Dubai has become the prominent 21st century travel destination of the Middle East. With its world-class and luxurious hotels and attractions, Dubai will be an unforgettable experience for any rich traveler. Is it true though? Is Dubai only accessible for upper class? Or is it possible to travel cheap to Dubai and still have fun? We believe you can visit Dubai on a budget and still have exciting memories of it.
Just stick around as we discuss the most practical cost-saving techniques to visit Dubai cheap. These tips won’t help you end up spending a night in Burj-al Arab’s 7-star hotel, but it will introduce many efficient ways for Dubai’s accommodation, transportation, and food.
Travel Cheap to Dubai During These Months
The city of Dubai receives many tourists from all over the world every year. For this reason, many hotels, shopping malls, and entertainment centers have been built there. In the seasons when the number of visitors to Dubai is high, daily expenses such as the price of a Dubai tour, hotel reservations, food, etc. are high and sometimes even irrational. To travel cheap to Dubai, it is better to travel to this city in the spring and summer. In Dubai, summer and spring are cheap seasons, and you can find all services at great discounts. In these two seasons, many hotels offer good discounts to attract tourists. Some of them even make their meals free.
If you are interested in shopping in Dubai and have chosen summer for your trip, we must say that you have done your best to enjoy your vacation because Dubai shopping malls have good discounts for their goods.
Another thing about traveling to Dubai is that the Dubai tour is much cheaper than others, and you can choose a good tour for a relatively small fee. In this season, it is better to try Dubai indoor entertainment.
At the point of confrontation, the question is raised in which month is Dubai the most expensive? In answer to this question, I must say that November, December, and February can be considered the most expensive travel seasons to Dubai. All these months are the most expensive months to visit Dubai.
Traveling during the cheapest months of the year in Dubai can be a savvy move, and opting to rent a car in Dubai amplifies those savings. Renting a car offers flexibility, allowing you to explore hidden gems at your own pace. Additionally, with fluctuating tourist crowds, having your vehicle ensures consistent mobility. Lastly, with the money saved from off-peak travel, you can invest in a comfortable car rental, turning your Dubai journey into a luxurious experience.
Visit Dubai Cheap, Accommodation
Dubai is indeed a luxury city with luxurious and brilliant hotels. But this does not mean that all travelers should stay in such expensive accommodations. Dubai has cheaper hostels and hotels that you can book and stay at. These hostels and hotels can offer you relatively cheap accommodation with an acceptable level of service. Among the two-star hotels in Dubai, you can also find options that are equal to the three- or four-star hotels in some countries.
To answer the question of how to travel Cheap to Dubai as a tourist, We must say that by choosing a suitable hotel and using a car rental with a driver in Dubai, you can have a convenient and cheap trip to this spectacular city.
Here’s a list of the best budget accommodation options in Dubai:
| Hotel Name | Location | Starting Price per Night | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rove Downtown | Downtown Dubai | Approx. $100 | Close to Dubai Mall & Burj Khalifa, modern amenities |
| Ibis One Central Hotel | Trade Centre Area | Approx. $80 | Near Dubai World Trade Centre, contemporary design |
| Rove Trade Centre | Trade Centre Area | Approx. $90 | Ideal for business travelers, modern facilities |
| Rove Dubai Marina | Dubai Marina | Approx. $110 | Near Marina Beach & JBR, stylish rooms |
| Arabian Park Dubai | Al Jaddaf | Approx. $70 | Easy metro access, outdoor pool, fitness center |
| Ibis Dubai Al Rigga | Deira | Approx. $60 | Historic Deira location, close to Al Ghurair Centre |
| Holiday Inn Express Safa Park | Al Safa | Approx. $75 | Near Dubai Canal, free breakfast, shuttle services |
| Citymax Hotel Bur Dubai | Bur Dubai | Approx. $65 | Close to historic sites, rooftop pool |
| Premier Inn Dubai Airport | Near DXB Airport | Approx. $85 | Free airport shuttle, rooftop pool |
| Rove Healthcare City | Bur Dubai | Approx. $95 | Near healthcare facilities, modern amenities |
Affordable Restaurants for Visiting Dubai on a Budget
Dubai restaurants can also find different levels of them in Dubai. There are also cheaper restaurants in Dubai that can give you the experience of eating in quality and beautiful restaurants without incurring a lot of costs. At the city level, especially in the non-touristy parts of the city, you can also find grocery stores that offer fast food or traditional Arabic food at reasonable prices. Knowing these places is a great perk to help you travel cheap to Dubai.
Some of the affordable restaurants in Dubai are:
Fish Hut
- Highlights: Renowned for serving fresh, locally sourced seafood prepared to your liking. Offers a casual dining experience with a focus on quality and flavor.
- Address: Oud Metha, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Amritsr
- Highlights: Specializes in authentic North Indian cuisine, particularly Amritsari dishes. Known for its flavorful curries and tandoori items.
- Address: Al Attar Center, Karama, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Wokyo Noodle Bar
- Highlights: Casual noodle bar exploring the rich noodle traditions of the Far East. Offers customizable noodle dishes with a variety of flavors and ingredients.
- Address: Multiple locations, including JLT, Cluster J, J2 Tower, Shop 27, Lake Level, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Special Ostadi
- Highlights: One of Dubai’s oldest Iranian restaurants, offering a blend of Persian and Middle Eastern dishes. Celebrated for its kebabs and rich cultural ambiance.
- Address: Al Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Mama’Esh
- Highlights: Authentic Palestinian bakery and eatery known for its freshly baked breads and traditional dishes. Popular for its manakish and falafel.
- Address: Al Wasl Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Ravi Restaurant
- Highlights: A long-standing favorite for Pakistani cuisine, offering flavorful curries and grilled meats. Known for its affordable prices and hearty portions.
- Address: Satwa Roundabout, Al Satwa, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Bu Qtair
- Highlights: A humble eatery famed for its fresh seafood, particularly fried fish and shrimp. Offers a unique dining experience near the beach.
- Address: Umm Suqeim 2, Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Zaatar W. Zeit
- Highlights: Popular Lebanese chain known for its manakish, wraps, and salads. Offers a modern twist on traditional Middle Eastern flavors.
- Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Ground Floor, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
IKEA Restaurant
- Highlights: Beyond furniture, IKEA’s in-store restaurant offers Swedish specialties like meatballs, as well as a variety of international dishes. Ideal for a casual meal during shopping.
- Address: Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Zaroob
- Highlights: Street food-inspired eatery serving Levantine dishes in a vibrant setting. Known for its shawarma, falafel, and fresh juices.
- Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Travel Cheap to Dubai with Affordable Flights
One of the most important parts of traveling to Dubai is buying a flight ticket. You can do several things to find a cheap ticket to Dubai. For example, buying a direct, non-stop flight will usually be both faster and cheaper. Buying a return ticket to Dubai saves money at once.
Many flight tickets are offered at different prices by different suppliers (online airline ticketing sites and travel agencies). You do not have to search through hundreds of different sites to solve this problem and find the cheapest Dubai plane ticket. Yes, using a search engine for airline tickets or the travel market is enough. Travel Market brings together the prices of all suppliers together and comparatively. As a result, you can easily find the cheapest Dubai ticket in one place and on one page and buy it directly without intermediaries.
By doing this, you can experience the cheapest way to travel to Dubai.
By doing this, you can experience the cheapest way to travel to Dubai.
Renting a car at the airport, especially with services like car rental Dubai Airport, offers unparalleled convenience for travelers. Here are the benefits:
- Immediate Access: After disembarking from your flight, you can swiftly pick up your reserved vehicle without the hassle of arranging alternative transportation.
- Flexibility: Car rental Dubai Airport gives you the freedom to set your schedule, eliminating the wait times associated with public transport or taxi services.
- Cost-Effective: By securing a rental car directly from the airport, you can avoid the often expensive airport transfer fees and taxis, making it a cost-effective option for extended stays.
Visit Dubai Cheap: Explore These Shopping Centers
To travel cheap to Dubai, one of the best ways is to find cheap shopping centers in Dubai. Shopping is one part of any trip, especially to a business country like the UAE or Dubai. Dubai is one of those cities that is an ideal destination for cheap shopping. But one major difference between Dubai and other cities suitable for cheap shopping, such as Istanbul, is the originality of the brands, and, of course, the level of prices in Dubai is higher, which makes shopping in Dubai difficult.
But there is a solution to this problem. All brands and department stores have seasonal auctions that are held in unison and around the world at the end of each season. These auctions drastically reduce prices. so that it significantly reduces the prices of the world’s big brands.
Dubai also has a nationwide sales festival, which is held on the eve of the New Year, around January, at all major shopping malls in the country.
The Cheapest Shopping Centers in Dubai
Dubai offers a variety of shopping experiences that cater to different budgets, including several options for those looking for more affordable purchases. Here are some of the best places for cheap shopping in Dubai:
- Karama Market: Located in Al Karama, Dubai, Karama Market is known for its lively atmosphere and diverse selection. It’s a great place to find knock-off fashion, accessories, handbags, and souvenirs. Bargaining is common here, so be ready to negotiate for the best deals.
- Meena Bazaar: Situated in Bur Dubai, Meena Bazaar is famed for its Indian and Pakistani clothing, jewelry, and accessories. You can find exquisite fabrics and traditional wear at reasonable prices. It’s an ideal place for budget-friendly yet elegant fashion finds.
- Dubai Outlet Mall: Located on Dubai Al Ain Road, this mall is a haven for those seeking discounts on designer products. With over 200 stores offering significant reductions on well-known brands, it’s perfect for finding deals on clothing, footwear, sportswear, and home furnishings.
- Global Village: This is a unique cultural experience that doubles as a shopping destination. Open during the winter months, it features pavilions from over 75 countries, offering handicrafts, textiles, accessories, and local delicacies at affordable prices. It also hosts live performances and entertainment shows.
- Dragon Mart: Located on Al Awir Road, Dragon Mart is divided into Dragon Mart and Dragon Mart 2. Besides being a shopping hub, it also offers restaurants and entertainment options like cinemas and concerts. It’s important to be cautious about the authenticity of products here, especially electronics.
- Karama Shopping Center and Deira Market: These street shopping venues offer a range of products from spices to electronics and include clothing, gold, and jewelry. Haggling is the norm here, and you can find products at affordable prices.
- Wafi Mall: Situated on Oud Metha Rd, Wafi Mall offers a range of stores from high-end to affordable options, along with a variety of restaurants and cafes. Its unique Middle Eastern-inspired design makes it a great place to spend an entire day.
- Garderobe and Retold: These are consignment stores located in the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, respectively. They sell pre-loved clothes, shoes, and accessories from high-end brands at reasonable prices.
- Brands for Less: A chain of stores across Dubai offering discounted clothes, shoes, and accessories from major brands at very reasonable prices.
Each of these places offers a unique shopping experience, from traditional markets to modern malls, providing a range of options for budget-conscious shoppers.
Tips for Shopping in Dubai on a Budget
Shopping in Dubai on a budget can be a rewarding experience if you know the right places to go and the right strategies to employ. Here are some tips for cheap shopping in Dubai:
- Bargain and Haggle: In many markets and souks in Dubai, such as Karama Market and Meena Bazaar, haggling is expected and part of the shopping experience. Don’t accept the first price offered; instead, negotiate to get a better deal.
- Visit Outlet Malls: Dubai Outlet Mall is a great place to find discounted designer products. These malls often have end-of-season sales and clearance events where you can find high-quality items at significantly reduced prices.
- Shop During Sales Seasons: Dubai is famous for its shopping festivals like the Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises. During these festivals, you can find huge discounts and special offers in most stores.
- Explore Local Markets: Places like Global Village, Naif Souk, and Deira Market offer a range of products at affordable prices. These markets are great for finding unique items and souvenirs.
- Check Out Consignment Stores: Stores like Garderobe and Retold offer pre-loved luxury items at reasonable prices. These can be great places to find high-end brands at a fraction of the cost.
- Be Cautious with Electronics: If you’re buying electronics, especially in markets, be wary of authenticity. Make sure you’re not purchasing refurbished items unless you’re okay with that.
- Use Online Platforms: Websites like Souq.com offer a variety of products at discounted rates, but be sure to read reviews for authenticity and quality assurance.
- Street Shopping: In addition to traditional markets, consider street shopping where you can often haggle for goods ranging from spices to clothing and gold.
- Comfortable Footwear: When planning a shopping day, wear comfortable shoes as you might be walking and standing for long periods.
- Explore Beyond High-End Malls: While Dubai is known for its luxurious malls, don’t overlook the smaller, less glamorous shopping areas where you can often find better deals.
Creating a Shopping Plan to Visit Dubai Cheap
Creating a cheap shopping plan in Dubai involves targeting the right places and using smart shopping strategies. Here’s a suggested plan based on popular and affordable shopping destinations:
Day 1: Traditional Markets and Souks
- Morning: Start your day at Karama Market in Al Karama, where you can find a variety of knock-off fashion items, accessories, handbags, and souvenirs. Remember to haggle to get the best deals.
- Afternoon: Head to Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai. It’s famous for its Indian and Pakistani clothing, jewelry, and accessories. You’ll find exquisite fabrics and traditional wear at reasonable prices.
- Evening: Explore Naif Souk in Deira, an authentic traditional marketplace known for its vibrant mix of shops offering clothing, accessories, electronics, and spices.
Day 2: Outlet Malls and Consignment Stores
- Morning: Visit the Dubai Outlet Mall on Dubai Al Ain Road. This mall is a haven for brand enthusiasts seeking discounts on designer products, with over 200 stores offering reduced prices.
- Afternoon: Check out Garderobe and Retold, two consignment stores located in the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, respectively. They sell pre-loved high-end brand clothes, shoes, and accessories at reasonable prices.
- Evening: Stroll through Global Village (if open during your visit). This multicultural festival offers a variety of products from over 75 countries, including handicrafts, textiles, and accessories, at budget-friendly prices.
Day 3: Street Shopping and Miscellaneous Venues
- Morning: Visit Dragon Mart, a large shopping complex known for its variety of Chinese products. Be cautious about the authenticity of products, especially electronics.
- Afternoon: Explore Deira Market, a hub for wholesale and retail shopping offering a wide range of products. It’s an excellent place for bulk buying.
- Evening: Browse through Brands for Less, a chain of stores that sell discounted clothes, shoes, and accessories from major brands.
Tips for Your Shopping Plan
- Carry Cash and Small Change: Some smaller shops or markets may not accept cards.
- Comfortable Footwear: You’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes.
- Stay Hydrated: Dubai can be hot, especially if you’re outdoors.
- Check Timings: Some markets and shops might have specific opening hours.
- Use Public Transport: Dubai’s metro system can be a cost-effective way to get around.
- Be Mindful of Cultural Sensitivities: Dress modestly and be respectful in your interactions.
Cheapest Transportation Option for Dubai on a Budget
Among the different ways of public transportation in Dubai, the most affordable option for sightseeing is the subway. The subways do not have access to the coastal areas and tourism in Dubai. Taxi fares in Dubai are low enough that you may order one via phone, internet, or in person. One of the most visible issues is that the majority of taxi drivers in Dubai are ex-pats, which means that many of them may not speak English fluently. As a result, communication will be tough for you.
You should also be aware that eating, drinking, and smoking are not permitted in Dubai cabs. Airport taxis cost more than city taxis. Of course, once in Dubai, you should take one of these Fardgah cabs.
Aside from the high cost of taxis, several rules apply to taxis in Dubai. A cab, for example, is more expensive at night and later in the evening than it is during the day. Every minute spent waiting for a cab is charged. You are responsible for the cost of the request, which means the taxi driver will be rewarded for avoiding tolls. So, it can be said that after the metro, the cheapest way to travel to Dubai is to rent a car.
Last Word
We’ve covered some of the best ways to travel cheap to Dubai. From affordable flights, accommodation, and restaurants, to specific shopping plans, we learned how to visit Dubai cheap. So next time you were wondering whether it’s possible to visit Dubai on a budget, think of these plans.
Although Dubai has gained a reputation for being a luxurious destination, it offers all types of attractions at various prices. So, confidently plan your budget trip to Dubai without being scared of missing out on Dubai. The city has got your back.
FAQ
How much should a trip to Dubai cost?
A three-day solo vacation to Dubai will cost between $800 and $1,500, depending on lodging, transportation, meals, and activities.
What is the cheapest month to visit Dubai?
Flight and hotel prices are cheap from April to October, which is Dubai’s low season for tourists. At the same time, the best time to visit Dubai is during the winter, when visitors can explore the city and enjoy their holiday.
How much should I budget for a 7-day trip to Dubai?
Is FlyDubai cheaper than Emirates?
While Emirates is a full-service carrier that provides amenities such as a checked baggage allowance and free meals to all passengers, FlyDubai is a low-cost carrier that charges extra.
What is the cheapest time to go to Dubai?
The cheapest month to fly to Dubai is usually May.
What is the worst time to visit Dubai?
Because of the high heat and humidity, summer is the worst time to visit Dubai. The temperature is reaching its highest point, and the humidity may make it feel much hotter. If you must visit Dubai during the heat, remain hydrated and take frequent pauses in air-conditioned locations.
What is the cheapest country to fly to Dubai from?
Flights from some countries to Dubai are very cheap. These countries are:
- Georgia and Armenia
- Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan
- Ethiopia and Kenya
- Egypt
- Tunisia and Morocco
- Oman
- India and Sri Lanka
- Turkey and Cyprus
