Dubai on a budget! Given Dubai’s uber stylish structures, out of this world leisure options, and top of the range hotels, it definitely sounds impossible. That said, it is not really difficult to enjoy a Dubai holiday without blowing up your wallet. Got excited? Come read on this exclusive post which gives you more ideas to experience Dubai even on a tight budget.
1. Travel at the Right Time
Impulse travel is always exciting! But if you wish to travel on a budget, it is always wise to plan its every aspect in advance, some five to six months before. This is particularly vital when you visit Dubai during the peak winter months from November to February. Now if you really look forward to take a spontaneous Dubai trip, you can do it without really getting broke; simply consider planning a visit here in summer season (May to August) when the rates of almost everything from accommodation and airfare to sightseeing are incredibly slashed. The outdoors may be unbearably hot during these months, but on a positive note, the place will be least packed and further rife with some cool activities and events like Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).
2. Know These Tips for Cheaper Airline Tickets
Yes, keeping a few important things in your mind will help you to save big on your airfare. Be it off season or peak season, it is recommended to avoid flying on weekend which falls on Friday in Dubai and the UAE. So go ahead and zero in on your travel date on week days, ideally from Sunday to Wednesday. Booking your tickets in advance also helps you to bag maximum deals on your airline reservation. Apart from guaranteed low rates, it allows you to enjoy several early bird perks. Along with your airline tickets, make sure that you have all other travel essentials (such as valid visa and Ok to Board (OTB) in place to avoid any last minute hassles.
3. Pre-Book Your Accommodation
As with airfare, you will be able to grab massive savings by booking your accommodation at least three to four months before your travel date. This further lets you skip all tensions in the last moment. But, before you do this, know where to stay in Dubai. Avoid staying in posh neighborhoods like Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah etc if you wish to keep your Dubai budget within limit. Instead, opt for a mid-range three-star or four-star hotel in areas such as Bur Dubai and Deira. For ultra saving, choose a hotel apartment with kitchenette; it allows you to cook your own food and even enjoy the homely comforts for super less.
4. Rely On Public Transport to Get Around
This is hands-down the most affordable and reliable way to travel around in Dubai. Public transport in Dubai is well integrated and all maintained by Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). This includes Dubai Metro, public buses, ferries, and cabs. Most extensive, convenient and safest of all is undoubtedly Dubai Metro as it is completely automated and longest of its kind in the world. It will cost you not more than AED 2 for a single ride in the metro or bus and this is exceptionally cheap in comparison to taking a cab (whose minimum charge is AED 12) or opting for a private transfer (whose rates can go up to AED 500 or above.)
5. Know Free Things to do
It is possible to see Dubai’s main attractions without emptying your wallet. After all, some of the city’s top sights and experiences are absolutely free to take in. This list is absolutely extensive, starting from the classic Dubai Fountain Show and the brand-new Palm Fountain show to the romantic couples’ favorites like Love Lake and Love Lake Bridge at the Yard. Moreover, the good news is that you can visit majority of the region’s lush parks and enlightening museums (including Dubai Museum) for an amount as low as AED 3. If this is not enough, add an exciting abra ride along the historical Dubai Creek which cost you just AED 1.
6. Get a Combo Pass to Tick Off Iconic Experiences
What’s a Dubai trip without ticking off its must-visits? One of the best ways to experience them all is via purchasing the right combo pass. Most tour service providers give you the flexibility to bundle your own combo pass with your favorite activities and experiences. This enables you to enjoy all top things to do in Dubai on a budget and that too at your own pace, mostly for a single low rate. For instance, if you wish to bundle theme park experiences with quintessential Dubai activities, you can consider a combo of Dubai Desert Safari and Dubai Parks and Resorts tickets or Burj Al Arab Inside Tour plus Burj Khalifa At the Top tour.
7. Dine for Super Less
Dubai’s food scene is so diverse that you will end up spending your entire holiday expense on it, especially if you don’t know where to eat here. For some cheap yet scrumptious eats, stroll down the vibrant streets and souks of Bur Dubai or Deira where you can sink your teeth into the tastiest ever local foods like shawarma, falafel, and Manakeesh, each for a not more than AED 6. Food courts inside Dubai’s malls also make great spot for inexpensive dining in Dubai. The best part is that it enables you to enjoy exotic cuisines, amazing snacks and yum desserts all under one roof.
8. Make the Most of Happy Hour Deals
With some of the best nightclubs and the swankiest bars, it is hard to overlook Dubai’s exuberant nightlife as well as cocktail scene. As you guessed, you can sip a drink or two in a dreamy setting without really draining your pocket. All you have to do is to check for the happy hours or precisely the timing or hours when the bars, clubs etc offer drinks at special low rates.
9. Save on Shopping
Dubai is a shoppers’ paradise, so it is hard to wind up a holiday here without a session of retail therapy. And yes, you can save in this section too. Instead of shopping at Dubai’s mega malls or priciest branded outlet, go on a shopping spree at souks (such as Gold Souk, Textile Souk etc). For a vacation centered on shopping, there is no better time to visit Dubai than during winter months when the place is at its best with Global Village, Dubai Shopping Festival etc. Whenever you plan to visit Dubai, keep a track of the latest deals and discounts (on your desired branded items or jewelry) by installing apps such as Discounter and Pricena on your smart phone or tab.
10. Be Aware of Local Rules and Etiquettes
This is extremely significant as it prevents you from facing unpleasant situations and even making hefty fine payment. But if you are not aware of them, just keep a note of these following points.
-
- Wear modest dress in public places and conservative places of interest (including mosques, cultural institutions etc)
- Avoid all kinds of PDA (Public Display of Affection)
- Don’t smoke or drink alcohol in public places
- Get prior permission before you click pictures of locals (in particular Emirati women) and important government structures
- Don’t eat or drink in the public during daytime in the month of Ramadan
- Adhere to all COVID-19 regulations such as wearing masks and maintaining social distance.
11. Venture out of Dubai
Don’t just restrict your UAE trip to Dubai; take a trip out of Dubai to explore the country’s other emirates by adding Abu Dhabi activities, Ras Al Khaimah adventures or Fujairah sightseeing in your itinerary. With super affordable intercity buses available on regular basis from Dubai, you can save on this category as well.
Conclusion
With this extensive and exclusive guide, we hope planning a budget holiday in Dubai is no a tough or tedious task anymore. There are quite a lot number of attractions and experiences in Dubai that won’t set you back an arm and a leg. So what are you waiting for? Simply take cues from above and get ready for an unforgettable vacation in this Arabian city.
