai to visit.
The Parks
There are many parks dotted around the city which are generally either free to access or either very low cost. Here are some listed below with their locations.
Dubai Creek Park – Located next to Dubai Creek, this park has many facilities and green spaces for all the family, along with beautiful views of the park. The park also has a Dolphinarium of all things, so its possible to chill in the park and go and watch Dolphins jumping around.
Safa Park – Although shrunk in recent years due to the new Dubai Canal, this park is still a favourite for many in Dubai. One of its key facilities is an organized sports area for games like volleyball, basketball etc.
Mushrif Park – The largest park in Dubai has a very different vibe. Full of trails, horse riding, family areas and more it has a more naturel park feel to others which are more manicured. Definitely worth visiting with the family. There is a small entrance fee to this one.
Al Barsha Park – My personal favourite of all the parks in Dubai, known for the big pond in the middle and excellent running, walking and cycling tracks around it. It has barbecue areas, and plenty of space for families to hang out.
Zabeel Park – A large mark split into two halves which can be accessed via overhead bridges, as well as the normal entrances. The park has some unusual features like the Dubai Frame, and the Dubai Glow Garden, which are great to explore with all the family.
The Malls
There are many, many malls in Dubai to choose from and all are free. They normally have some kind of entertainment going on as well as facilities such as cinemas etc. If you visiting in the summer months then these are good places to check out, eat cheaply (food courts), and watch free entertainment.
| Name | Location | Article |
| Dubai Mall | Downtown Dubai | Dubai Mall |
| Mall Of The Emirates | Al Barsha 1 | Mall Of The Emirates |
| Ibn Battuta Mall | Jebel Ali | Ibn Battuta Mall |
| Dubai Hills Mall | Dubai Hills | Dubai Hill Mall |
| City Walk | City Walk | City Walk |
| City Centre Mall | Deira | City Centre Mall |
Culture: Immersing Yourself in Dubai’s Rich Heritage
Museums
There are many museums in Dubai, most of which are free, all with a small entrance fee. They are great to visit and to understand the history and culture of Dubai. Here is a list:
| Name | Description | Location | Website |
| Dubai Museum | 18th-century fort housing a museum with multimedia exhibits on local history & cultural heritage. | Al Fahidi | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dubai_Museum |
| Etihad Museum | High-tech displays on the history of the UAE in an ultramodern building with an eatery & library. | Jumeirah | https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/attractions/museums/etihad-museum |
| Museum of the Future | Showing how the future could unfold for all of us | Sheik Zayed Road | https://museumofthefuture.ae/en |
| Museum of Illusions | Small, family-friendly museum with various optical illusions, brain teasers & hands-on puzzles. | Al Fahidi | https://museumofillusions.ae/ |
| Al Shindagha Historic District | A whole area along the Creek with multiple museums reflecting the life and history of Dubai. | Al Shindagha | https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/attractions/museums/al-shindagha-museum |
| Dubai Municipality Museum | History of the Dubai Municipality including artefacts and visual shows | Deira | https://www.dm.gov.ae/historic_item/dm-museum/ |
Other Places To See
Here is a list of other places to explore that are free or low cost:
- Take a walk along Dubai Creek and take an Abra over to the Spice and Gold Souqs and head back in time.
- Walk about the Dubai Canal from the costs, and through Business Bay.
- Head to Downtown Dubai. Check out the Dubai Mall, The Fountains, and walk around the Boulevaard,
- Head to Festival City and watch the laser light and water display.
- Head to the Madinat Souq for great views of the Burj Al Arab, Arabic style markets and beautiful architecture.
For transportation you can us taxis, buses, and the metro. Taxis are the most expensive still cheap relative to most other countries. You can also hire bicycles in many locations.
Video Tour
Conclusion
Traveling to Dubai on a budget offers a unique blend of luxury experiences and cultural immersion without breaking the bank. While Dubai is renowned for its opulence and grandeur, there are numerous ways for budget-conscious travelers to explore this dynamic city affordably. From utilizing public transportation and seeking out free attractions to sampling delicious street food and opting for budget accommodations, visitors can enjoy the wonders of Dubai without overspending.
Furthermore, by planning in advance, taking advantage of off-peak seasons, and being mindful of expenditures, travelers can create memorable experiences in Dubai that are both affordable and enriching. In essence, with a bit of research and flexibility, a cheap holiday to Dubai can be both feasible and immensely rewarding.
FAQ
What are some affordable accommodations in Dubai? Dubai offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels, guesthouses, and serviced apartments. Areas like Deira and Bur Dubai often have more affordable options compared to the city’s upscale districts.
Is it expensive to eat out in Dubai? While Dubai has a reputation for luxury dining, there are numerous affordable eateries, street food stalls, and local cafeterias serving delicious meals at reasonable prices.
How can I save on transportation in Dubai? Utilizing the Dubai Metro, buses, and water taxis is generally more cost-effective than taxis. Consider purchasing a Nol Card for discounted fares.
Are there free attractions in Dubai? Yes, Dubai offers several free attractions including public beaches like JBR Beach, Dubai Fountain shows at the Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Creek.
When is the best time to visit Dubai on a budget? Off-peak seasons, typically between May to August, offer lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. However, be prepared for hotter temperatures during these months.
Are there any hidden costs to be aware of in Dubai? While many attractions have entrance fees, there can be additional costs for activities like desert safaris, guided tours, and some cultural experiences. Always inquire about any extra fees upfront.
Can I drink tap water in Dubai? It’s generally safe to drink tap water in Dubai as it undergoes rigorous purification processes. However, many people prefer bottled water for drinking.
How can I experience Dubai’s luxury without spending much? Consider visiting luxury hotels or landmarks for photo opportunities, enjoying free attractions within these establishments, or opting for affordable spa or dining deals during promotions.
What should I pack for a cheap holiday to Dubai? Pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for the desert climate, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and a universal adapter if needed. Also, consider a scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites.
Is it customary to tip in Dubai? While not obligatory, tipping for good service is appreciated in Dubai. Many restaurants include a service charge, but additional tips for exceptional service are customary.
Useful Links
- If you are visiting Dubai you will need a visa. Checkout the Dubai Visa Requirements.
- For history and culture check out the Al Fahidi Historical Neighboorhood.
- Information about Dubai Creek can be found here.
Key Takeaways
Affordable Accommodations: While Dubai offers luxurious hotels, there are also budget-friendly options such as hostels, guesthouses, and rental apartments. An important factor for a cheap holiday to Dubai.
Public Transportation: Utilizing the metro, buses, and water taxis can significantly reduce transportation costs compared to taxis or private car hires.
Free Attractions: Dubai boasts several free or low-cost attractions like public beaches, parks, and cultural sites that provide insights into the city’s heritage and modern developments.
Eating Economically: Exploring local eateries, street food stalls, and local markets can offer delicious meals at a fraction of the cost of upscale restaurants.
Off-Peak Travel: Visiting Dubai during non-peak seasons can lead to significant savings on flights, accommodations, and attractions, while still enjoying pleasant weather.
Plan Ahead: Researching in advance, setting a daily budget, and prioritizing activities can help travelers make the most of their money.
Cultural Immersion: Engaging in free cultural events, visiting local neighborhoods, and interacting with locals can provide authentic experiences without additional expenses.
