cheapest place to visit dubai

How to travel in Dubai on a budget (Updated 2024)

By Joan Torres 22 Comments Last updated on April 29, 2024

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Dubai is probably the most expensive and least backpacking-friendly country I have ever been to . Accommodation, food, alcohol and any sort of activity always turn out to be very expensive. On top of this, public transportation is quite limited, therefore on occasions, you are forced to take a taxi.

Besides that, whereas in other expensive cities (such as London or New York), you can always find a cheaper alternative and free events, in Dubai it seems that only the expensive choice is available. For any kind of social event, you always end up paying an exorbitant amount.

And why is that? In Dubai, people have money. All these events are exclusively organized for expats and these expats, are willing to pay whatever is needed in order to enjoy a couple of beers and have fun. They don’t care because they can afford it.

Read: 10 Reasons to visit Dubai

Yeah, backpacking in Dubai on a budget is not easy. This is not a coincidence. Sheikh Mohamed has a very clear objective, which is for Dubai to become the number one destination in the world for luxury tourism .

However, whereas it’s true that, in order to enjoy fancy Dubai, you need to spend a lot of money, there are loads of free activities and ways to save money. I lived in Dubai for over two years and, as the budget traveler I am, I was always trying to have fun at the minimum cost.

In this backpacking guide to Dubai you find:

Table of Contents

First quick tips
Top free things to do
Cheapest accommodation
How to save money on food
How to save money on alcohol
How to save money on transportation
How much does a trip to Dubai cost?
More Information

our recommended travel insurance for Dubai

With its Total Comfort Plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for countries where health care system is private and expensive, like Dubai.

First quick tips on how to have your cheap holidays to Dubai

In Dubai, activities and events are pretty expensive. Here’s a couple of tips that will help you cut your costs when planning your trip to Dubai.

Remember that, in Dubai, health care is private

If you want to know more options, read how to find the right travel insurance

Get The Entertainer

The Entertainer is an endless series of discounts for hundreds of restaurants, bars and all sorts of activities, which all expats have.

Most of the discounts are 2 for 1 and it is valid for 1 year, from January to December. If you bought it in June, it will be only valid for six months. It’s available in book format and for mobile as well.

If you are alone and plan to stay in Dubai for just a few days , it may not be worth it to get it. However, if you have friends to share the cost with or you are planning to stay longer, with only going one night out or to do any activity with your kids, you will already cover the cost.

I would never recommend something which I would not trust or use and the truth is that The Entertainer was an essential tool that helped me cut my budget for Dubai after living there for 3 years.

Budget Tours

If you want to get the most budget tours, I recommend you book them through GetYourGuide , a pretty cool website that offers loads of different deals and tours to Dubai at the lowest possible prices.

Useful Page events

In order to find out about all the events and free activities, I recommend you to check Time Out Dubai and What’s On Dubai regularly.

They announce all cheap and free events.

Top free things to do in Dubai

This Middle Eastern metropolis is not just about massive shopping malls and expensive and glamorous events but, actually, there’s a lot of cheap things to do in Dubai that are very related and aim at experiencing the authentic Emirati culture.

Camel racing

One of the few things you can do in Dubai to experience the authentic and real Emirati culture. Camels can run very fast and attend a race is frankly impressive. These races usually take place on Fridays from 6am to 8am, but only from November to March. Where?

In the Dubai Camel Racing Club . This is, definitely, on my top list of free things to do in Dubai.

Deira Gold Souq

If you like gold, apparently, the Deira Gold souq sells some of the cheapest gold-jewelry in the world. However, even if you’re not into gold, strolling down the alleys in search of good picture opportunities is also a lot of fun.

At the Deira Gold Souq, you can also find a store window containing the biggest ring in the world and be seeing dozens of tourists posing for a picture in front of it is an attraction by itself.

Read: How to go backpacking in Oman on a budget

Hindu temple (Shiva and Krishna Mandir)

Although Dubai has a huge Hindu population, Shiva and Krishna Mandir is the only Hindu temple in the city.

The best time to visit it is on Fridays around noon when all the Hindus go there to bring offerings to their gods. It’s located in the heart of Bastakiya, the old part of Dubai.

Street wrestling

One of my favorite ones. This modality of street wrestling is very popular in Iran , Pakistan , and India. On Friday afternoons, the Indian and Pakistani workers, meet and go to enjoy it in the streets of Deira, near the fish market.

The event is not about the fight itself but the atmosphere, really far away from the glitzy and pretentious Dubai.

Read: Saudi Arabia travel guide

Crossing the Creek on a boat

Pay only one Dirham and enjoy a fabulous ride in the abra, the traditional water taxi to cross the atmospheric Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai to Deira on the opposite side. The quaint old wooden boat has a fishtail carved out of wood.

Horse racing in Meydan

One of the best free things to do in Dubai is going to see a horse race, the national sport and also Sheik Mohamed’s favorite. It’s completely free. It takes place on Thursdays at 7pm, from November to March.

A spectacle is guaranteed, and not only because of the horses, but also because of all the different types of people who come and gather.

The general entrance ticket is for free but you can also book more premium seats which allow you access to the bar and restaurant.

For more information, check out the official website .

Walking around Souq Madinat

A traditional Arab souq from the 21st century and built in a fancy Dubai style. There are fountains containing giant turtles and you get to see fantastic views of the Burj Al-Arab.

The Souq Madinat is also a great place to hang out in the evenings, as there is a wide range of bars and restaurants serving alcohol. However, they are quite pricey so you should better come here with The Entertainer .

Wandering around Al Bastakiya

Bastakiya is the old part of the city, which was destroyed during the 80s to build an office complex.

However, thanks to a preservation campaign, the project was stopped and the houses restored. Nowadays, traditional Arab Gulf buildings and homes stand along its streets.

In Bastakiya, you can also find the Dubai Museum which, for only 3 Dirhams, it gives you a great summary of the UAE’s history, from before the black gold times. It also gives you a glimpse of future innovative city projects.

Deira fish market

Update: It’s definitely closed! If you like walking around markets, Deira fish market is, without a doubt, the most authentic one in the city. And it’s not only interesting to visit, but also sells the cheapest fish in town. It’s a real shame that they closed this market, as it used to be one of the best cheap things to do in Dubai.

Dubai Marina and its skyscrapers

Dubai is about skyscrapers and the good thing is that they are impressive and free to see. The marina is around 8km long, with fancy yachts moored all along the waterfront.

On each side of the marina, there is a mosque (just one has been built so far) which is also worth seeing.

Jumeirah Mosque

Jumeirah Mosque is a small but beautiful mosque which non-Muslim people can visit and the only cultural site to visit in the new part of the city.

The walk and beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence

By the beach, the area next to Dubai Marina is called Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR). It’s sort of a promenade trying to imitate the one in Santa Monica.

There are camels, the beach, clean toilets and free wifi. What else do you need? The Walk is one of the best things to do in Dubai on a budget.

The bottom of Burj Khalifa

What? This is one of the best cheap places to visit in Dubai, right? At 823 meters, the Burj Khalifa is the highest building on Earth and observing it from the bottom is completely free.

Besides, there is a fountain show which takes place every half hour from 6pm on, every day of the year.

Backpacking in Dubai: Best accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers

Land prices in Dubai have massively increased over the past few years. Nowadays, it seems that this has stabilized, however, prices are almost equal to those in Tokyo and London.

If you really want to travel in Dubai on a budget, here’s the best and cheapest suggestions for both backpackers and budget travelers.

Important: In summer, hotel prices tend to decrease drastically. That’s because, in summer, the weather is so hot that many events and activities are temporarily closed. Traveling during this season is way more economical but, to be very honest, it’s not very recommendable.

Budget Hostel – At The Top Hostel – If you are backpacking in Dubai, this is probably, the best budget option for budget travelers. It’s located right next to where I used to live, in front of the beach, at the most Western-friendly neighborhood in the city (Marina). The hostel is a 66th-floor apartment and it offers several dorms.

Budget Hostel – Backpacker 16 Hostel – This one is cheaper than the previous hostel but the location is not as epic. However, the position is not as bad, as it’s located in Tecom, a neighborhood which is pretty well connected to the metro and just 15 minutes driving from Marina.

Budget Hostel – Backpackers Hostel – This was the first backpacker’s hostel ever in Dubai. It’s located in Al Karama, home to a large Indian community and where you find the cheapest restaurants in the country. It’s also very close to Old Dubai and Deira. The only disadvantage is that it’s really far away from the cool expat areas but, if your objective is to experience the authentic Dubai, this should be your preferred choice.

Backpacker Hostel – Backpacker Tina – Budget hostels are slowly being opened all across the city and, in Marina, Tina is the most budget one. Like most buildings here, everything is great, brand-new and the building has all kind of facilities, including a gym and a pool! If you are a backpacker, this is the best hostel to stay in Dubai .

Couchsurfing

If you are backpacking in Dubai, here the Couchsurfing community is pretty active and finding a couch to surf is feasible. Besides, many events are organized.

Dubai on a budget: How to save money on food

In Dubai, the price of a meal varies significantly among restaurants across the city. One day, you may eat an amazing and filling Vietnamese soup for only $5, and the next day you can end up eating a shitty sandwich and pay more than $30.

What do you need to avoid?

If you really want to travel in Dubai on the cheap, forget about eating in hotels and restaurants where they serve alcohol. They can charge you double just because you can order a beer along with your meal. At the average night pub, a burger can easily cost you around 90AED ($25).

If on top of this you also order a beer, then you’ll end up paying a minimum of $35 for a crappy dinner. So, how to save money on food?

First, remember to get The Entertainer

As I said before, The Entertainer offers 2×1 in most Dubai restaurants, including the ones located in expensive hotels.

Eat at mall food courts

I know, they don’t serve the best food ever, but many stalls offer reasonably good meals for as little as 25AED. Food is very varied, from Italian to Lebanese, Indian and Oriental.

The best quality-price restaurants

Outside of hotels, JBR and downtown, there are plenty of high-quality restaurants offering good quality meals for only 50-60 AED (around 15USD). Dubai is a city composed of hundreds of thousands of expatriates from all parts of the world.

That means there are also hundreds of restaurants with all types of authentic cuisine. Here’s a list of awesome (and cheap) restaurants which I compiled: Best (and cheapest) restaurants where the expats go .

Cook at home

If your accommodation has a kitchen, I suggest you buy groceries in the supermarket and cook at home. LULU Hypermarket is the one with the lowest prices. Apart from groceries, they also sell ready to eat meals cheaply.

There’s a LULU in All Barsha, right next to Mall of the Emirates. Other LULUs are in Bur Dubai or Deira. Carrefour is the alternative to LULU. Prices are slightly higher, but the range is larger. There is a huge Carrefour inside Mall of the Emirates. This would be the best way to bring costs down and keep your trip to Dubai on a budget.

Read: A guide to Liwa Oasis and the Moreeb dune in Abu Dhabi

Backpacking in Dubai: How to save money on alcohol

Dubai is a very conservative, Muslim country, therefore alcohol taxes are fairly high. On average, you pay 40AED ($12) for a pint of beer in the most normal bar. Yes, getting drunk in this city is expensive, and getting wasted even more. How to save money on alcohol?

Download Guzzle App

Guzzle is a mobile application which provides 2 for 1 offers on beverages in a large number of restaurants. You can download and use the app for free. They also offer a premium version, which merely gives you a higher number of discounts

Get the best out of the happy hour

Most of the bars in Dubai push for happy hour from Sunday to Thursday, from 5pm to 8pm. Some of the bars offering good deals are Tribeca (Ocean View Hotel), Barasti (Westin Hotel) and Garden 7 (Media One Hotel).

Ladies night

If you are a girl, then this might be your lucky day because loads of bars give away drinks to all girls. Tuesday is the most popular day for Ladies night. The most famous one is China Grill (Westin Hotel). Girls have open-bar all night long. For free. Promise.

Go for a Brunch

If your objective is to get smashed, I definitely recommend you go for a brunch. What’s going for a brunch? For many expats, Friday brunch is sort of a ritual. It consists of all you can drink and eat from 12 noon to 4 pm. There’s no alcohol limit.

Prices range from 150AED to 800AED. The Entertainer offers 2 for 1 on many of them. If you don’t have it, some of the cheapest and most popular brunches are Pizza Express (Movenpick, JLT) and Double Deckers (Al Murooj Rotana, Downtown).

Buy alcohol at the airport

It seems pretty obvious but the truth is that, in Dubai, you can’t buy alcohol unless you are a resident and have an alcohol license. As soon as you land, go to the airport duty-free, and stock-up on alcohol.

Trip to Barracuda

If you run out of duty-free alcohol, only 60km from Dubai, there’s a liquor store named Barracuda where you can buy alcohol without a license. The downside is that you can only get there by car. If you are renting one, great.

Otherwise, remember to buy enough at the airport. How to get there? It’s located in the Emirate called Ajman. Google maps finds it as Barracuda Wine Shop, Ajman .

Budget Dubai: How to save money on transportation

If you were to ever ask me what’s the thing I hate most about Dubai, I would say that it’s a city built to move around in exclusively by car. It’s a vast city with a very low population density. Distances are huge.

The area of the city is a perfect 40x40km square and there’s only one metro line that goes through it in a straight line. The bus system is not convenient at all. If you can’t reach a place by metro, you need to go by car. Below, I will show you the cheapest way to travel in Dubai.

The cheapest option. Don’t buy single tickets. Ask for a NOL card at the counter. It costs 20AED, but it comes with 15AED of extra credit. A short trip costs 3AED, whereas the longest one costs 8AED.

The metro is convenient only if you go to the main touristic sites: Marina, Burj Khalifa, Deira or Bur Dubai. If you wish to go anywhere which isn’t close to the metro, I recommend you get as close as possible by metro and take a taxi from there.

Renting a car

Honestly, if you are traveling with other people, you should hire a car 100%.

Gas is cheap and outside of Dubai, there are loads of interesting things to do which are accessible only by car.

The public bus is not convenient at all, except for one line: line number 8.

It goes parallel to the metro from Marina to Bur Dubai but by the sea. It passes by interesting places such as Souq Madinat, Burj Al-Arab and Kite Beach.

Read: 101 simple ways to save money for travel

Camels traveling on a truck - Dubai on a budget

Conclusion – How much does a trip to Dubai cost?

Given the huge range of prices, it would be very difficult to estimate an average daily price. However, assuming that you travel by yourself, stay in a budget hostel, travel by metro and eat and drink on a budget, the cost of traveling to Dubai would be:

265 AED = $70 a day

Accommodation – Budget dorm: 100AED

Breakfast at the hostel
Lunch at the mall (Entertainer 2×1): 15AED
Dinner at an Indian restaurant (Entertainer 2×1): 50AED

Beers – 2 happy hour: 40AED

4 metro trips: 20AED
Round trip taxi to go to see the horse races: 40AED

Activities – Only free stuff

More useful information for backpacking in Dubai

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

22 comments

I loved reading through your article. It was very informative and I got a lot of great tips! Knowing how it’s possible to enjoy Dubai in a budget will certainly attract a lot of travelers!

Hey Agness, thanks for your comment. Yes, the city keeps being not that cheap but there are many things other than luxury and super expensive things! I wish backpackers would travel more to Dubai!

I’m so delighted and found this post worth a read. Dubai is a pleasure for all but these are some must visit

Hi, thanks for your comment. Note that I removed your link, as this is not a place to advertise. If you want to include a link, put it in the ”website” field before commenting

Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and some thoughts of Dubai, very detailed and well written! I would like to commend the Author of this Blog for sharing us an interesting idea. Keep it up a good job!!

Thank you so much for the article as I will be traveling to Dubai next Friday, October 23rd. I will be staying downtown @ The Sheraton Dubai Grand but I got a really good deal as part of the Sheraton rewards program. I have already planned out my activities and when I tallied up my daily expenses it came up to around 30to 50 dollars a day. Great tips and yes I agree hopefully people will realize that it is possible to see Dubai without breaking the bank!!!

Cheers mate! I hope you enjoy Dubai!

I loved reading through your article. These are all what it means to travel. Beautiful adventures I could only dream of.

Thanks for sharing this amazing article here. Just love it. I’m also planning to visit Dubai this year with family hope all these mentioned tips and guide helps me.

Dubai is one of my most favourite places to visit and I am really glad to read all the details given in this article which I wasn’t aware of. Thanks!

Hi there, First of all, this is great because I found Dubai to be the single most expensive place I have ever been period and your comments on alcohol are spot on. You mention you lived in Dubai – for how long and most importantly did you enjoy Dubai? I was really disappointed, it reminded me of Vegas in the Middle East. This said I have friends that flock there year after year. Thoughts? Nikki

Classic post to share, We are planning to visit Dubai and I just shared your post with my friends to see all the things that what we can do in Dubai within our budget. I love the idea about how we can save money with our food expenses and alcohol. Please keep sharing more stuff and if you have already posted something related to Dubai share the link with us.

I was planning for Dubai and I found it to be relatively expensive. But, some of these are really underrated things we can do and that’s for free. Great information, keep sharing.

Hey Joan, I enjoyed reading your post. Yes, anyone can visit Dubai and enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. Despite its reputation as a glamorous and expensive city, Dubai has a lot to offer budget for travellers as well.

Great blog post! I am planning to travel to Dubai this summer and I am going to follow your mentioned tips and places to make the trip successful. I am going to follow the estimated daily cost of $70 in my mind. Keep sharing content like this!

Best Regards,

Thanx for the tips you gave am actually planning to relocate to dubai from Lagos Nigeria in march ,my hubby works in dubai but the problem there is the expensive accommodation

Thank you for this amazing article. You did not mention Airbnb, is that an option you recommend for accommodation in Dubai?

Thank you very much!

Thanks so helpful and interesting! I really like the idea of walking and actually making that the activity, something in London we don’t appreciate.

hi joan, nice article there ! i don’t know if i can afford a trip there, but you gave me some indications… yet you did not mention the theme parks….i wish to take my child there, but prices are huge…at almost 100 euros per person ! any tips for that ?

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11 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Dubai (BEST Activities!)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 19, 2024

11 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Dubai (BEST Activities!)

Looking for cheap things to do in Dubai or places to visit in Dubai for free ? This guide should give you some ideas for the BEST affordable things to do in Dubai. Find out!

Dubai is a very expensive travel destination and the sky is the limit when it comes to the most extravagant things one can do in the city. But don’t despair if you are on a tight budget! There are quite some cheap activities and amazing free things to do in Dubai that will not cost you a Dirham.

In this article, you can find a short overview of the best cheap things to do and free Dubai activities .

The places included in this selection are not just budget-friendly things to do in Dubai, but they are also among the best things to do in the city! These are one-by-one top experiences that are really worth your time, whether you’re visiting Dubai on a budget or not! Take a look below!

1. Dubai Fountains

Located next to The Dubai Mall and at the foot of the world’s tallest building – Burj Khalifa – Dubai fountains are the most popular tourist attraction in the city. Watching the impressive musical fountains and the light show is completely FREE of charge!

Without any doubt, this is one of the top places to visit in Dubai for free!

The world’s largest dancing fountain performs daily. There are two afternoon shows starting at 1 pm, 1.30 pm, or 2 pm (depending on the day). In the evenings, there’s a show every 30 minutes from 6 pm to 11 pm.

TIP: If you want to do something special, you can also take a ride on a traditional boat to see the dancing fountains from close by. This tour is not free of charge, but it’s one of the cheapest activities in Dubai and something that many tourists consider a must-do in Dubai. We personally loved it!

Dubai Fountains Show at The Burj Khalifa - best free things to do in Dubai

2. Dubai Mall: Aquarium and Waterfall

The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world. It’s home to 1200 shops, including some of the most luxurious brands. But a visit to the mall will not cost you anything (if you can resist the shops) and is certainly worth it.

You will be impressed by the sheer size of the place, the number of people, and the huge variety of shops. Don’t come here for an hour or two – you can easily spend a day or two!

There are two main Dubai Mall attractions you should not miss: The Waterfall and The Dubai Aquarium.

While the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo tickets are not cheap, you can view the gigantic aquarium free of charge from the mall itself. Very impressive!

Another great free thing to do in Dubai Mall is watching its impressive waterfall. This huge waterfall with sculptures of divers traverses all four levels of the indoor shopping center.

Dubai Mall Waterfall - free things to do in Dubai

3. Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina is a very lively place and, like most places in Dubai, wakes up after sunset. Dubai Marina Promenade offers some 7km of walkways, and it’s one of the most beautiful places you shouldn’t miss while in Dubai. It’s also completely free to visit!

The liveliest part of the Marina is between The Marina Walk and The Marina Mall. Most shops and restaurants are located here.

Don’t miss the dancing fountains at the entrance to the Marina Walk, right beside Dubai Marina Towers Shows. The shows take place every 20 minutes in the evenings and also during the day on the weekends.

Good to know: Weekends in Dubai start on Friday afternoon and last through Sunday (read more: Dubai facts ).

Dubai Marina is also a popular place for various events throughout the year. There are festive parades during the Christmas – New Year holiday period, music festivals, boat parades, etc… So make sure to check in advance if anything special is happening when you are there.

Dubai Marina Festive Parade with street performers

4. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Worth mentioning among free things to do in Dubai is also Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary . This wetland conservation territory is a great place to see flamingos and other birds in Dubai. And – it won’t cost you anything.

There’s a viewing platform where you can see flamingos. And you can also attend flamingo feeding (usually between 10 – 11 AM).

However, the best time to visit is earlier in the morning, just before the feeding. Flamingos are active and there are fewer visitors. For more info, check the official website .

Free things to do in Dubai - flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

5. Dubai Beaches

No visit to Dubai is complete without spending some time at the beach! The good thing is that Dubai has various free public beaches that are open and accessible to everyone.

The most popular beaches in Dubai are Marina Beach (or JBR) at The Walk and Jumeirah Beach near the famous Burj Al Arab Hotel.

While Burj Al Arab is a must to see in Dubai, as far as the beach goes, we recommend Marina Beach. It has a variety of playgrounds for kids and there are also lots of dining options on The Walk. It’s probably the most lively of the Dubai beaches.

Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai as seen from Jumeirah Beach

6. Traditional Markets

For a completely different side of Dubai, make sure to visit the traditional markets – Spice Souk and Gold Souk.

Visiting local markets is always one of the best – and free – things to do anywhere you travel. It’s your chance to mingle among the locals and see all kinds of traditional merchandise that you won’t find in the shops catering to tourists. It’s also a great place to buy some cheap souvenirs to take home from Dubai.

Like everything else in Dubai, the souks come to life in the evening. Don’t forget to bargain in case you decide to buy something.

READ ALSO: Tips & Tricks for Visiting Dubai

Oriental Lamps for sale Dubai Spice Souk

7. Love Lake Dubai & Al Qudra Area

Worth mentioning among the fun free things to do in Dubai is a visit to the Al Qudra area south of the city. There are some man-made lakes here that form a real oasis in the desert. It’s also a great place to escape the hustle and the bustle of the city!

One of the most famous lakes here is the heart-shaped Love Lake . You can explore the area on beautiful walkways that follow the heart-shaped lakes where you can often see various birds and colorful fish in the lake (feeding is not allowed). In addition, there are many statues of hearts in the beautiful grounds around the lake – perfect for a romantic evening in Dubai.

This place is little known to tourists and more popular with the locals. There are picnic facilities, bbq pits, board games, and bathrooms. It’s a great place to come for a romantic walk at sunset, stargazing at night, or to spend the entire day with a family.

A visit to Love Lake and the other Al Qudra lakes is free of charge. However, the area is located quite far away from the city (see map ) and you need a car (or a taxi) to get there. Luckily, taxis are cheap in Dubai, so a visit here will not cost you a fortune. Just make sure you also arrange a taxi for a ride back!

In addition to the free things to do in Dubai mentioned above and many other things to do in the city , there are also some great CHEAP things to do in Dubai. These are all activities that will not cost you more than a couple of dirhams and will make your visit to Dubai more special. Must do, whether you are visiting Dubai on a budget or not.

Following the same numbering, here are our favorite cheap activities and places to visit in Dubai:

8. Zabeel Park & Dubai Frame

Zabeel Park , probably best known for the famous Dubai Frame, is another great place to visit for those looking for cheap things to do in Dubai. This is a great area where you can explore Dubai deeper without having to spend much money. There’s just a small fee to enter (around 5 AED – 1.2 EUR) and you can easily get here by metro.

It’s a nice green park to relax or play with well-maintained paths for walking, jogging, or bicycling. Locals love to bbq here on a weekend. You can also visit the Dubai Flea Market inside the park and admire great views of Dubai Frame which looks like a huge picture frame.

TIP: The viewing platform of the Dubai Frame offers amazing 360° views of both – Old Dubai on one side and New Dubai on the other. A visit to Dubai Frame is not free of charge, but relatively cheap for Dubai standards – you can check the prices and book tickets here . Kids under 3, seniors, and some others visit free of charge.

9. Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort

Dubai Museum is the main museum in the city. It’s located in the old Al Fahidi Fort in Dubai Old Town. Built in 1787, it’s also the oldest existing building in Dubai.

This is a nice little museum to visit for the whole family; it’s not one of those boring places that kids hate. Our boys of 5 and 7 enjoyed the short visit and didn’t get bored for a second! Foresee approximately 45min for a visit.

A visit here is a must-do! It’s a great opportunity to learn more about Dubai, its history, and the incredible transformation into the world metropole it became!

This is one of the best cheap things to do in Dubai! A visit to the museum only costs 3 AED (0.75 EUR) for adults and 1 AED (0.25 EUR) for children. You can find more practical information and opening times here .

Good to know: At the moment of the last update, Dubai Museum is closed for renovations. There are several other museums in the old town that are free or very cheap to visit, so walk around the area and see what’s open.

Dubai Museum - cheap things to do in Dubai

10. Dubai Creek Water Taxi Abra

Abra is the traditional water taxi on Dubai Creek and one of the fun, cheap things to do in Dubai. A single ride costs 1 AED (0.25 EUR) per person and you pay directly to the driver.

This is not a scenic tour, but a quick way to get between places located along Dubai Creek. It’s also a great way to get from the Old City to Dubai’s commercial business district in Deira where Dubai Souks (traditional markets) are located.

Hop on at the Dubai Old Souq Marine Transport Station on the South side of Dubai Creek and the boat will drop you off in Deira on the other side where you’ll find the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk.

READ ALSO: All you need to know about Dubai public transport as a tourist

Traditional water taxi Abra - cheap things to do in Dubai

11. Jumeirah Mosque

One of the most beautiful mosques of Dubai – Jumeirah Mosque – is also the only one that can be visited by non-muslims. It’s a beautiful building with an architectural style that originated in Egypt and Syria. It’s been first opened in 1979.

You can admire the beautiful architecture for free, but a visit inside requires a ticket. Kids 5-12 can visit free of charge. Kids under 5 are not allowed.

The mosque is open every day except Friday. The dress code is long sleeves and covered legs for everyone and headscarves for women. More info on the official website of the mosque .

Good to know: While you wait for your tour to start, the mosque offers some light Emirati refreshments including Arabic coffee, tea, dates, water, luqaimat, and chebab.

So, this is our short list of the very best free and cheap places to visit and things to do in Dubai.

However, no visit to Dubai would be complete without visiting some of its most remarkable landmarks or joining some amazing tours.

TIP: Even if you are visiting Dubai on a budget, Burj Khalifa is one thing you shouldn’t miss! The cheapest tickets for Burj Khalifa cost about 35-40 USD – money you won’t regret spending. After all, how often do you get a chance to visit the world’s tallest building?! Alternatively, check out Dubai Sky Views Observatory . The ticket costs about half the price of that of Burj Khalifa and you can enjoy unparalleled views of Burj Khalifa itself.

Visiting Dubai on a Budget: Tips, Tricks, and Must-Do Activities

Dubai is known for its glitz and glamour. But what if you’re a traveler with a limited budget?

Can you still experience the magic of Dubai without breaking the bank? The answer is a resounding yes!

Dubai offers plenty of opportunities for budget-conscious travelers to experience the city without compromising on fun and adventure. Let’s find out how you can visit Dubai on a budget, with valuable tips, tricks, and must-do activities.

How To Visit Dubai On A Budget

Timing is everything.

Choosing the right time to visit Dubai can significantly impact your budget. The peak tourist season, which falls between November and April, sees higher prices for accommodations and attractions. To save money, consider visiting during the off-peak season, which is from May to September.

Yes, it’s hotter during this period, but you can find incredible deals on hotels and activities. Just remember to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen to beat the scorching heat.

Affordable Accommodation Options

Dubai offers a range of accommodation options to suit various budgets. While there are luxurious 5-star hotels aplenty, you can also find budget-friendly options like hostels, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels.

Booking well in advance and using hotel booking websites can help you secure great deals on your stay. Additionally, consider staying in areas like Deira and Bur Dubai, which tend to have more budget-friendly options while still offering easy access to the city’s attractions.

Local Transportation

Dubai’s public transportation system is clean, efficient, and budget-friendly. The Dubai Metro and buses cover most parts of the city and are an excellent way to get around. Invest in a NOL card , which provides discounted fares and can be used on all public transport options. Taxis are readily available, but they can be more expensive than public transportation, so use them sparingly.

Dining on a Budget

Eating out in Dubai doesn’t have to be a costly affair. While the city boasts high-end dining options, there are also numerous budget-friendly eateries and street food stalls. Try local dishes at places like Al Reef Bakery or visit the bustling Al Dhiyafah Road, known for its affordable and diverse culinary offerings. You can also save money by dining at food courts in shopping malls or enjoying international fast-food chains.

Plan Ahead and Book Tickets Online

Many popular attractions in Dubai offer discounts for online bookings. Whether it’s tickets to theme parks like IMG Worlds of Adventure or attractions like the Burj Khalifa, plan ahead and book your tickets online to save money and avoid long queues.

By pre-booking your tickets, you can also take advantage of special online discounts and combo offers that will help you save money. You can book your tickets to Dubai’s top attractions from Platinumlist.

Free and Low-Cost Things To Do In Dubai

Dubai is home to many free and low-cost attractions. While the most important attractions like At The Top, Dubai Aquarium, and more are a must-visit, you can balance out your budget by adding these pocket-friendly spots to your list.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain, located at the base of the Burj Khalifa in The Dubai Mall, is a stunning water and light show that’s absolutely free to watch. It operates in the evenings and is set to music, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. You can enjoy the show from the surrounding promenades or even from the water if you take a traditional Abra ride on the Dubai Fountain Lake.

The Dubai Mall is also home to many other exciting and fun things to do. Check out our full guide to Dubai Mall here to find out more.

Go for a Desert Safari

While desert safaris are often seen as a pricey adventure, there are budget-friendly options available. Look for tour operators that offer more economical packages. You can still experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding , and watching the sunset over the dunes without breaking the bank.

Find out everything you need to know about Desert Safari in Dubai with our full guide.

Visit The Beach

Dubai boasts numerous public beaches that are free to access. Jumeirah Beach is one of the most popular choices, offering soft white sands and clear blue waters. Enjoy a leisurely day at the beach, sunbathing, swimming, or simply taking in the beautiful views.

Check out our full guide to the best beaches in Dubai to find out more.

Global Village

Global Village is a multicultural festival park that operates from October to April and is one of the best places to visit in Dubai. Entrance is cheap and can be enjoyed by everyone. Global Village offers a glimpse into the cultures of over 90 countries and features a big arcade and rides area that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. You can also enjoy live performances, sample international cuisine, and shop for unique souvenirs from around the world.

Dubai Creek

Dubai Creek is the historical heart of the city and offers a glimpse into Dubai’s past. Stroll along the Creek’s promenade, where you can watch traditional wooden dhows loading and unloading goods. Visit the Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood nearby and explore the Al Fahidi Fort, which houses the Dubai Museum for a small fee.

Al Seef is a charming waterfront promenade along Dubai Creek that blends old-world charm with modern conveniences. It’s a great place for a leisurely walk, with its traditional architecture, shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can soak in the atmosphere without spending much.

Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden is the biggest flower park in the world, which opens during the cooler months from October to April. It is a colorful oasis in the desert, featuring an array of stunning floral displays and sculptures. While there’s an admission fee, it’s still on the lower side and the vibrant and unique sights make it a worthwhile budget-friendly attraction for nature lovers and photographers.

Deira Souq, also known as the Gold Souk, is a treasure trove for shoppers. While gold might be the primary attraction, the souq also features shops selling precious gems, jewelry, and watches. You can browse and marvel at the craftsmanship even if you don’t intend to make a purchase.

Expo 2020 Dubai was a significant event for the city. While the main expo concluded, the Expo City district continues to offer exhibitions, events, and cultural experiences. While the pavilions have a paid ticket, Expo City itself is free to visit and explore for everyone. You can explore the Wasl Dome and the Surreal Fountain and cycle around the area for a relaxing time.

Dubai Frame

The Dubai Frame is an architectural marvel that offers panoramic views of both old and new Dubai and is one of the most popular locations for tourists in the city. While there’s a modest entry fee, it’s worth it for the incredible vistas and the unique experience of standing in a giant picture frame.

JBR & Bluewaters Island

Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Bluewaters Island offer a lively atmosphere, with shops, restaurants, and a beachfront promenade. You can stroll along the beach, enjoy street performances, and take in the view of Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel. Both areas are interconnected by a water bridge and make for a nice stroll in the city.

Visit Dubai’s Public Parks

Dubai has many well-maintained parks and green public parks that are perfect for a relaxing day out and are often free or have a nominal entrance fee. Here are some of the best parks in Dubai that you can visit during your trip.

Zabeel Park: Located on the base of The Dubai Frame, Zabeel Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in the city. It features jogging tracks, barbecue areas, a mini golf course, and gorgeous views of the city.
Mushrif Park: Mushrif Park is another excellent option, especially for families. It has a mini petting zoo, riding stables, and extensive picnic areas. The entrance fee is budget-friendly, and you can spend hours enjoying the outdoor amenities.
Creek Park: Dubai Creek Park is a great spot for a day of relaxation and picnicking. It offers beautiful views of the creek and skyline, a mini-golf course, children’s play areas, and even a cable car ride. The entrance fee is reasonable.

Find all the best parks in Dubai with our full guide.

Shindagha Museum

For a look into the history and culture of the UAE, Shindagha Museum is a must-visit. The Shindagha Museum complex is a collection of historic buildings that have been transformed into museums that provide insight into Dubai’s rich history and culture. Admission fees are quite affordable, and you can explore the various museums, including the Perfume House, Dubai Creek House, and Heritage House.

Shopping on a Budget

Dubai is famous for its shopping malls and souks. If you’re a shopaholic on a budget, visit the Deira Gold Souk and Spice Souk for unique souvenirs and jewelry. For discounted shopping, head to outlet malls like Dubai Outlet Mall and Dragon Mart.

Free Entertainment

Dubai often hosts free outdoor events, concerts, and exhibitions, especially during festivals like Dubai Shopping Festival and Dubai Summer Surprises. Check the event calendars and enjoy some entertainment without spending a dime.

Looking for more budget-friendly things to do in Dubai? Check out our full guide here.

If you’re planning a trip to Dubai and need an itinerary that covers all the best spots in the city, check out our Ultimate Dubai Itinerary!

hungryoungwoman

Dubai on a Budget: 16 Cheap Things to do in Dubai

Last Updated on January 25, 2022 by hungryoungwoman

A trip to Dubai doesn’t necessarily have to be expensive despite it being termed as “one of the most expensive cities”. Sure, there are plenty of luxury things to do in Dubai, but what isn’t usually mentioned are the cheap things to do in Dubai which makes Dubai on a budget very easy.

Like my previous guides to Bangkok and Singapore , this Dubai budget trip plan will feature all the things you can do and experience without breaking the bank. Of course, a budget may be different for different people. What’s expensive to me might be affordable for you.

But, I try to give a general idea of how you can enjoy without having to experience luxury treatments. And you can always choose whether or not to indulge in such activities 🙂

This includes

Where to Stay in Dubai on a Budget:

The first step while planning is to pick between budget hotels in Dubai. There are numerous options to choose from depending on the area you want to stay in. I’ve written this in more detail in my guide on the best place to stay in Dubai for all budgets .

But just to give you a brief idea, here are two of my favorite Dubai budget hotels that have most of the facilities and are convenient:

Rove Hotels: This is always my number one! Rove Hotels are a concept by Emaar properties (who manage top luxury hotels in Dubai) who wanted to tap into a wider audience by introducing a line of the best budget hotels in Dubai.

These hotels are usually located near metro stations, have fantastic staff, comfortable rooms, and are very affordable. Located near Deira City Centre, Trade Centre, Dubai Marina, Healthcare City, and The Parks. Click to see their pictures and prices now

First Central Hotel Apartments: If you are a family traveling to Dubai and want to make your own food, these apartments have their own kitchenette and options for connecting rooms.

There is a convenience store at a walkable distance with free home delivery and a metro station just minutes away. Click here to see the current price

These are some more budget Dubai hotels meant for budget travel in Dubai:

Saffron Boutique Hotel

Star Metro Deira Hotel Apartments

Class Hotel Apartments

Armada BlueBay Hotel

5 Cheap Things to do in Dubai

There are dozens of cheap and free things to do in Dubai that it is too difficult to count or keep track of. Yes, I know there are probably more luxurious things too but unfortunately, most first-timers to Dubai are under the impression that Dubai can take a lot of your money.

Most tourists to Dubai don’t realize that only about 20% of this country is inhabited by locals and the rest are expatriates. Of which, most of them are working-class people who have a very tight budget every month. Hence, the need for things to do in Dubai on budget.

Here are the top 5 things to do in Dubai on the cheap!

Take a food tour in Old Dubai

If you truly want to experience the real side of Dubai, I would suggest a tour and stay in Old Dubai. You’ll find lots of things to do in Dubai on a budget here. The area is charming, has the best souqs, street food, and most of the historic buildings are located there

Take a trip to Deira where you will find markets buzzing in the evening. I personally love shawarma which is originally Lebanese but also done by Indians here. You have to try both versions to know your favorite (try the Mexican shawarma that most Indian cafeterias sell if you like spicy food!) For vegetarians, go for the traditional felafel made of chickpeas.

Here’s my ultimate guide on what to eat in Old Dubai, don’t read it when you’re hungry!

Cost: Most items range from AED 5 – 10

Shop at the old Souqs

Next, take in the souks and learn to haggle like a pro ’cause the shopkeepers might raise the price if you look very touristy! Some of the cheap things in Dubai souqs I like to buy are shawls, spices like za’atar and sumac, and dried rosebuds. I have a DIY walking tour that you can do in my itinerary for Dubai 7 days

Cost: Depends on your haggling skills 😉

Ride an abra

An abra is a traditional boat made of wood that was used during the olden times to cross water bodies. The souks, food tour, and riding the abra can easily be done in a day as all of these are located at close proximity to each other

One way costs just AED 1 ($0.27)

Light and water show at Festival City

The Imagine light and water show is another show you must experience after the dancing fountains at The Dubai Mall and is one of the best things to do in Dubai for free. What will be better is if you can snag a table at one of the restaurants in Dubai Festival City that have this view when the fountains start playing from 7 pm every day. There are lots of mid-range options available but can be easily booked during winter

Explore Dubai on the metro

Visit the metro, look at the map, and pick out a stop! Yes, get random like that and you never know how much you will end of liking that particular place or street. I feel most tourists only spend time here exploring the must visit tourist attractions in Dubai and miss out on the actual culture and life that is lived by residents like me

Cost: A ride on the metro costs a maximum of AED 7.50 with the Nol card

11 Cheap Places to Visit in Dubai

Tour the Jumeirah Mosque

To understand more about Islam, the main religion of the UAE, you should try to tour the Jumeirah Mosque. Every day at 10 am and 2 pm, tours are held to educate tourists and residents alike about the religion

It is best to dress modestly in this situation. Ladies should have their heads covered and arms and legs not showing. Men too should hide their knees. It is similar to how you should be dressed for any religious place

Check how to appropriately dress for the mosque in FAQs about what to wear in Dubai from my Dubai Packing List

Cost: AED 25 per person. More info here

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Take in the Burj al Arab from Kite Beach

Burj Al Arab is the sail-shaped building you would have seen on most souvenirs in Dubai. It is actually one of the most expensive hotels in Dubai and visits cannot take place without having a scheduled reservation at either the restaurants or to stay at the hotel.

However, the best way to take in AND capture the hotel is to picnic at Kite Beach. It is surely one of the most instagrammable places in Dubai so you must experience this.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah @ hungryoungwoman.com (@hungryoungwoman) on Dec 2, 2019 at 12:45am PST

I absolutely love visiting Kite Beach around the National Day here (2nd December) as they put up flags in one section of the beach. It’s so beautiful I tell you!

If you are not visiting during that time, there are plenty of options too. Activities, restaurants, or just having a swim in the waters will keep you busy for at least an evening.

Cost: Just one of the things to do for free in Dubai!

Stroll inside the mall

No budget travel Dubai guide will tell you not to visit The Dubai Mall. Seriously, there are so many fun things to do at the mall which are pretty cheap or even free! Yes, you will have to control yourselves from shopping at their many many retail stores and stay far away from the Fashion Avenue because that’s where the top brands are and that’s exactly what will take your money away (On another note, if you really don’t mind, do take a look and window shop. But the urge to spend is real!)

The Human Waterfall runs across three floors of the mall and is hard to miss if you are walking about. The waterfall depicts human structures diving into the waters and attracts lots of tourists.

Next is the Dubai Aquarium, whether you like sea animals or not, this will surely take your breath away. I always make it a point to stop by and look even if I’m just passing by the area. Of course, you cannot get very close to the glass but there is an alternative if you want to. Get up close with the sea animals here.

The dancing fountains are pretty popular and start every from 6 pm. They are then showcased every half an hour until around 11 pm. Not only are the fountains beautiful to watch, but the view of Burj Khalifa from the spot is spectacular!

I really recommend going up the tower to be at the highest point in the world even if you want to explore Dubai in one day . It’s a bucket list item and the feeling is just amazing! Look at the tickets here.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR TO VISIT AT THE TOP AT BURJ KHALIFA AND SKIP THE LINE!

Cost: Free except for going At the Top of Burj Khalifa

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

I’ve seen a lot of pictures of celebs and influencers around flamingos in Aruba, but you can get this in Dubai too! The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is Dubai’s best kept secret. Not even most of the residents know about or have been there.

Here you can watch flamingos and other species of birds. The timings are from 9 am until 4 pm and entrance is free

Catch the sunset at The Pointe

Visiting Dubai on a shoestring budget becomes quite easy when you have plenty of options available. The Pointe is located in Palm Jumeirah and hosts a number of retails shops and restaurants.

What’s best about the place is the beautiful view of the Atlantis from the beach. Instead of going all the way and trying to get a picture up close of the arch (it is very difficult to do that with crowds by the way!), capture the arch from a distance with the beach. I recommend this as one of the things to do in Dubai in the evening as the sky breaks up into colors which is breathtaking!

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Learn about the traditions of Dubai

Al Fahidi Neighborhood is located in Old Dubai and is easily accessible by the metro. you can do a DIY walking tour designed by me and complete the souqs, street food tasting, and museums on one day. I recommend visiting the Dubai Museum to learn about the history of the United Arab Emirates which will give you a good picture of the past and what you now see as the present Timings are from 8.30 am until 8.30 pm in the evenings from Saturday to Thursday. On Fridays, doors open from 2.30 pm until 8.30 pm

Cost: AED 3 entrance ticket for the Dubai Museum

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi - Itinerary for Dubai 7 Days

Take a bus to Abu Dhabi

There are several buses that travel from Dubai to the capital. If you’re researched for an Abu Dhabi guide you will see that the first thing that comes up in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. It’s one of my favorite places in the country as it is just so marvelous. I believe that you have to experience it in person to really appreciate it. Read this guide for more about how to travel to Abu Dhabi to see the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque on this Dubai budget tour

Cost: AED 25 per trip

Explore Dubai’s own Little India

If you’ve toured around Asian countries, you will notice that most countries have an area called Little India. Well, you can say that Meena Bazaar is that part of Dubai. Anything to do with Indian shopping for clothes, watches, jewelry, or wearables can be done here. There are also tiny restaurants with Indian street food that you can try as a break from shopping

Cost: Depends on what you buy!

Street Art in La Mer

If you like street art, then head to La Mer, I love how quirky the place is with its random designs and posters that are too hard to not take a picture of! La Mer is also a cool spot to try out a new restaurant or head to the beach

Visit the Global Village, Dubai

Winter months bring lots of activities here in Dubai. Undoubtedly the favorite place during that time is visiting the Global Village. It is an open themed carnival with stalls belonging to different countries. There are various performances, shows, things to eat, and shop. I recently wrote a full guide on things to do in Global Village which you can check for full information here

Cost: AED 15 entrance ticket

Dubai Creek Harbour

Another place to make your Dubai trip budget affordable is Dubai Creek Harbour. From this place, you can watch the beautiful skyline of Dubai which is not visible from many places here.

Dubai First-Timers

If you are traveling to Dubai for the first time, there are some things you should know about the United Arab Emirates. Located in the Middle East and sharing borders with Oman and Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates is a Muslim country but allows for diversity and respects all religions.

Keeping in line with the rules of the religion, the UAE is a modest country hence no PDA and using foul language in public is illegal.

There are a number of things you should know before visiting the city especially visiting Dubai during Ramadan which falls once a year and is a religious month.

Apart from that, there are guides I have written about the best season to visit Dubai and activities to do along with Dubai packing list which will make Dubai on budget relatively easy.

Dubai Budget Tour Packages

If your budget is a little high and you can allow for spending for a few activities, I suggest checking out the following Dubai Budget Tours. Clicking on each will give you more information about each activity:

Want to read more about Dubai? Click here to know everything!

Until then, happy traveling! xx

P.S. If you want to save and read later, then here are some pinnable versions 🙂

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7 thoughts on “ Dubai on a Budget: 16 Cheap Things to do in Dubai ”

Great post 🙂

I was in Dubai a couple years ago and wow I wish I’d had this guide then. Great list of ideas on budget things to do there!

You know where to head next time you’re coming here then 😉

Wow. Literally using this list next time im in Dubai! Thanks!!!!

Glad to help 🙂

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15 of the cheapest things to do in Dubai and Free Things to do in Dubai

When you think of Dubai, luxury resorts, towering skyscrapers, and high-end dining likely come to mind. However, there are plenty of places to visit in Dubai for free, making it possible to enjoy your time here on a budget.

Keep reading to discover Dubai’s best free attractions and cheapest things to do in Dubai. From historical neighborhoods to pristine beaches, this list has something for everyone.

If your visit to Dubai is by way of Dubai connect, read more on Dubai Connect here.

1. Marvel at the Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is a beautiful and captivating spectacle of light, music, and water that dances in choreographed patterns across the Burj Khalifa Lake in Downtown Dubai. Not to mention, this fountain is one of the most popular places to visit in Dubai for free! Located right outside the Dubai Mall, this is a must-do while visiting Dubai.

2. Window shop at Dubai Mall

The sprawling Dubai Mall is a world-famous shopping, entertainment, and dining destination, offering an array of luxurious and exciting experiences for visitors from all over the globe. The Dubai Aquarium is located inside the Dubai Mall. While it costs 70 Dirhams to tour the entire aquarium, you can see it for free by checking out the main tank in the mall. This massive spectacle is the world’s largest single acrylic panel, making this one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free.

3. Swim at Jumeirah Beach Corniche

Jumeirah Beach Corniche is a scenic waterfront walkway stretching along the Persian Gulf, providing visitors with stunning views and a pleasant atmosphere. Best of all, it is entirely free. While you’re here, splash in the water, soak up the sun, and enjoy an afternoon of rest and relaxation accompanied by white sand and blue water. Plenty of local shops and restaurants nearby mean there’s no shortage of dining options after a long day at the beach.

4. Visit the Old Souk

If you want to take a step back in time to Old Dubai, take a stroll through Old Souk, located in Bur Dubai. This traditional market offers a historical shopping experience, so it’s a great place to pick up some local goods or non-branded clothing. As you explore this charming market, you’ll likely notice hand-woven fabrics, local spices, potent perfumes, and dried fruits. There’s no better place to pick up a souvenir, making this one of the best and cheapest things to do in Dubai.

5. St. Mary’s Catholic Church

St. Mary’s Catholic Church is a beautiful and historic church that offers spiritual guidance and community outreach to the people of Dubai. Established in 1967, this is one of the oldest churches in the area, and this historical attraction is completely free to visit.

6. Experience the Grand Mosque

The Grand Mosque in Dubai is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, boasting intricate domes and minarets that mark the city’s skyline. This is one of the best places to soak in Dubai’s history and culture. At the entrance, you’ll notice Quranic inscriptions, along with the tallest Minaret in the city, domes of all sizes, and authentic interiors. Architecture enthusiasts and people of faith will surely enjoy this free place to visit in Dubai.

7. Take a picture with Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, which is also located in Dubai, is an architectural marvel that stands 2,717 feet tall, with 160 stories. While it costs money to get to the top, why pay extra when you can take a free selfie with it from down below? Whether you go to the top or stay at the bottom, this is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai.

8. Explore Burj Nahar

Burj Nahar was built in 1870, covering three watchtowers created to protect the city from outsiders. This monument was built with mud and coral stone, making this one of the most historical places to visit in Dubai for free. Today, Burj Nahar is surrounded by lush gardens, making it a particularly lovely place to spend an afternoon.

9. Relax on Kite Beach

Kite Beach in Dubai is a stunning beachfront oasis boasting powdery white sands, crystal clear waters, and breathtaking views of the iconic Dubai skyline. This shore is likely one of the best beaches in Dubai – plus, admission is free. Kitesurfing and kayaking are popular watersports at this beach, along with wakeboarding and paddle boarding. Enjoy sand volleyball and football along the shore if you’d rather stay out of the water. The 14-kilometer running track along the shore is also perfect for a scenic walk or run.

10. Tour the Coffee Museum

If you’re a coffee lover, this museum is a must-visit in Dubai. The Coffee Museum is an interactive and educational experience that showcases the history and culture of coffee from around the world. Visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits, learn about the different types of coffee, and enjoy a cup of joe at the on-site cafe. Best of all, museum admission is completely free! If you have some cash to spare, don’t forget about the gift shop, featuring books, recipes, barista equipment, and home brewing tools.

Read reviews of the coffee museum in Dubai

11. Ride an Abra

Abra means “to cross” in Dubai, so that’s exactly what you’ll do while riding an abra! This part-boat, part-raft structure crosses Dubai Creek. While an abra ride isn’t completely free, it only costs $0.30, so it’s worth mentioning! This traditional ferry system is a great way to experience Dubai like a local while admiring the city’s iconic skyline and traditional architecture.

12. Discover Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

While many travelers think of skyscrapers and luxury when it comes to Dubai, Al Fahidi shows another side of this city. Al Fahidi provides a glimpse into the city’s past with its traditional architecture, museums, narrow alleyways, and vibrant markets – it might even feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Exploring this fascinating neighborhood doesn’t cost a dime, making it one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free.

13. Hike in Hatta

Hiking in the beautiful mountain village of Hatta, located a short drive from the city, is one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free. Visiting this area is a great way to explore the stunning natural landscape and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hatta Heritage Village is situated in the Hajar Mountains, an important part of the UAE’s landscape. The town is surrounded by dramatic rocky terrain and is home to several archaeological sites, including ancient forts and watchtowers. It is also known for its traditional mud-brick architecture, providing visitors with a glimpse into the past. Hatta hosts a weekly camel market and a vibrant souk full of local crafts and souvenirs. Hatta is an excellent spot for outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and rock climbing. Several lakes and rivers are nearby, which are great for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and other water activities. Many visitors come here for paragliding, camping, and even to sample the local restaurant scene. While Hatta is a short day trip from Dubai, about an hour and a half drive away, it’s one of the best ways to experience this area authentically. Plus, exploring this area on foot doesn’t cost a thing!

14. Watch the flamingos

If you’re an animal lover, watching the flamingos is one of the best free things to do in Dubai, especially with kids. You can find these colorful birds near Ras Al Khor road – and there are plenty of them! You can also visit the Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary, which is free of charge. In this wildlife sanctuary, guests enjoy the hiding huts where you can use your binoculars to spot these incredible creatures. If you have a few dollars handy, enjoy the area’s kayaking, horseback riding, biking, and paragliding. There’s no better place to experience Dubai’s stunning nature and wildlife!

15. Stroll Alserkal Avenue

If you are an art enthusiast, Alserkal Avenue is one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free! Alserkal Avenue is an art and culture hub located in Al Quoz, an industrial area of Dubai. Founded in 2007, it has since become a vibrant district for the city’s cultural and creative community. The Avenue houses a variety of art galleries, design studios, concept stores, and creative spaces, as well as several innovative and educational initiatives. Alserkal Avenue was founded as a creative space for the city’s artistic and cultural community. Spanning an area of approximately 500,000 square feet, the Avenue is home to over 70 art galleries. Don’t forget about the variety of cultural events you’ll find here, such as artist talks, film screenings, art fairs, and workshops. If you get hungry after experiencing all that art, grab a bite to eat at the wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and bars throughout this district, providing a perfect place to relax and socialize. With its vibrant atmosphere and diverse range of activities, Alserkal Avenue has become a popular destination for residents and tourists.

Whether you want to experience the local history or marvel at the wildlife and landscapes, there are plenty of places to visit in Dubai for free. With so many free things to do, Dubai is an excellent spot for travelers on a budget!

Is Dubai Overrated?

15 of the cheapest things to do in Dubai and Free Things to do in Dubai

Is Dubai Worth Visiting?

Dubai is one of the most talked-about travel destinations, with its luxurious hotels, towering skyscrapers, and man-made islands. However, is it all worth the hype? Is Dubai worth visiting? I’m usually the person to run the other way when people are flocking to certain destinations. I can remember receiving several texts one Christmas morning about…

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10 Things to Do in Dubai on a Small Budget

What are the cheap things to do in dubai.

Dubai is often characterized by its extravagance, but you'll still find a variety of activities to enjoy even when traveling on a budget. You'll find numerous parks and other public places that are completely free to access while still offering unique and memorable experiences.

Even if you're splurging on certain parts of your vacation, it's still best to try to keep your budget under control when traveling, so there's always a benefit to enjoying places like this apart from their inherent attraction. Check out some of the best things to do in Dubai on a small budget.

The Dubai Fountain

See a choreographed fountain system.

The Dubai Fountain is a stunning fountain with a system of fountains and lights designed to work together to create a spectacular show accompanied by music. The fountain is located within Burj Khalifa Lake, which stretches for 12 hectares.

The lighting system in the fountain is quite advanced, with 50 color projectors and 6,600 lights. The water from the fountain shoots up to 500 feet in the air. It's accompanied by a wide range of music from classical to contemporary Arabic. You'll find it in the city centre at the foot of the Burj Khalifa tower.

Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 4 567 2030

Zabeel Park

Check out a vibrant park.

Zabeel Park is a lovely urban park that covers a large space and offers numerous walking paths and entrance gates for your convenience. In addition to the well-kept walking paths, you'll also find pedestrian bridges and different sections to explore.

When you visit this park, which is fairly affordable to access, you can enjoy a variety of activities besides simply walking. You'll also find live music performances here, as well as a skatepark and miniature cricket pitch. See it for yourself just northeast of the Trade Center.

Location: Zabeel Neighborhood, Near Al Jafiliya Metro Station - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 8 am to 10 pm, Thursday–Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm

Phone: +971 50 725 2994

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Dubai creek, find fun around a natural creek.

Dubai Creek is a fun waterway that's home to a variety of things to do along its banks and in the water itself. Around the edges you'll find several stunning restaurants, but if you're not looking to spend anything, you can just enjoy the stunning views along the walkways.

No trip to the creek would be complete without an abra ride. The fee is one of the cheapest you'll find among the city's attractions, and you can journey across the water to the features on the other side. It's located east of the city centre and west of Dubai Festival City.

Location: Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Jumeirah Public Beach

Enjoy a strip of public sand.

Jumeirah Public Beach is a popular beach that lets you enjoy fun on golden sands as well as in the welcoming turquoise waters of the gulf. The whole family can find fun here as well, thanks to the children's playground area.

You'll find plenty to do at this beach, which is open from the early morning to well after sundown. Just make sure you avoid visiting during the afternoon if you're trying to avoid the crowds. You'll find it north of Umm Suqeim 3, which is southwest of the city centre.

Location: Jumeirah - Jumeirah 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Dubai Museum

Explore local history.

The Dubai Museum is a popular museum housed in an old building that contains numerous artifacts of local history from long before the discovery of oil in Dubai. It's located in Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest building in the city dating back to 1787. The museum itself opened in 1971.

Inside, you'll find a wealth of knowledge and artifacts, with some dating back as far as 3000 BCE. You'll find old musical instruments and mannequin displays showcasing historic food stalls and pearl merchants. You'll find it in the Al Fahidi district north of the city centre.

Location: Al Fahidi Fort - Al Fahidi - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Phone: +971 800 33222

Global Village

Visit an international shopping destination.

Global Village is a massive shopping and entertainment destination with cultures from 90 countries on display that you can visit for free. Even if you don't plan on buying anything at the shops here, just seeing the wide variety of cultures is a great activity to do on a budget.

The village is organized into 4 main sections including events, carnivals, food and shopping. While some of the shops here can be quite costly, that's not the case for all of them, so you can still stay on budget. Global Village is a few miles south of the city centre near Majan.

Location: Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road - Exit 37 - E311 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Open: Sunday–Wednesday from 4 pm to midnight, Thursday–Saturday from 4 pm to 1 am

Phone: +971 4 362 4114

Enjoy sights and smells

Spice Souk is a legendary market that offers a variety of spices, recipes and flavors that delight the senses and are fairly affordable. You'll find a diverse array of items available with Arabic spices being only the beginning of everything it has to offer.

In this market, you'll find spices from all over the world, though most come from the local subcontinent. Nuts and oils are also available, so you'll find everything you need to bring out the stunning taste of your recipes. Enjoy the aroma in Al Ras across the river north of the city centre.

Location: 41 34th St - Deira - Al Ras - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Open: Daily from 9 am to 11 pm

Phone: +971 50 222 3627

Dubai Marina

Visit an artificial canal city.

Dubai Marina is a man-made canal city that was created in 2003 and offers stunning and impressive views along with plenty of walks and beaches. Lots of shops and restaurants are available along the marina, with some that are friendly for budget-conscious travelers.

Visiting this marina lets you explore a marvel of engineering that even the wildlife seems to appreciate. Despite the canal being artificial, whales are often seen in the water after entering from the open sea nearby. It's located south of the city centre along the coast.

Marina Beach

Find fun at a beach.

Marina Beach is a freely accessible beach where you'll find golden sands and a relaxing atmosphere among what is normally reserved for upper-class living. This beach is a part of Dubai Marina, so it's surrounded by high-end resorts and shops.

The beach is free to access and open to the public, so you can visit while on a budget without a problem. Plus, some of the food stands around the beach let you enjoy a quick bite without breaking the bank. You'll find it on the western end of the marina far southwest of the city centre.

Location: Dubai Marina - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Enjoy outdoor fun

Al Qudra is a collection of lakes among a desert oasis where you'll find various outdoor adventures with stunning views and diverse wildlife. If you're looking to get active, you can go on hikes and boat rides through the water and its surrounding natural neighborhoods.

Quite a few bird species call this area home, with about 170 different species being visible including flamingos, geese and swans. Desert foxes are also common here. You'll find Al Qudra about 45 minutes south of the city centre by automobile.

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.

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16 Affordable Destinations To Visit In Dubai

One of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.), Dubai is both a province and the eponymous capital city. This modern, glittering, coastal metropolis is where the UAE's vast oil-derived fortunes are brazenly on display — this place is no shrinking wallflower. The population of marquee architectural wonders, giant malls, vertigo-inducing skyscrapers, and fleets of high-octane sports cars have created a globally recognized image of fast-living, faster-developing Dubai.

And yet, this city works hard to keep in touch with its past, some of it very much alive and thriving. For visitors on a budget, the city offers a wealth of things to do and see that won't have them draining their bank account within seconds of touchdown. From unique museums that celebrate the emirate's humble beginnings to realms where gold stretches as far as the eye can see, Dubai is home to affordable alternatives that perfectly complement the city's more ostentatious, outlandish, and outrageous features.

Take a look at today's Dubai — the shiny towers, the canyon of skyscrapers that soar above the surrounding, pancake-flat land, the spanking new malls, and the exotic cars that roar through the streets — and it's hard to imagine what the city used to be like. But an older, low-rise part of Dubai still exists, and you can see it in Deira, which embodies the emirate of days past. It stands as a sober contrast to the glitz and glamor that floods public perception.

To get a feel for the place, take an abra, or water ferry, to Deira. Costing less than $0.50 and crossing Dubai Creek, these bare-bones wooden boats are a fine introduction to the practical, no-frills area of Deira, one where you will come across old souks, cheap places to eat, narrow alleyways full of history, and the under-appreciated expats that plays a critical role in the city's day-to-day running.

The Dubai Fountain

For fans of the silver screen, the Burj Khalifa building might look familiar — it's the tower that Tom Cruise scaled in "Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol." For others, the Dubai landmark stands out for its superlatives. It's the world's tallest building (more than 2,700 feet in height), the world's tallest free-standing structure, and has the highest outdoor observation deck in the world (hold on to your hats, it's windy up there). Sitting in front of this soaring, needle-like structure is the Dubai Fountain, which, not surprisingly, boasts an accolade of its own — it's the tallest performing fountain in the world.

More than being a siphon that regurgitates water in pretty arcs, the Dubai Fountain is a spectacle that's become a tourist attraction, with jets stretching along 900 feet of a 30-acre lake. Alongside the water, the bright lights and color projectors perform choreographed movements and displays to classical tunes, Arabic favorites, and even cinematic soundtracks. Best of all, it's free to watch, though tickets are available for the Boardwalk viewing platform in the lake.

Located in Deira, the Gold Souk is a glittering prize, quite literally. An old, traditional market, it comprises shop after shop with shiny gold items, from chunky bangles and necklaces to slender, ornate earrings and rings. The choices are overwhelming, and while the place isn't for the budget-minded shopper, it's a great place to window shop and if you do purchase, know that prices are reasonable (relatively speaking!). Given the bright lighting and the amount of gold on show here, it sometimes feels like you're staring into the eye of the sun as you walk around.

Gold, however, isn't the only pricey item sold here, with diamond jewelry and precious gems also offered. A three-minute walk away finds the Spice Souk, just as notable for its variety of colors as the Gold Souk is known for its ubiquity of gilt. This market is a feast for the eyes and senses, with vibrantly colored dried flowers and herbs piled into woven containers, and the fragrant scent of ground spices filling the air. Close by, the achievements of women in the U.A.E. come under the spotlight at the Women's Museum, where entry is U.A.E. Dirhams 20 (about $5.50).

Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology Musuem

With a name that translates to way of the iron, this museum, that costs U.A.E. Dirhams 20 to enter, looks at archaeological finds from a remote metalworking hub discovered in the desert, and that dates back three thousand years. The building itself reflects the arid surroundings, an angular, sand-colored structure situated in the city's heritage district. Inside, the collection catalogs items found in the dunes of southern Dubai in 2002 by Dubai's ruler who, while on a helicopter ride, noticed uneven patterns in the dunes below.

Archaeologists worked tirelessly to uncover what lay beneath, and the fruits of their efforts are beautifully displayed. Visit and you'll see arrowheads made from flint stone, and a bronze axe with a tapered head that speak of the fine craftsmanship of the time. Audiovisual displays recreate the excavation site while workstations in a laboratory section allow you to get a feel for the arduous exertion made by the specialists who sift through the sands.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Despite all the totems in Dubai that attest to the achievements of humankind, the emirate is also no stranger to areas of outstanding natural beauty. These include the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, which sits on the edge of the city, close to the design district. Entry to this refuge is free, with no need to make prior appointments or bookings — you just walk in, show identification to register, and enjoy the sights.

While the views of the skyline are pretty spectacular seen across the waters of Dubai Creek, the real reason to come here is for the abundant bird life, with three dedicated spots set aside to watch these avian wonders. The Lagoon Hide sits by the still creek, and from this vantage, you can spot raptors and waders. No visit to Ras Al Khor is complete with a stop at the Flamingo Hide, with thousands of flamingos lending the foreground a vivid pink tint.

Alserkal Avenue

It's hard to justly describe what Alserkal Avenue is — it's certainly not just the name of a road, as its label suggests. More accurately, this is a contemporary arts entrepot located in one of the city's industrial sectors. Established in 2007 by a local entrepreneur, Alserkal Avenue is a 500,000-square-foot assemblage of buildings and spaces that play host to edgy contemporary art galleries, organizations that focus on the arts, fashion labels, performance and community spaces, and new businesses eager to tap into the local market.

This is a buzzing hub, one where ideas thrive and the energy of innovation and creativity pulses through the place, which is free to wander. In addition to all those cottage industries, Alserkal Avenue is also where to find Concrete, a multi-dimensional exhibition space that can host art exhibitions, fashion shows, dance performances, and more, and was designed by the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, founded by avant-garde Dutch starchitect Rem Koolhaas.

Located right in the heart of Dubai, next to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall has stats that make it seem like a bonafide tourist attraction rather than a complex for shopping. More than 100 million people pass through its doors each year, visiting the 1,200 shops scattered throughout the center. Some also come to eat at the 200 restaurants, or experience the various attractions that are here, including an ice rink. It's popular, and also elegant, with plenty of natural light, attractive pieces of public art, and beautiful white Statuario marble floors.

The two main parts of the mall are Fashion Avenue, where luxury designer brands vie for your attention (and money), and the Souk Al Bahar, or sailor's market, with shopping, dining, and views of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain. This is a fabulous location to do some window shopping, and even better, you can look into the vast tank of next door's Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo for free — this is also a popular spot, so don't expect to be alone.

Even though Dubai's vertical achievements might grab all the headlines, there remain fantastic facets of the city that are more, geographically speaking, down to earth. The city offers fantastic beaches, which can be comfortably enjoyed for free, year-round, thanks to the emirate's climate (warm winters, scorching summers, a mix of the two in between, and virtually no rain). Though some beaches are private, reserved for the guests of hotels and resorts, visitors aren't starved of stretches of sand that are free to roam.

Jumeirah Beach is a long stretch of sand dotted with five-star properties, making access to some parts of it off-limits for the casual beachgoer. The free section is at Jumeirah Open Beach (also known as Jumeirah Public Beach), a pretty slice of sand that has excellent views of the sail-shaped, iconic Burj Al Arab. For a closer view of Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah (a scattering of artificial islands with homes, resorts, and restaurants), head to the Lilliputian Al Sufouh Beach. And for some visual stimulation beyond just turquoise seas and soft sand, Kite Beach is a haunt for kite surfers young and old.

Majlis Ghorfat Um Al Sheif

Visiting the home of a royal family is always a treat, palatial spreads that are an eye-opening introduction to how the lives of the rich and famous operate on a different plane from us mere mortals. This place, a former summer home of one of Dubai's rulers, might fall into the category of a royal residence, but it's a much more restrained experience than the typical regal retreat.

It was originally built in 1955 in the Jumeirah part of the city (so it's very central), where a date plantation once stood, and today costs U.A.E. Dirham 3 (about $0.80) to enter. A modest structure, restored in the 1990s and transformed into a museum, it is made of coral and the soft mineral gypsum, using smart architectural techniques to ensure constant ventilation. Highlights include the terrace where dates were dried and where residents slept on cool nights, filled with artifacts like copper buckets, local rugs, and daggers that speak to its former existence.

Naif Museum

Housed in a building of clay, this free Deira museum, located where Naif Street becomes Sikkath Al Khail Road, traces the evolution of Dubai's police force. Opened in 1939 as a main police station and also a small prison, the institution now sits next to a functioning police station, seamlessly bringing together the past and the present. People might wonder what the police force does in Dubai, given that the emirate has exceptionally low crime rates — there is very little tolerance of criminal acts, with foreigners that are guilty of crime deported, a deterrent that has proved to be extremely effective.

Inside this small exhibition space, where entry is free, you'll peruse mannequins dressed in old police uniforms, wander past displays of police weapons like sturdy long-barrelled rifles and chunkier, powerful machine guns, and look over police documentation and images pulled from the station's huge trove of archives.

Jumeirah Mosque

The U.A.E., like most countries in the Middle East, counts Islam as its dominant religion, and mosques can be found all over the nation. Dubai is no exception, with places of worship dotted around the city, though perhaps none is as striking as the Jumeirah Mosque. Its doors first opened in 1979, gifted to Dubai by its former leader Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (the father of the emirate's current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum).

It's a graceful, elegant structure, with the capacity to hold 1500 worshippers, with architecture synthesized from styles found in Egypt and Syria. While Muslims will come here to pray throughout the day, anyone can visit this manmade beauty. Public visits, available most days of the week, cost U.A.E. Dirham 35 (about $9.50), and are part of a program called "Open Doors. Open Minds" that aims to further understanding of the religion. The tour comes with a guide who can answer any questions, the opportunity to take photographs, and light refreshments.

Textile Souk

In Bur Dubai, across the creek from Deira, the Textile Souk promises visitors a riot of color. Its location places it close to a Shiva Hindu temple (free to visit) and also the Dubai Museum (a fabulous destination that is the oldest building in the emirate, but that is currently closed). Every imaginable fabric — in every imaginable shade — is for sale at this market that inspires many a cherished outfit.

You'll find stalls with silk, cotton, embroidered fabrics, rolls of cloth in every hue and at prices that will align with any budget. And for wannabe fashion designers — or hobby-horse dabblers in clothes making — the bazaar is also the perfect spot to source accessories like buttons, lace, sequins, bows, rivets, and stones. Beyond unfinished textiles, visitors can purchase ready-made clothing and shoes, cushions (with beautifully embroidered covers), carpets, shawls, and much more to make you, and your home, look great.

Dubai Marina

Sure skyscrapers, fast cars, and sparkling jewels all scream money, but so do boats, especially large, gleaming ones that nestle alongside those soaring towers. Dubai Marina is both a place where you'll encounter plenty of those yachts, and the name of a swish neighborhood that has resorts, fancy residential apartment buildings, fabulous places to eat, and plenty of excellent photo subjects. Anchoring the district is the Dubai Marina Mall, with high-end stores galore and an indoor play area for children called Jump N Fun.

To get a sound handle on the area, take a stroll along the Dubai Marina Walk. A paved walkway that curls around the marina's waterfront, the path will bring you past shops and restaurants (some have al fresco terraces to let you soak in the view over a nibble), open-air plazas that host performances and pop-up events, and of course, past the scores of yachts that will turn you green with envy.

Global Village

This world is a rich and varied place, one whose people have so much in common, and yet whose differences are cause for celebration, not division. That wealth of commonality and diversity is explored through entertainment, food, and public spaces at the Global Village, located in the outer reaches and reachable by public buses. Ladies and families might want to visit on Tuesdays, a day set aside for them. While some travelers might find the idea of this theme park a little kitschy, there's something earnest and admirable about a destination that showcases the distinctive cultures found across the planet.

Pavilions illustrate the architecture and artistry from different parts of the world (great places to take photos that show you've traveled around the globe in a few hours), while more than 200 restaurants and stalls highlight the culinary prowess of a catalog of countries. Entertainment includes live acrobatic shows, workshops with film directors, musical performances, and even the chance to learn Bollywood dance moves. Entry starts at U.A.E. Dirhams 18 (about $5).

Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House

A historical part of Bur Dubai, Al Shindagha sits across the creek from Deira, and it's where the forefathers of the current ruler settled in the late 1800s, declaring independence from the neighboring (and largest) emirate Abu Dhabi. It's a part of the city that is deeply connected to the royal family, a heritage district today, and home to the Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House. This former compound of the royal family bears the name of the grandfather of Dubai's current leader and is where he lived from 1912-1958.

The building, a seedling that sprouted in 1896 before expanding to its present-day footprint, is anchored by three breathtaking courtyards. In addition to the open spaces, the complex captures the imagination through wind towers that catch and circulate air, arched doorways, and vaulted ceilings. You'll also pore over ornately carved teak doors, old coins, rare stamps, and views of the creek from the terrace. Entry is only U.A.E. Dirham 3 (about $0.80).

Another fine public beach not to miss is La Mer (French for The Sea, not a particularly original name for a beach), where the fine sand is complemented by family friendly rides and attractions. What makes it even more attractive as a destination is that the area around it has some astounding, Instagram-primed street art. While there aren't any specific streets or spots where it's concentrated, the shopping areas near the waterfront and the waterpark have plenty to show — you'll find murals on corrugated panels on the side of buildings, colorful paintings on walls, whimsical portraits and scenes that incorporate public pipes, and splashes of creativity where you might not expect it.

Some of the highlights include a pair of bright angel wings, a child with a blue face sipping from a straw that's actually a pipe painted red-and-white, a giant faucet on the side of a building with painted drips of water on the ground below, and a purse-lipped kid with sunglasses on urging you to stay cool. Now that's cool.

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Dubai on a budget: 10 things to do in Dubai for under Dh20

If you want to enjoy the city on a budget, here are 10 fun activities to indulge in that cost less than dh 20.

Rida Jaleel

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Dubai is an expensive city, and you need money in order to do many things here. It’s true – but only partly! Dubai is a city for all people. There are plenty of exciting things that you and your family or friends can do this weekend on a budget. Be it sightseeing, exploring history, or having a bite of the best that the city has to offer, here are 10 things that you can do in Dubai for Dh 20 or less!

Visit the Spice Souk

Located in Deira, the Dubai Spice Souk is a sight for sore eyes and tastebuds. It is a street market that sells not just a wide variety of spices, but also perfumes, textiles, and even cloth! The Spice Souk is one of Dubai’s oldest and most iconic streets and is known for having spices and dry fruits from across the world – Pakistan, Turkey, India, Iran, etc. Not only is it a mela of colour and taste, but you can buy high-quality authentic spices at bargain-worthy prices here.

Entry fee: Free

Stop by the Sikka Art Fair

One visit to the Sikka Art Fair and you will find it unbelievable that the entire exhibit is out there for the general public for free! The Sikka Art and Design Festival takes place in Al Fahidi once a year (typically in February - March). It is a flagship event under the Dubai Art Season that puts together thousands of local and international artists and their works under a single umbrella. It is a truly enriching experience, and the Sikka is also known for its cultural events and food joints that only add to the beauty of your visit!

See the Dubai Canal

The 3.2km canal flowing into the Arabian Gulf, has now turned the major parts of Dubai, including Business Bay, parts of Jumeirah, a major portion of old Dubai including Bur Dubai, Zabeel, Karama, Oud Metha and Satwa, into an island. — Photos by Shihab, Juidin Bernarrd and Neeraj Murali

The Dubai Canal is a man-made waterway that connects Dubai Creek to the Arabian Gulf. But apart from this function, the Canal is also a massive attraction as it is lined with thousands of coloured lights and is a true architectural wonder. The canal also has running tracks, footpaths, cycling lanes, as well as a wide range of cafeterias and eateries to stop by once you’re tired from the walk.

Visit the Dubai Museum

The Dubai Museum is an iconic Dubai landmark that you ought to visit at least once in your lifetime. Not only is it built in a beautiful sandstone fort that was established in 1787, but it will grant you a glimpse into life in the Emirate in the past. It showcases weapons, architecture, houses, souks, professions, etc., in the region before Dubai attained the glamour that we see today. The Dubai Museum is especially a must-visit for children who will definitely gain a new-found appreciation for the city’s history.

Entry fee: Dh 3 for Adults | Dh 1 for Children

Board the Dubai Marina Water Bus

If you love watching the waters from within the safety of a water bus, the Dubai Marina Water Bus is the ride for you! Considered a step up from the traditional Abra, the Dubai Marina Water Bus plies every 15 to 20 minutes from 10 am to 11 pm on weekdays and from 12 pm to 12 am on weekends and public holidays. There are three water bus lines currently:

Dubai Marina Walk – Marina Terrace

Dubai Marina Mall – Marina Promenade

Dubai Marina Walk – Dubai Marina Mall

Fee: Dh 3 – 5 per ride | Dh 25 for a daily pass

Grab a bite at Manoushe Street

Dubai has a wide range of street food options that are both delicious and won’t hurt your wallet! Manoushe Street is a hidden gem of an eatery that offers authentic Lebanese dishes at strikingly low prices. It has many branches across Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman and offers delivery services too. Some of the Middle Eastern specialities served on the menu here are Lebanese Zaatar, Fatayers, Pizzas, Fattoush, Kahoulehs, Cheesecakes, Baked Haloumi, Kaak Picon, etc.

Visit the Perfume House, Shindagha Museum

Perfume is a huge part of Arab culture and is considered auspicious and integral. Be it Oudh, Bakhoor, or Muattar, these perfumes are produced in different ways that play a big role in Arabian history. If you’re a perfume fanatic or are just curious about how Arabian perfumes are created, the Perfume House in the Shindagha Museum is a great place to visit. Located inside the former house of the late H.H. Sheikha Sheikha Bint Saeed Al-Maktoum, the exhibit includes many personal artefacts and collections, while shedding light on the production methods and uses of these perfumes.

Entry fee: Dh 10 per family

Walk on the Floating Boardwalk at the Dubai Fountain

The floating boardwalk by the tallest performing fountain in the world allows you the illusion of walking on water. The water fountain, which is a mélange of colours, lights, water, and music, can now be witnessed at a touching distance with the help of the 272-meter-long boardwalk. It offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the Dubai Fountain!

Entry fee: Dh 20 per person

Visit the Women’s Museum

Image courtesy official website of Women's Museum.

Another underrated spot to visit this weekend is the Women’s Museum located in the old Gold Souq, Deira. The Bait al Banat comprises 2 galleries; Gallery 1 consists of temporary exhibitions by emerging female artists, and Gallery 2 is a space for future collaborations with international artists and forums. The Women’s Museum is a space of great inspiration and insight into the lives of Emirati women and female artists worldwide. It is an important and empowering spot entirely worth the visit.

Ride on the Palm Monorail

If you want a day trip across the splendid man-made island of Palm Jumeirah, then you should definitely take the Palm Monorail. The monorail is a mode of transportation that can be availed of using your NOL card, that is both functional as well as aesthetic. It has various stops that can give you a gorgeous overview of the islands, including the Palm Gateway, The Pointe, the Palm Fountain, the Atlantic Aquaventure, Nakheel Mall, etc.

Cost: Dh 10 - 20 per ride | Dh 35 for a full-day pass

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20 places to visit in the UAE for free or less than Dh20

Lifestyle community.

Enjoy a great time with friends and family in the UAE for free or for tickets under Dh20 per person

What kind of tourist are you? We have a list of fun places to visit for all kinds of tourists, whether you are a lover of nature and animals or someone who likes a cultural stroll in the UAE; all of that without breaking your wallet.

For the outdoorsy ones:

Zabeel park.

Zabeel Park is perhaps one of Dubai’s greatest recreational offers in terms of greenery close to the city centre. Head there to cool off and have some fun this weekend be it the barbeques, the playgrounds, the amphitheatre’s atmosphere or to see the Dubai Garden Glow nearby.

Location: Near Jafiliya Metro Station; Cost: Dh5 per head; Timings: Sunday to Wednesday, 8am to 10pm, Thursday to Saturday and official holidays: 8am to 11pm; Contact 04 398 6888

People crossing the Dubai creek in an Abra

If you want to the beat the heat without having to drive all the way to the beach, why not go for an Abra ride instead? It's definitely an enjoyable experience.

Location: Bur Dubai (Creekside); Cost: Dh 1 per ride; Timings: Daily, 5am to 12am (midnight)

Jebel Hafeet

Stare in awe at the UAE’s natural beauty as you drive, cycle (or perhaps, if you have the strength, walk up) to the top of UAE’s second highest peak.

Overlooking the Oman border and the beauty of Al Ain, explore the many forts, museums and tombs in the surrounding tourist paradise while you’re at it.

Location: Al Ain; Cost: Free; Timings: Head up there anytime you want

Hatta Pools

Want to find yourself in the middle of a windows-wallpaper-worthy backdrop? Look no further than good-old Hatta. The drive’s worth it as you wade feet-first into the pristine green-blue waters that form the center-piece of the gritty rocks around them.

Do make sure to carry your Emirates ID and other verification documents with you since the pools are technically in Oman. Explore the rich, well-preserved culture of Hatta on the way too, by visiting the Heritage Village if it’s open.

Location: Hatta; Cost: Free; Timings: There are no particular restrictions

Sharjah National Park

Enjoy greenery for as far the eye can see as you stroll through over 100 acres of Sharjah’s largest Park and take in the beauty of all the flora and fauna around you.

Location: Al Dhaid Road, Sharjah; Cost: Dh 2 per head; Timings: Daily 8am to 10pm (on weekdays 1 to 4pm, the park remains closed though); Contact: 06 545 8996

Al Mamzar Park

Relax under the trees in the serene park or enjoy the calming blue of the beach.

Location: Al Khaleej Road, Al Mamzar, Dubai; Cost: Dh5 per head; Timings: Sundays to Wednesdays: 9am to 9pm, Thursday to Saturday or public holidays: 9am to 10pm; Ladies Days – Monday and Wednesday; Contact: 04 296 620a

Saruq Al Hadid Museum

Learn about the Arabian Peninsula’s Iron Age at the newly-opened museum in Dubai’s Historical District - a confluence of the past and the present.

Location: Shindaga District, Dubai; Cost: Dh 20 per head; Timings: Sundays to Wednesdays: 8am to 8pm, Thursday to Saturday: 8am to 2pm; Contact: 04 353 9090

For hailing culture fans:

Shaikh saeed al maktoum's house.

This is the place to be if you want to gain an in-depth insight into the history of Dubai as you explore the residence of a former ruler of Dubai (the grandfather of the present ruler). While retaining the old charm of a residence, the house has also been converted into a museum with an impressive collection of exhibits.

Location: Al Shindaga, Bur Dubai; Cost: Dh 3 per head; Timings: Saturday to Thursday 8pm to 8.30pm; Friday: 3pm to 9.30pm; Contact: 04 393 7139

Al Ain Classic Car Museum

Automobile enthusiasts have to head to Al Ain's Classic Car Museum. Check out cars you don't see anymore and meet like-minded individuals from the Classic Car Club that manages the venue.

Location: Al Faida Complex, Al Ain City; Cost: Dh 5 per head; Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9am to 5pm; Friday: 4pm to 8pm; Contact: +971 50 623 1323

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

Walk the streets and experience old Dubai just across the Metro Station which proves Dubai’s prowess as a modern city. Al Fahidi retains its 20th Century architecture and quaint little ways; in the process, transporting you back to a way of life centred around the creek and community.

Location: Bur Dubai, Dubai; Cost: Free Timings, Al Fahidi’s always open to visit but make sure you pick a time which enables you to visit the nearby shops and museum; Contact: 04 515 5000

Sharjah Arts Museum

Art admirers, this is your place to be over the weekend. Sharjah’s Art Museum features not just a permanent gallery of paintings by famous artists from the Middle East but hosts a variety of workshops on a regular basis as well.

Location: Al Shuwaihiyeen, near Al Corniche post office, Sharjah; Cost: Free; Timings: Saturday to Thursday 8am to 8pm, Friday 4pm to 8pm; Contact: 06 568 8222

Qaryat Al Torath Heritage Village

This heritage village offers you a chance to see traditional practices and handicraft-making at work. 32 stalls at the station also gives you the opportunity to take these home as souvenirs. Make sure you head there and contribute to keeping Bedouin tradition alive.

Location: Al Ain; Cost: Dh 5 per head; Timings: Daily, 9am to 1pm and 5pm to 10pm

Shaikh Zayed Grand Mosque

One of few mosques of its scale that welcomes non-worshippers, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque stands testament to the vision of the man it is named after, a vision of both splendor and majesty. One of Abu Dhabi’s cultural landmarks, the mosque is a must-visit for anyone who’s every stepped foot in the UAE.

Location: Between Maqta, Mussafah and Shaikh Zayed bridges; Cost: Free; Timings: Saturday to Thursday 9am to 10pm, Friday 4:30 pm to 10pm; Contact: +971 2 419 1919

When you walk into the streets of the Gold Souk - Dubai, all that glitters probably is gold or maybe a precious stone. If you’re afraid you haven’t tested out your haggling skills yet (the good-humored kind, don’t become the despicable customer), this is the perfect place to do so.

Location: Deira, Dubai; Cost: It’s free until you start buying; Timings: Saturday to Thursday 10 am to 10pm, Friday 4pm to 10pm

Jumeirah Mosque

A centre for cultural learning, it is the only mosque in Dubai that welcomes non-Muslims six days a week. The architecture is beautiful and evocative of the Fatimid style. In order to take a guided tour, make sure you arrive a little earlier into the daytime. The tour also includes traditional food.

Location: Jumeirah Beach Road; Cost: Dh20 (includes a tour and some refreshments); Timings: Daily 9 am to 5pm except Friday, tours start at 10am; Contact: 04 353 6666

For the Animal Admirer:

Dubai safari.

Dubai Safari has closed for the summer but is perfect for a family day out to go say hi to over 300 species of animals and birds.

Location: Al Warqa

Sharjah Desert Park

The Sharjah Desert Park is a 4-in-1 package as visiting the site does not just mean you visit a botanical park but a natural history museum, a wildlife centre and a children’s farm as well. Get familiar with Arabian flora and fauna at this beautiful venture by the Environmental and Protected Areas Authority of Sharjah.

Location: Al Batayeah, Al Dhaid Road, Interchange 9, Sharjah; Cost: Dh 15 per head; Timings: Sunday to Thursday 9am to 6pm; Friday 2pm to 6 pm; Saturday 11am to 6pm; Contact: 06 531 1501

For a City Stroll:

Dubai water canal boardwalk.

Take your time along the beautifully illuminated walkways and pedestrian bridges that overlook the Dubai water canal and enjoy the sight of the mechanical waterfall. It’s a perfect place to take photos and just enjoy any cool evening. The Wi-Fi is really good too.

Location: Near Business Bay Metro Station; Cost: Free; Timings: Between 8pm and 10pm are the most recommended, but otherwise, it’s always open.

Masdar City

The city of the future’s…already present? Masdar is custom-built to advance sustainable development and its centre-piece is the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. Open to all visitors throughout the day, your journey there will begin in a pod-like unmanned vehicle; the PRT. Enjoy as you explore a city by science, of science and for science - the city of the future.

Location: Near Abu Dhabi International Airport; Cost: Free; Timings: Sunday to Thursday 8am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to 10pm; Contact: 02 653 3333

Shaikh Zayed Bridge

A marvel of both engineering and architecture, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge makes for a better visit by foot than by car. Enjoy the sight of subtle coloured lights illuminating the bridge with a design intended to evoke the image of undulating waves and sand-dunes. The signatures of the UAE.

Location: Abu Dhabi; Cost: Dh 0; Timings: None

- Nikitha is journalism student and works as an intern at Guides

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Top neighborhoods to explore in Dubai

Mar 30, 2021 • 8 min read

Dubai beach La Mer, people rest, in the distance the skyscrapers of the city. United Arab Emirates Dubai March 2019

Plan your time in each of Dubai's neighborhoods to make the most of your visit © Sergey Sokolnikov / Getty Images © © Sergey Sokolnikov / Getty Images

Stretching through the desert sands, Dubai is a sprawling city, the largest in the United Arab Emirates. On a trip to Dubai, it pays to plan your time wisely so that you aren't packing too many far-flung sights and activities into a single day. Instead of trying to do it all, get to know Dubai's fascinating array of neighborhoods one at a time.

Here are the best neighborhoods to explore on your visit to Dubai .

Editor's note: During COVID-19 , please check the latest travel restrictions before planning any trip and always follow government health advice . Events may be subject to change.

Downtown Dubai

Best neighborhood for sightseeing.

Downtown Dubai is a key destination for visitors. Its literal pinnacle, the Burj Khalifa , overlooks the Dubai Mall , the world's biggest shopping temple. Downtown Dubai has most of the city's must-see sights and also teems with other crowd-pleasing attractions, including a massive aquarium, an ice rink and a complete dinosaur skeleton. The mall flanks the Burj Lake, where the mesmerizing Dubai Fountain erupts in nightly choreographed dance, music and light shows. Further south, Alserkal Avenue has evolved into the city's main alternative arts and creative hub.

Downtown Dubai has some of the city's hottest nightlife venues, with new spots coming online all the time. Shine your shoes, put on those vertiginous heels and bring the platinum credit card to get waved past the velvet rope. This neighborhood is also the purview of high-roller restaurants, with most of them located in the five-star hotels and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

Staying in Downtown Dubai puts you smack dab in the city's vortex of vibrancy. Aside from the big international chains, you'll also find a few home-grown players imbued with a local sense of place. Downtown Dubai is an expensive area to stay in, and with few exceptions, you'll need to shell out top dirham.

13 best free things to do in Dubai

Dubai Marina

Best neighborhood for nightlife.

Dubai Marina has become one of the most popular places to live in town, and its pedestrian-friendly areas also hold plenty of appeal for visitors. Carved from the desert, this is one of the world's largest artificial marinas, centered on a long canal flanked by a thicket of futuristic high-rises, including the twisting Cayan Tower.

Although there are no conventional sights in this part of Dubai, the beach, the marina and the waterfront provide plenty of diversions. A stroll along the Marina Walk promenade is delightful, especially after dusk when you can gaze out at the glittering towers and bobbing yachts. Paralleling the beach are The Walk at JBR , a strip of shops and family-oriented eateries, and The Beach at JBR , a chic open-air mall fronting a lovely sandy beach with great infrastructure.

Dubai Marina is dominated by sprawling beach resorts, each flaunting several top-end restaurants, bars and nightclubs. But you'll also find excellent eats away from the hotels, especially along the Marina Walk, The Walk at JBR and The Beach at JBR. Because of its compact nature, the area is conducive to hopping from one place to the next by foot. Dubai Marina is a great area for going out at night, especially if you're in the mood for chilling by the beach, whether with cocktails or shisha. A number of beach clubs deliver day-to-night action, and there are even a couple of alternative dance venues.

The best time to go to Dubai

Kite Beach in the Jumeirah area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Best neighborhood for beaches

The emirate’s answer to Bondi or Malibu, Jumeirah stretches from the Etihad Museum to the Burj Al Arab . Hemmed in by the turquoise waters of the Gulf, Jumeirah translates as "the beautiful" and is practically synonymous with beaches, most famously Kite Beach . Life in Jumeirah revolves around the beaches, which have been upgraded enormously in recent years and now offer the gamut of activities, from swimming and surfing to beach volleyball and jogging.

Jumeirah is largely a residential area, dominated by low-rise apartment buildings and white-washed villas. Although an older part of town, Jumeirah has of late been injected with pockets of urban cool by a number of new lifestyle malls, including BoxPark and Galleria . While the City Walk development has created a fashionable, cosmopolitan neighborhood (check out the street art), indie boutiques and the Italian-style Mercato Shopping Mall still make up the lure of Jumeirah Road.

The biggest change to reshaping Jumeirah is the Dubai Canal, which links Dubai Creek with the Gulf. New construction along both banks and around the canal's mouth, as well as actually in the water (a floating restaurant and yacht club have been proposed), promise to keep things dynamic in the area for many years to come. An evening stroll along the Dubai Canal promenade is especially recommended to view the dramatic, motion-operated waterfall along with a stunning skyline.

Jumeirah has some of the best eating in town, with a wonderful variety of restaurants, from ethnic street bites on 2nd December St and urban bistros at BoxPark or City Walk to humble fish shacks on the waterfront and top-dirham dining shrines at the Burj Al Arab and Madinat Jumeirah . Aside from the bars in and around Madinat Jumeirah and in a smattering of Western-style hotels, few places in Jumeirah serve alcohol.

Luxury lovers should steer towards the Burj Al Arab or the hotels at Madinat Jumeirah. The cluster of midrange hotels and hotel-apartments next to the Mall of Emirates offer great value for money. However, many hotels in this area are a taxi ride from the nearest Dubai Metro station.

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Al Fahidi Historic District in Bur Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Best neighborhood for budget travelers

Bur Dubai may not be as sleek and sophisticated as the newer parts of town, but its animated street life exudes a sense of community spirit that is rarely found elsewhere. Although Bur Dubai stretches from Dubai Creek to the World Trade Centre at the beginning of Sheikh Zayed Road, the neighborhood's most intriguing area is a conveniently compact section hugging the Creek. Come here to soak up the city's history in the Dubai Museum and peek into the past in the restored Al Fahidi Historic District and Shindagha Historic District , which will soon be home to the world's largest open-air museum. Pass through the atmospheric Bur Dubai Souq along the way, which offers wallet-friendly shopping for souvenirs, textiles and knock-off handbags.

Bur Dubai is heaven for ethnic eats, with oodles of tiny, low-frills cafes catering to homesick expats from Kerala to Kathmandu with superb and authentic street food. The tangle of narrow lanes around the market brims with local eateries feeding expats from Nepal, India and Pakistan with authentic fare from their homelands. Stock up on souvenirs and then watch the boat traffic on Dubai Creek from a waterfront cafe in the re-energized Al Seef area.

Bur Dubai is one of the cheapest areas to stay in Dubai, and it's home to heritage B&Bs, the city's oldest hotel, modern budget and midrange chains and plenty of hotel apartments in the Mankhool area near the BurJuman mall. Away from the Creek, Bur Dubai becomes rather nondescript.

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Jewelry at the Gold Souq in Deira, Dubai

Best neighborhood for shopping

Deira feels like a cross between Cairo and Karachi. Dusty, crowded and chaotic, Deira is one of Dubai's oldest and most charismatic neighborhoods and a world away from modern Dubai. Along Dubai Creek, colorful wooden dhows (traditional cargo boats) engage in the time-tested trading of goods destined for Iran, Sudan and other locales. Nearby, the bustling souqs (markets) are atmospheric ancestors of today’s malls, where you can sip sugary tea and haggle for bargains with traders whose families have tended the same shop for generations.

The main sights of Deira are all within easy walking distance of each other around the atmospheric mouth of Dubai Creek, but it's the siren song of the souqs that lures shoppers to to this area. Stock up on spices, gold, perfume and souvenirs of all sorts, all sold at bargain prices (provided you bargain).

Deira is also Dubai's most dazzlingly multicultural neighborhood, reflected by the restaurants that are perfect for soaking up the local color and sampling authentic fare from such far-flung locales as India, Syria, Lebanon, Ethiopia, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Deira is close to the airport and therefore popular with visitors on stopovers. There are plenty of older, smaller, budget places in and around the souqs, although they range in quality. More upmarket properties can be found along Dubai Creek as far south as Dubai Festival City.

Palm Jumeirah

Best neighborhood for families.

Jutting into the Gulf is Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree and home to glittering resorts, as well as the Aquaventure Waterpark , now the largest in the world . Built to increase Dubai's beachfront real estate, Palm Jumeirah is home to luxury apartments, villas and hotels. It's punctuated by the iconic pink and hugely popular Atlantis The Palm resort . Further south lie the family-friendly theme parks of Dubai Parks & Resorts.

The monorail to Palm Jumeirah is an entertaining trip, but be warned that the resorts on Palm Jumeirah are a long way from anywhere.

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Visit Dubai

99 things to do in Dubai

Things to do

Tue, September 5, 2023

If you’re looking for inspiration on your Dubai holiday, here are 99 great ideas to get you started.

Jump to section

Start by the sea, shop for superb experiences, sights and sounds to last, hit reset and relax, discover history and culture, get ready for new adventures, taste the best of the city.

The best of Dubai shore to shore

Kayaking in Hatta

Aquaventure Waterpark

Scuba diving

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Mega malls to magic souks, we've got it all

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Textile Souk

Dubai Frame

Dubai Water Canal

family-fun-in-the-desert-hot-air-balloon-4

Balloon Adventures

Dubai Miracle Garden

Treat yourself to something new

Spa at One&Only Royal Mirage

Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

Palm West Beach

Yoga in Dubai

Stargazing in the desert

Al Shindagha Museum

Alserkal Avenue

Al Marmoom Bedouin Experience

Dubai Creek

Hold on tight, there's more in store

Skydiving in Dubai

Aventura Parks

Dubai Autodrome

Desert experiences

Sweet surprises worth savouring

Luqaimat at Logma

folly at Madinat Jumeirah

3Fils at Jumeirah Fishing Harbour

Emirati food at Al Fanar Restaurant

Zuma at Dubai International Financial Centre

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Dubai’s Ultimate Bucket List: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems

Dubai. Just the name evokes thoughts of futuristic architecture, endless deserts, and opulent luxury.

But, ever wondered why everyone seems to be packing their bags for this desert oasis? Why is this city such a magnetic draw for globetrotters?

Dubai boasts a stunning juxtaposition of futuristic marvels and historic charm.
From the world's tallest skyscraper to golden sand dunes, the experiences are unparalleled.
Dive in for the ultimate guide to making the most of your Dubai trip .

Why Dubai Captivates Travelers Worldwide

According to the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, a staggering 16.73 million tourists visited in 2019.

It's not just about the luxury shopping or the desert safaris, though they're incredible. It's the spirit of the city, a blend of the old and the new, that truly captivates.

The Towering Majesty: Burj Khalifa

Rising from the heart of Dubai like a silver needle piercing the sky, the Burj Khalifa stands as an emblem of human tenacity and vision.

Holding the record as the world's tallest structure, this colossus reaches a vertiginous height of 828 meters , dwarfing every other man-made edifice on Earth. Visitors venturing to its observation decks on the 124th and 148th floors are rewarded with panoramic vistas that are nothing short of ethereal.

On a clear day, the sweeping views extend far into the horizon, giving a bird's eye perspective of the ever-evolving metropolis below.

But the Burj Khalifa isn't just about height. It embodies the essence of Dubai – a city that dreams big and stops at nothing to realize those aspirations.

The tower's shimmering facade, resembling a lattice of diamonds at sunset, mirrors the audacity and glamour of the city it calls home.

For travelers, it's more than just a tick on their bucket list; it's an experience, a realization of what humanity can achieve when imagination meets ambition. Indeed, the Burj Khalifa is not merely a building; it's a testament to the limitless possibilities of the human spirit.

The Desert's Song: A World Beyond the Skyscrapers

As Sarah Khan, travel writer for The New York Times, aptly put it:

"Dubai is... a city that's shaped by a futuristic vision, yet rooted in a rich past. It's a place where you can ride a camel in the desert, explore spice markets and gold souks, and eat cuisines from around the world, all within a day."

Beyond the glitz and glamor of its soaring skyscrapers, Dubai offers a mosaic of experiences that beckon the traveler to dive deeper. The echoing calls to prayer, the scent of fragrant oud wafting through the air, and the intricate tapestries of traditional Emirati life are as integral to Dubai's fabric as its contemporary marvels.

Experience the serene beauty of the deserts . It's not just sand; it's a landscape that tells a story, from the time when Dubai was just a small fishing village. The desert whispers tales of Bedouin tribes, of ancient trade routes, and of the spirit of resilience that transformed this arid landscape into a global hub.

Venture out on a moonlit night, and you might just hear the rhythmic beats of traditional drums and see the fluid movements of the Tanoura dancers, painting a picture of a culture that's as vibrant today as it was centuries ago.

Dive Deeper: Unconventional Dubai Delights

Culinary wonders.

Dubai is a veritable melting pot of global flavors, a testament to its cosmopolitan flair. Begin your gastronomic journey savoring Emirati delicacies under the starlit desert sky.

Relish the aromatic Al Harees, cooked in clay pots and traditionally served during festivals, or the succulent Lamb Ouzi, a lavish dish typically reserved for grand celebrations. But Dubai's culinary landscape doesn't stop at local delights.

At Atlantis, The Palm, dine at Ossiano for an underwater experience, with exotic marine life swimming by as you savor sumptuous seafood.

From high-end restaurants with celebrity chefs at the helm to humble street food stalls churning out mouth-watering Shawarmas, every meal in Dubai is an exploration in itself.

Art Galleries in Al Fahidi District

The winding lanes of Al Fahidi District are a cultural treasure trove.

Whitewashed walls house numerous art galleries that showcase the city's burgeoning artistic talent.

Majlis Gallery, for instance, offers a peak into traditional Middle Eastern art, while the XVA Gallery delves into contemporary pieces that challenge and intrigue.

The district is a testament to how Dubai respects and nurtures its rich history while embracing modernity with open arms.

Secret Beaches

While Dubai is famed for its glitzy waterfront resorts, there's a side to its coastline that remains unsung.

These are the serene, lesser-known stretches of sandy bliss, untouched by the footprints of mass tourism.

Locals cherish these hidden havens, and they're hesitant to share their secrets. But here's a tip: strike up a conversation with Kevin Erickson if you happen to bump into him.

With a little persuasion and a shared love for sun, sand, and surf, he might just whisper the coordinates of his cherished beach spot, away from the bustling crowds—a piece of unspoiled paradise in a city of marvels.

Getting Around: Tips from Kevin Erickson

Dubai's public transportation is top-notch, but consider renting a car if you want to explore outside the city.

Remember, Friday mornings are quiet since it's the local weekend, making it perfect for sightseeing.

A Personal Conclusion

This desert jewel, once a humble trading post, has metamorphosed into a beacon of modernity and luxury, a testament to what vision, ambition, and determination can achieve. It's easy to be swayed by its glittering skyline and opulent shopping centers, but the heart of Dubai pulses in its old neighborhoods, its bustling souks, and the tales of its inhabitants.

There's a harmony here, a balance between the ancient and the ultra-modern. Where else can you find robot jockeys racing camels in the morning and attend a world-class opera in the evening? Where the echoes of age-old Bedouin chants seamlessly blend with the beats of international DJs?

The intricacies and nuances of this city are what make it extraordinary. It's a place that challenges perceptions, shatters expectations, and invites you to experience a mosaic of cultures, traditions, and innovations. As you wander through its streets, sail along its creek, or soar above its skyscrapers , you begin to grasp the true essence of Dubai.

For Kevin Erickson, and indeed many of us, Dubai is a reminder of the limitless boundaries of human creativity and the timeless allure of history.

It's more than just a stopover or a vacation spot; it's a journey through time, an adventure that leaves an indelible mark on the soul. And like all great tales, it beckons you to return, to uncover another layer, another story, in its ever-evolving narrative.

Is Dubai safe for American tourists?

Absolutely! Dubai is one of the safest cities globally, with a very low crime rate.

What's the best time to visit Dubai?

While Dubai is a year-round destination, the cooler months from November to March are most popular.

Do I need to dress conservatively in Dubai?

It's respectful to dress modestly in public areas. However, at beaches, pools, or clubs, regular western attire is acceptable.

How many days do I need to explore Dubai?

A week is ideal, but even in 3-4 days, you can cover many major attractions.

Is English spoken widely in Dubai?

Yes, English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas and businesses.

Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing
The New York Times - Travel Section
Atlas Obscura - Dubai's Hidden Gems

Clever Journey | Travel Gear Reviews, Packing Tips, Travel Advice

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15+ Cheapest, Nearest, And Dreamiest Countries To Visit From Dubai

Table of Contents

UAE, the epicentre of luxury tourism lies in the cradle of the Middle East. This country offers amazing fun tours with Dubai being its major centre of attraction. But, it also opens its gates for budget-friendly tours to its cheap yet intriguing nearby countries. So, check out our carefully crafted diverse list of cheapest countries to visit from Dubai, UAE and add a change of scenery to your holidaying adventures.

Cheapest and Nearest Countries to Visit From Dubai

Visit azerbaijan, the blazing land of fire.

Azerbaijan, located several kilometres away from the UAE, is a land of impressive history. Its prominent feature is the natural blaze that dominates the mountains. So, view the atypical scenes and also explore the centuries-old stone monuments that crown the antique glory of Azerbaijan.

Best time to visit Azerbaijan: April to June, September, and October

Distance : 2,971.3 km

Adore the Beauty of Georgia

Georgia sits at the meeting junction of Eastern Europe and Western Asia and is crowned by the Caucasus mountains. This country features ancient cave monasteries, cobblestone streets and notable heritage in its old town. So, go for a heritage tour in its antique sites.

Best time to visit Georgia: May, June or September as the lowlands look beautiful, filled with colourful flowers.

Distance : 2,153.34 km

Go wine tasting in Armenia

cheapest countries to visit from Dubai - Armenia

Armenia is the perfect tourist destination for wine lovers. The vineyards offer an informative tour of its wine-making processes. Plus, visitors can see and participate in the whole process of making tasteful wine. So, get ready to taste personally hand-made wine and take some home as a souvenir.

Best time to visit Armenia: Late May or early June and late September or early October

Distance: 13,800 kilometers

Buy the popular handicrafts in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan, the house of cultural ethnicity is a famous country for traditional architecture. This Central Asian locale displays an impressive collection of landmark mausoleums, historic madrasas, and much more. So, explore it and along with its antiquity, praise the authentic and delectable flavours too.

Best time to visit Uzbekistan: April to May and September to November

Distance: 4,012.3 km

Sight the dramatic extremes of Kenya

One of the cheapest countries to visit from UAE is Kenya. This East African gem takes you on a tour of its luxuriant spaces. Kenya’s perfect natural contrasts and a collection of the rarest species make it intriguing. So, tour its forest areas and wildlife reserves for ultimate fun.

Best time to visit Kenya: July to September during the dry season as you get to view many migratory birds heading back.

Distance: 7,382.1 km

Witness cultural abundance in Turkey

cheapest countries to visit from Dubai - Turkey

Turkey is a colourful Middle Eastern land that offers exceptional activities to perform. You can go boating in its coastal spaces or hike its hills. Visit the cultural centres to explore its typical features and travel the markets to buy authentic handicrafts. So, traverse and decipher Turkey’s major points of interest.

Best time to visit Turkey: April to May

Distance: 3,352.6 km

Experience the snow fiesta in Kyrgyzstan

cheapest countries to visit from Dubai - Kyrgyzstan

Kyrygyztan is a beautiful nation and its topography is furnished with a series of alpine hills. And, it houses many fun camping and trekking scenes amidst the pleasant sceneries. So, capture the Kyrygyz magnificence and immerse in the lush serenity of this Central Asian country.

Best time to visit Kyrgyzstan : June to September and March to October

Distance: 4,995.3 km

Experience wonderment in the Italian corners

Italy is one of the cheapest European countries to visit from Dubai. This European nation promotes many happening shopping scenes, music festivals, and art exhibitions. All this and mouth-watering gastronomic treats assure amazing tour experiences.

Best time to visit Italy: May and June

Distance: 6,195.8 km

Explore the cultural diversity of India

cheapest countries to visit from Dubai - India

India is the prime destination to experience the vibrant culture, rich antiquity, natural healing, and colorful cuisines. Also, one of the cheapest countries to visit from Dubai, this Asian country features amazing tour sites that are prominent all over the globe. So, immerse in its authenticity and capture the amazing lifestyle.

Best time to visit India: Between October and March

Distance : 2,475 km

Witness the diverse wildlife in Ethiopia

cheapest countries to visit from Dubai - Ethiopia

Ethiopia offers an amazing view of tall mountains and lush forests that are the permanent residence of unique wildlife. The variety of animal species and happening safari tours attract tourists all the time. So, meet new friends of the jungle kingdom and explore more about them.

Best time to visit Ethiopia: Visit between October and June during the dry season as the animals come out at that time.

Distance: 6,282.0 km

Explore the ancient civilization of Egypt

cheapest countries to visit from Dubai - Egypt

Egypt, the land of mysteries and magnificence advertise a stunning series of impeccable ancient architecture. Pyramids, tombs, burial chambers, and traditional bazaars attract numerous visitors all the time. So, enjoy a complete insight of the orthodox belongings of Egypt.

Best time to visit Egypt: December and January

Distance: 2,351 km

Experience culinary adventures in Oman

Oman is a magnificent Middle Eastern nation that features unbelievable beauty in its coastal spaces like, turquoise waters, beach-side forested hills, and shimmering white sands. Plus, the traditional mosques, dazzling souks, and grub hubs take you on a tour of its authentic specialities. So, get ready to witness the Arabic charms of Oman.

Best time to visit Oman: From October to March as the place.

Distance: 682.7 km

Take a bite of health in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, the South Asian drop-shaped Island country is famed for its environmental abundance that is par excellence. Tranquil waters, beach-side hills, white sands, and dense forests create a serene scenery. The county also takes you closer to its organic fields of fruits and veggies. So, taste Sri Lankan flavours and get healthy as a bonus.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka: April to September

Distance: 3,348 km

Take a Dive Into the Delights of Morocco

Morocco is prominent for its extraordinary city breaks that offer exceptional views plus experiences. The variety of handicrafts such as jewelry, carpets, leather items, and engraved teapots are the best sellers of the market. So, buy the authentic and creative creations that will brighten up your place.

Best time to visit Morocco: March to May

Distance: 7,597.5 km

Visit Ukraine, the breadbasket of Europe

Ukraine is known best for its agricultural products like wheat, fresh fruits and vegetables. And, due to its high and valuable products, it has farm-importance all over Europe. So, visit this amazing place, explore the restaurants, markets and cafes and make your tummy happy.

Best time to visit Ukraine: May and June

Distance: 4,907.1 km

Get Lost In the Charm of Nepal

Nepal is best known for its Himalayan ranges and tough trekking tours. Undeniably, it is a place for adventure-lovers and thrill-seekers. So, get ready to live a nomad-life and make the high points. Who knows? You might come across a Yeti in the dense, snowy and secluded hills.

Best time to visit Nepal: Visit between October and December as the skies are generally clear.

Distance: 3,068 km

10 Hidden Things To Do In Dubai

Dubai Travel Guide

Courtesy of Adél Békefi | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Dubai

The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. Weather-wise, Dubai really only experiences two seasons: hot and hotter. During the winter months, the city sees blue skies and primo beach weather. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect plenty of company on Jumeirah's beaches. You can escape the crowds if you visit during the summer months, but be prepared for triple-digit temps and high humidity levels (it's only a "dry" heat in the winter).

Visiting Dubai during Islamic holidays is a special experience, but note that dates for these holidays change annually, based on the lunar cycle. The major Islamic holidays in Dubai include the holy month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice), Hijri (Islamic new year) and the Prophet Mohammad's birthday. An Islamic calendar can be found here , but it is important to understand that the exact date(s) may not be confirmed until a moon phase is sighted by the moon-sighting committee to call the official start of these holidays.

Keep in mind: Islamic holidays may impact business hours during your trip. Hours may be shorter and the nightlife scene may also be a bit quieter compared to other months of the year. Between sunrise and sunset during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke. The dates for Ramadan are variable since they follow the lunar calendar.

Weather in Dubai

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit Dubai

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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13 Countries to Visit from Dubai for Your Last-Minute Holiday (Direct Flights & Easy Visa Process)

10+ Countries to Visit from Dubai for Your Next Holiday: Direct Flights & Easy Visas for your last-minute holiday.

After years of traveling, you’d expect me to be one heck of an organized traveler- you’d assume I’d always plan trips at least months in advance, always have my visas organized, and be a pro at packing quickly. And, I’m not in the least bit embarrassed to say that you’d be wrong on all three counts. And that’s why I need to be aware of countries to visit from Dubai that are easy to get to.

I’m very much a last-minute or at the most a two-weeks-before planner, and so I often choose to go where I can get visas quickly and easily (on arrival and/or as a UAE resident), or to places for which I already have a multiple entry Schengen visa . And I need at least four hours to pack for any kind of trip because packing light means having to strategize- and that takes time.

So, I get it- I really do, when you say you love to travel, but sometimes just can’t be bothered to plan everything months in advance, sort out itineraries and visas and hotels and everything else, especially if it’s not just you, but a spouse, group or family that’s also counting on you.

I am a professional travel blogger and I still hate the amount of time it takes to organize trips.

No one needs that kind of stress to go on a holiday. And as an Indian passport holder, I know that waiting in anticipation to get your visa in time, is not a pleasant experience at all.

So, if you’re based in Dubai (or the rest of the UAE or elsewhere in the GCC), and the only reason you’ve been putting off a trip is a lack of time and advance planning, I’ve got you covered with this list of countries to visit from Dubai that are great for your next holiday, and that you can get to easily with direct flights and a smooth and easy visa process (especially if you’re a UAE resident, or have a multiple-entry Schengen, UK or US visa) even on a last-minute plan.

By the way, if you’re looking for insider tips about cool restaurants, best cafes in Dubai , romantic hotels in Dubai , attractions and things to do in and around Dubai, and cool day trips from Dubai , join my Dubai Travel Planning Group on Facebook.

Need ideas for the upcoming holiday or long weekend in Dubai or the UAE?

Incredible Countries to Visit from Dubai for Your Next Holiday

1. azerbaijan.

Still a largely off-the-beaten-path destination in the Caucasus (especially when you consider all the attention that Georgia gets), Azerbaijan is a country by the Caspian Sea that lies on the ancient Silk Road in Central Asia, a place that since it’s ancient origins has welcomed travelers and cultures from around the world. And it’s one of the lesser-known but still amazing countries to visit from Dubai.

Some of the best places to visit on a short trip include Baku, the fire temple-museum of Ateshgah and the rock carvings at the UNESCO Site of Qobustan National Park, Tufandagh Mountain Resort (for snow, views and skiing) and Qabala (to see beautiful nature), and the crafts village of Lahic.

The capital Baku is a modern city also home to an old town, known as Icherisheher that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with sights such as The Maiden Tower, Palace of the Shirvanshahs, mosques, and caravanserais- guesthouses for merchants who arrived by sea.

In contrast to this, you’ll find Gothic, Renaissance and Art Noveau architecture (from the oil boom period) and modern buildings with fluid lines such as The Flame Towers and the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center designed by architect Zaha Haddid.

In Baku, you’ll find great local and international restaurants and cafés, lively squares and promenades, theaters, galleries and museums, bars and nightlife, and shopping in boutiques, markets and malls. Azerbaijani cuisine is delicious and rich, and one of the highlights of any trip to Azerbaijan is tasting the fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables. Azerbaijan also has a rich heritage of arts and crafts, and Azerbaijani carpets are so rich, unique and intricate, you’ll never have seen anything like them.

If you have more time, Azerbaijan has some truly awe-inspiring landscapes that you can see in places such as Qabala, Yengija forest and Nohur Lake, as well as spa hotels for a relaxing getaway surrounded by nature.

Why Go: For cosmopolitan Baku, ski and snow resort in Tufandagh, quaint villages, great hospitality, delicious food, and nature.

When to Go: Azerbaijan is a year-round destination. The best times to go are during spring, summer and fall, so between February/March and October. Winter has its own appeal- you can go skiing in the mountains (such as in Tufandagh) or experience traditional sporting events in Sheki.

How to Get There: If arriving by air, you’ll fly into the capital Baku. There are direct flights from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Jeddah, Kuwait, New York, London, Milan, Paris, Prague, Tbilisi, Russia, Turkey, and other Post-Soviet countries in Europe.

If you’re going from Dubai, Flydubai flies directly to Baku, as does Azerbaijan Airlines, at the time of writing. Use my favorite flight search site Skyscanner to look for flights to Baku .

There are also rail connections with Tbilisi and Russia and bus connections with Georgia , Turkey and Russia.

Visa for Azerbaijan: E-visas are now available for Azerbaijan. You can check your eligibility and apply here or here .

If you’re a UAE resident, have at least six months left on your UAE resident visa and your passport, and have return tickets booked, then you can get visa on arrival in Azerbaijan (at the time of writing). It’s always best to check current visa rules before you travel .

Where to Stay in Baku: Dinamo Hotel Baku is a luxurious sports-themed hotel with a fantastic restaurant and bar, great breakfast, and stylish rooms in a historic building close to sights of interest and attractions.

To stay in the heart of nature at a spa resort, consider the Qafqaz Thermal Spa and Resort .

If you live in Dubai, then you probably know someone- a friend or relative or colleague who has been to Georgia. Georgia sees a lot of tourists from the Middle East and is one of the most popular countries to visit from Dubai, especially during the Eid holidays. All of this attention is rightly deserved.

Abanotubani, Tbilisi Old Town: 10+ Countries to Visit from Dubai for Your Next Holiday: Direct Flights & Easy Visas for your last-minute holiday.

Georgia’s capital Tbilisi is both charming and eclectic. There’s an old town with hilltop churches, a fortress, winding lanes and backstreets with run-down buildings and old architecture with beautiful colorful balconies. Soviet-style compounds give way to houses and art cafés, women bake bread in basement bakeries, and artists sell their wares in parks.

Flea markets, garden, busy squares, sulphur baths, fascinating architecture, theater, and opera and ballet- these are just some of the things you can experience in Tbilisi. Here’s my ultimate guide to Tbilisi that you’ll find useful if you plan to spend a short break or a few days in the city.

Watch My Video of Tbilisi

Georgian cuisine is delicious , hearty and affordable- think Georgian pizza or khachapuri- freshly baked bread topped with cheese, eggs and other toppings, flavorsome khinkali- soup dumplings, succulent kebabs, and lobio, a comforting stew of kidney beans, onions, and herbs.

Further away, are the remarkable mountain landscapes of Svaneti (great for hiking), and Kazbegi and Gudauri (where you can go paragliding and skiing), and mystical cave cities (Vardzia) that still house monks, churches and monasteries. If you like beaches, it’s worth exploring Batumi , and finally, let’s not forget the wine region of Kakheti. Georgia claims to be the birthplace of wine, and well, the wine really is something special. You can do a winery tour in Kakheti where you can go wine tasting.

It’s worth mentioning that Georgians are very warm and friendly, and as an Indian, I had a great experience while traveling around Georgia .

When to Go: Spring, summer, fall and winter. Late spring (mid-April and May) and early summer are best to go hiking. Summer (July and August) can be very hot and humid, but it’s still a good time to go to the coastal region of Batumi, or hiking in regions that otherwise are inaccessible due to snow in winter.

September-October or fall is a good time to see the changing colors or the wine harvest season. Visit in winter if you want to go skiing in Gudauri, or don’t mind the cold and want to experience Christmas traditions. Given how close Tbilisi is to Dubai, you can easily visit on a long weekend with little planning.

How to Get There: The easiest way to get to Georgia is to fly to Tbilisi. There are direct flights from Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, Moscow, Baku, Munich, Vienna , Amsterdam, Paris, London, Frankfurt, Tel-Aviv, Athens, Kiev, Astana, and other Post-Soviet countries.

Look for flights to Georgia from Dubai .

You can also travel to Tbilisi via bus or road from Baku and Yerevan .

Visa for Georgia: Georgia now issues e-visa making it easy for tourists to come to Georgia. Check eligibility and apply here or here . If you aren’t sure, check the visa regime with your country here.

If you’re a UAE resident, then you’re eligible to get a visa on arrival if you have at least six months left on your resident visa and passport and have return tickets booked. But like I always say, these things can change quickly, so best to check visa rules just before you go.

In 2016-17, there were reports of Indians being denied entry into the country even when they had e-visas/visas. I cannot comment on this because with me visiting as an Indian passport holder with a UAE resident visa and Schengen multiple-entry visa, it was a smooth process.

Where to Stay in Tbilisi: From hostels for budget travelers and very affordable apartments to family-run and boutique hotels and fancy luxury hotels, Tbilisi offers plenty of choices for accommodation.

From my experience, I can recommend Falcon Apartments Rustaveli , one of many places I stayed at during my month long visit. You can also look for more options below or read in detail about my advice on where to stay in my Tbilisi guide .

You can probably tell that I love the Caucasus, and Armenia is the third country from the region that I highly recommend for an easy last-minute and oh-so-cheap holiday from Dubai. Armenia is home to dramatic mountain landscapes that seem like they were painted, fantastic hiking trails, medieval monasteries, and the capital Yerevan- an intriguing modern city with plenty of art, culture, museums and sights to keep you busy on a short break.

Considering how close it is to Dubai, I’m surprised that it’s not more popular as one of the top places to visit from Dubai.

For nightlife in Yerevan, expect wine bars, jazz bars, underground bars, and rooftop bars, and a mix of laidback casual bars, places with live music and dancing, as well as nicer, sophisticated bars in fancy hotels.

While in Yerevan, you absolutely should take one evening to watch opera or ballet at the Armenian National Academic Theatre of Opera and Ballet. We watched a grand ballet from front row seats at tickets that cost only $10 each!

Yerevan also has good shopping if you’re into brands and such, also local designer boutiques, and you can get a nice chunk of your money back at the airport as shopping above a certain amount is tax-free.

Apart from exploring Yerevan, and really taking it all in slowly while you enjoy the amazing restaurants and local food as well as wine bars (the local wines are great), you can also take day trips to Lake Sevan, Geghard Monastery, Debed Canyon. If you love nature and hiking, don’t think twice before keeping a day or two to visit and explore Dilijan National Park.

The best part? Yerevan isn’t nearly as crowded as Tbilisi, and it feels more modern and European than Tbilisi as well- if you’re after that sort of vibe.

Why Go: To enjoy city life, art and culture, good food and wine, nightlife, and shopping in Yerevan, to take day trips to see nature and monasteries, and to go hiking in Dilijan National Park.

When to Go: Late spring is pleasant and in late April-May, temperatures are between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius with sunny days. Nights can occasionally be chilly (10 to 12 degrees Celsius) with some rainy evenings.

In summer, between June and August you can expect daytime temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, which is still pleasant, if you’re coming from Dubai. Fall, in September and October is also a good time to visit for mild weather and too see beautiful autumn foliage. Winters in Yerevan can be cold and snowy, but you can still visit if you’re after that kind of weather and a bit of skiing.

How to Get There: You’ll likely fly into Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan if you’re coming by air. There are direct flight connections from Dubai , Sharjah, Athens, Beirut, Berlin, Istanbul, Moscow, Paris, Tbilisi, Vienna and Warsaw, among others. Flydubai offers cheap flights to Yerevan. You can also look for other options here .

There are also bus connections with Tbilisi , Georgia, as well as train connections with Tbilisi and Batumi in Georgia.

Visa for Armenia: Many nationalities are exempt from visa to enter Armenia. Check the visa rules for your nationality here . If you need to get a visa, check if you’re eligible for an e-visa or check rules and apply here .

If you’re a UAE resident, and have a return ticket, and six months left on your UAE residency and passport, then you’re eligible to get a visa on arrival in Yerevan. As always, these things can and do change quickly, so check visa requirements just before your trip. But the ease of getting a visa on arrival for UAE residents, without question, was one of the main reasons Ankit and I booked a last-minute trip to Yerevan (we booked just four days before our date of departure).

Where to Stay in Yerevan: In Yerevan, you’ll find hostels, apartments, budget hotels and luxury hotel chains. Look for accommodation options here:

In my opinion, Istanbul is one of the greatest cities in the world-its perfection evident the very moment you lay eyes upon it for the first time with the silhouettes of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque standing proud by the Bosphorus straddling two continents . Being in Turkey cannot be compared to being elsewhere in Asia, the Middle East or anywhere else for that matter. Without a doubt, Turkey is one of the best places to visit from Dubai on holiday.

Turkey’s landscapes are unbelievable and a photographer’s dream- you only need to lay eyes on Cappadocia or Pamukkale to know this is true. And history is everywhere; in the old town of Istanbul, the underground cave cities in Cappadocia and the ruins of Ephesus . Turkish food is incredible so be prepared for the extra pounds, as food is a real highlight.

Istanbul is the kind of city where you’re surrounded by historical and cultural treasures, where friendly sellers will offer you a cup of tea when you walk through old market lanes on a warm evening, where you can joins the local to eat simple fish sandwiches seaside, drink beer in bars that spill out on the streets, and dance the night away at one of the city’s fancy nightclubs- all in one day.

There’s also good shopping in Istanbul- clear from the fact that most locals look like they’ve stepped out of the pages of a Zara lookbook, with many Turkish designers selling clothing and shoes in stylish boutiques quietly tucked away in backstreets.

When to Go: Spring (March to June) and Autumn (September-October) are the busiest seasons for Turkey because of great weather and long days with little or no rain. Summer (June to September) can be quite hot, but that means you’ll also find less crowds and more reasonable prices.

I visited in winter (December) and while winter (November to February) can be chilly and a bit rainy, that’s the time I fell in love with Turkey. Also, winter sees much fewer crowds and easy availability for hotels, plus lesser crowds in places such as Cappadocia as well.

How to Get There: Turkey offers flight connections to Dubai , Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, as well as the US, UK, Thailand, Japan, and European cities such as Paris, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Milan, Vienna, and others through its airports in Ankara, Antalya, Izmir and Istanbul, with Istanbul offering the best connectivity.

Look for flights to Turkey :

Turkey also has rail connections with London and some other European cities such as Budapest and Sofia . There are also ferries from Greece and Cyprus.

Visa for Turkey:

Check your visa eligibility and rules for travel to Turkey. If you’re eligible for one, you can apply for an e-visa here .

If you’re going to Turkey from Dubai, you’ll need to apply through VFS, read the visa application requirements and process here .

Where to Stay in Istanbul: In Istanbul, you’ll find hostels, apartments, boutique and family-run hotels as well as major international hotel chains.

Look for accommodation in Istanbul:

5. Sri Lanka

Pristine palm-fringed beaches, whale-watching in the Indian Ocean, fortified cities with colonial architecture, cave temples and lush forests, hiking trails , an ancient Ayurveda heritage, wellness resorts , vibrant festivals , and spotting leopards in the wild on safari , these are just some of the diverse experiences you can have in Sri Lanka . This amazing island nation is one of the coolest places to visit from Dubai especially if you’re looking for a cheap holiday.

While the nature is definitely a highlight, one of the things that stands out about the country when you visit is the hospitality and friendliness of Sri Lankans, whether it’s is the cities or in the beach towns. The unique cuisine is another highlight. Expect seasonal dishes with fresh fruits and vegetables, delicious seafood preparations and plenty of flavors and spices, as well as street food.

Watch my Video of Safari in Sri Lanka

When to Go: November to March-April is the best time to visit Sri Lanka, specially if you want to avoid the sweltering summer temperatures, humidity and the rains.

How to Get There: The best way to get to Sri Lanka is to fly to the capital Colombo. There are direct flight connections from Dubai , Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Jeddah, many Indian cities, Maldives, London, Melbourne, Seychelles, Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai, Jakarta and other cities in the Middle East and Asia.

Look for other flight options.

Visa for Sri Lanka: Many nationalities are eligible for the Sri Lanka e-visa . If you’re eligible, you can apply for it online to get an authorization letter before you arrive.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka: Around Sri Lanka, you’ll find several incredible and unique properties- from luxurious safari villas and beachfront resorts, to luxury treehouses, Ayurveda wellness resorts and family-run boutique hotels and guesthouses.

If you like beaches, consider Cinnamon Hikka Tranz or Cinnamon Bey Beruwala . If you’re looking for a health focused retreat, consider the Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort . One of the highlights of my last trip was to stay in a safari villa at Cinnamon Wild Yala .

If you live in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE, and still haven’t taken the time to explore Oman, then you need to change that right away. Right next door to the UAE, but vastly different in terms of both landscapes and culture, Oman offers a taste of slow living in the Middle East. Understandably, it is one of the best countries to visit from Dubai, and many tourists visiting the UAE also combine it with a trip to Oman.

While the capital Muscat is a modern city, it’s not the kind that needs escaping from- it’s neither overly commercial, nor touristy. Sights in Muscat include the Muttrah Souk, a traditional restored market where you’ll find souvenirs such as beautiful lamps, silver Omani daggers called khanjar , frankincense, oud perfume, traditional attire, and more, Al Alam Palace- the Sultan’s palace, the Royal Opera House, and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque. Other cities such as Nizwa are also great in that they feel very authentic.

If you like nature and activities, then you’ll love exploring sights such as Wadi Bani Khalid and Wadi Shab, the lush green landscapes of Salalah, and go hiking through Omani villages, rugged wadis and along terraced farms in Jabal Akhdar (something you can do when you stay at the Alila Jabal Akhdar ), that can be cooler than Muscat by at least 15 degrees Celsius around the year.

If you’re visiting Oman with family, you might be interested in my review of the family-friendly Millennium Resort Mussanah .

Watch my Video of Hiking in Jebel Akhdar

When to Go: Oman is a year-round destination and if you’re visiting from Dubai, then it might be a great idea to head to the mountains in Jabal Akhdar or to Salalah, both of which are likely to be much cooler than Dubai and Muscat.

How to Get There: The best and quickest way to get to Oman is to fly into Muscat or Salalah. Muscat offers connections to several international cities worldwide.

Look for flights to Muscat or Salalah from Dubai.

You can also get to Oman from Dubai by road, crossing the border in either Hatta, Buraimi or the Dibba transitional border, depending on where in Oman you’re going.

Visa for Oman:

Oman offers e-visas for many nationalities. Check your eligibility and apply for an e-visa before you arrive in Oman. If you’re a UAE or GCC resident, you still need to apply for an e-visa depending on the category.

At the time of writing, visas are also issued at the UAE-Oman border in Hatta, but if you’re visiting during a long weekend or a public holiday, then you should know that you’re likely to have to wait for several hours at the border to get your visa issued. On a recent long weekend, a four-hour journey turned into a seven-hour one, thanks to delays and long queues at the visa office at the border.

Where to Stay in Oman: There are some lovely hotels and resorts in Oman, from family-friendly beach resorts such as Millennium Resort Mussanah and the luxurious Six Senses Zighy Bay (perfect for active, beach-loving couples) to Alila Jabal Akhdar (a mountain resort great for those who love hiking or relaxing in nature).

Read my review of Millennium Resort Mussanah and my review of Alila Jabal Akhdar and book here, or look for other options:

7. Maldives

That the Maldives are astoundingly beautiful is no secret- I’m sure you’ve seen photos and drone videos of white sand beaches and overwater villas over turquoise waters. The Maldives are like paradise for beach lovers and those who love diving and snorkeling.

While there are plenty of luxury resorts in the Maldives, what you might not know is that there are also many guesthouses and boutique hotels that are perfect for independent travelers and those on a budget. So if you’re looking for a cheap holiday from Dubai, it’s very much do-able.

While many tourists choose not to, it’s worth taking a bit of time to explore Male and get a sense of what life is really like for the locals- far removed from the world of luxury resorts on private islands.

Why Go: For paradise-like beaches, snorkeling, diving and water activities, for a romantic getaway, or to go diving.

When to Go: Visit the Maldives from November to March so that daytime temperatures are pleasant and there’s no rainfall to dampen your holiday plans.

How to Get There: The best way to get to the Maldives is to fly into Male. There are direct flights from Dubai , Abu Dhabi, London, Bangkok, Beijing, Colombo, several Indian cities, Istanbul, Moscow, Muscat, and a few other cities in the Middle East.

Look for flights to the Maldives .

Visa for Maldives: It’s so easy to travel to the Maldives because all nationalities get a free visa on arrival, provided you’ve got a return ticket booked, a machine-readable passport with at least six months validity, and sufficient funds to cover your stay. Check visa rules here .

Where to Stay in the Maldives:

Look for accommodation in the Maldives here:

India is both diverse and intense, especially if you aren’t South Asian yourself, but as a destination, it’s unlike anywhere else on the planet. India’s diversity is not only in its many cultures, religions and languages, but also in its landscapes.

While you’ve probably heard of the forts and palaces of Rajasthan ( Jaipur and Udaipur), and the grandeur of Taj Mahal, or the nightlife and beaches of Goa, you might not know that northern India is home to some breathtaking landscapes that hikers will appreciate, whether in Leh-Ladakh or in little hamlets in the Himalayas. Arunachal Pradesh is a great adventure destination with plenty of opportunities to go hiking, biking and rafting.

In southern India, Kerala is perfect for a bit of downtime in the heart of nature- think traditional houseboats on quiet backwaters that offer a taste of slow rural life in fishing villages. And Indian cities such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Banglaore, Amritsar and Delhi, among others, each have a different kind of vibe and plenty to offer in terms of dining, entertainment, nightlife and shopping.

My biggest piece of advice, if you’re thinking of traveling to India on a short trip (even a week is short for India) is to pick one region and visit at the most two to three places during that time that are close to each other geographically.

Traveling in India is intense- everything from the language barrier to arranging your own transportation and getting to places can be challenging- you don’t want to get burnt out on your holiday by trying to do too much in limited time.

On the plus side, India is close to Dubai, and it isn’t expensive- so it’s ideal if you’re looking for a cheap holiday from Dubai.

Why Go: For bucketlist sights such as the Taj Mahal, for mountain towns and villages in the Himalayas, for bustling cities, for palaces and forts, for adventure off-the-beaten-path and to relax in southern India.

When to Go: Visit between October and March to avoid hot, humid weather and the monsoons.

How to Get There: You can fly into major Indian cities from around the world and there are direct flights from Dubai .

Look for flights to India.

Visa for India: To arrange a visa for India, you’ll have to plan well in advance, as it can take longer than expected. I’m Indian and don’t need a visa but from what I hear from friends of other nationalities, Indian visas can be well, a time-consuming process.

Check eligibility and see if you can get an online visa for India . Also, I suggest making a few calls to the Indian consular services in your country of residence to check the best way to get a visa for India where you live.

Where to Stay in India:

While the might Everest and epic Himalayan views are certainly Nepal’s biggest draw, Nepal is a country that isn’t just for trekkers and hardcore adventurers, but also for those interested in cultural experiences in medieval cities with rich heritage- such as Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur . With regular flights, it’s one of the best countries to visit from Dubai.

Nepal is full of spiritual experiences- temples, monasteries and easy trails in the Kathmandu Valley that are nothing short of therapeutic. It was here that I fell in love with hiking and I didn’t even make it to legendary trails such as the Everest Base Camp or the Annapurna Trail.

Elsewhere, Nepal offers plenty of opportunities to step outside your comfort zone, whether it’s to go rafting in its wild rivers or bungee jump or paraglide. If you’ve always dreamt of going on safari, then visit Chitwan National Park.

The Nepalese are a warm, resilient people- eager to bounce back after the effects of the 2014-2015 earthquakes. Around the country, you’ll find English is spoken quite a bit, and even where there isn’t outside of the main tourist areas, you’ll find the locals to be so helpful- they’ll be willing to go out of their way to help.

Religion is important in everyday life- and even if like me, you aren’t religious, you’ll find yourself intrigued. Nepalese food is great too- comforting dal bhat and tasty momos (dumplings) and hearty soups- just the kind of thing you need after a long day of exploring.

Considering how budget-friendly Nepal is, it’s one of the best places to visit from Dubai, on a cheap holiday.

When to Go: Autumn (September to November) and Spring (February to late April) are the best times to visit weather-wise. Best to avoid the pre-monsoons and monsoons and the chilly winter season, especially if you want to spend time exploring outdoors (and really you will because that’s where the main draws are).

How to Get There: You’ll have to fly into the country’s only international airport close to Kathmandu. There are direct flights from Dubai , Sharjah, Delhi, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Also search for other flight options here.

Visa for Nepal: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival in Nepal once they arrive at the international airport. Check your eligibility and visa rules and if you need to, you can apply here .

Where to Stay in Nepal:

Where you’ll stay will largely be dependent on the type of activities you’re hoping to do. While you can stay in Kathmandu for city life, and to do daytrips to places such as Bhaktapur, Bodhanath and Patan, you can also choose to stay a few days each in other places such as Pokhara where you’ll be closer to hiking trails and nature spots.

Look for accommodation in Nepal here:

I’ve said it many times before and I’ll say it again- there is no other feeling in the world that compares to when you see the ancient Nabataean capital of Petra in Jordan for the first time. I don’t know what time travel feels like, but it must not be very different from what it feels like walking through the Siq, a swirling 1km long canyon with smooth sandstone walls that leads to the rose-colored Treasury or Al Khazneh. That alone is reason enough for Jordan to be on this list of top countries to visit from Dubai.

A Road trip across Jordan: 10+ Countries to Visit from Dubai for Your Next Holiday: Direct Flights & Easy Visas for your last-minute holiday.

Whether you spend just a day seeing a bit of Petra, or spend two to three days hiking there, or decide to stay overnight and see it lit up after sunset, Petra is the kind of place that will leave you awestruck. Further away, the desert of Wadi Rum, where you can follow in the camel tracks of Lawrence of Arabia , feels like you’ve arrived on another planet where the landscape is just sand dunes shining under a glimmering moon.

If you love hiking, then the Jordan Trail is a relatively new 600km long trail that you can either hike entirely over 40 days or hike parts of to see the country’s rich and diverse landscapes.

If you love the sea, then you’ll love the coastal town of Aqaba where sunny days, diving, snorkeling, boat rides and fresh seafood await. Floating in the Dead Sea is, of course, another one of Jordan’s bucket list experiences. The capital Amman is full of character with Roman ruins, low-rises, residential districts, markets, mosques, cafés, art galleries and bars, as well as plenty of restaurants serving international and local food.

When to Go: To be able to explore outdoors, visit Jordan in either Autumn (September to November) or Spring (March to May). In Summer (June to August), the days are long and sunny but the temperatures can reach 40 degrees Celsius, which might be a tad too much if you’re not used to it.

How to Get There: You’ll fly either into Amman or Aqaba. There are direct flights to Amman from Dubai , Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Kuwait, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Bangkok, Moscow, Paris, London, New York, Frankfurt, Rome, Vienna and other cities.

Check other flight options here:

Visa for Jordan : Several nationalities are eligible for a visa on arrival in Jordan. Check your eligibility and visa rules here and here .

At the time of writing, Indians are eligible for a visa on arrival in Jordan, but not Filipinos, provided they have a passport that’s valid at least for six months.

Where to Stay in Jordan: I’ve stayed at the Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea and the Kempinski Aqaba and can recommend both.

11. Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a Central Asian gem that should be on your bucket list if you have a love of hiking in spectacular landscapes- think turquoise lakes, breathtaking mountains, views to make you forget the notion of time, and overnighting in yurts in the wilderness.

This is a destination for the intrepid traveler who cherishes the opportunity to experience local immersion, culture, and the many benefits of community-based tourism. Given how easy it is to get to from Dubai, it’s one of the best countries to visit from Dubai for adventure and nature lovers.

When to Go: June to September- summer is ideal for hiking.

How to Get There: You can fly to the capital Bishkek via Dubai, Istanbul, Tashkent, Almaty and Moscow.

Look for flights to Bishkek .

Visa for Kyrgyzstan: Many nationalities do not need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan for 60 days, while others can get a visa on arrival. Yet others, including Indians, are eligible for e-visa . Check your visa eligibility and rules .

Where to Stay in Kyrgyzstan:

12. Seychelles

Like the Maldives, the Seychelles are the ideal destination for vacationers who like the idea of time in an island paradise with azure waters, gorgeous beaches and days filled with diving, snorkeling and downtime on the sand.

If you’re looking to get away from it all, or go on honeymoon or babymoon, then you will love the Seychelles. There are various resorts that you can choose to stay in depending on your preferences and availability.

The best part? It’s a visa-free country so if you find affordable flights and accommodation, then it’s super easy to organize a last-minute trip. This is one of the big reasons why it’s one of the best countries to visit from Dubai, especially for those of us who need to apply for a visa to go anywhere.

Why Go: To vacation in an island paradise and enjoy snorkeling, diving, watersports and hiking on forest trails.

When to Go: The Seychelles are a year-round destination and April to November is an ideal time to visit.

How to Get There: You’ll fly into Mahe, the entry point to the other islands in the Seychelles. There are direct flights from Dubai , Abu Dhabi, London, Frankfurt, Istanbul, Paris and other cities.

Look for flights to the Seychelles.

Visa for Seychelles: Seychelles is a visa- free country and anyone can enter visa-free as long as they have a valid passport, onward tickets booked and sufficient funds to cover their stay.

Where to Stay in the Seychelles:

Look for accommodation in the Seychelles:

An under-the-radar island in East Asia, Taiwan offers a surprisingly diverse mix of experiences ; beautiful national parks and mountainous scenic areas with hiking trails and few visitors, indigenous cultures rich in tradition, art and crafts, delicious cuisines from the mountains and coast, and cities that are effortlessly cool, fashionable, hipster, arty, and intriguing, all at once.

Read my week-long itinerary for Taiwan .

From national parks, cherry blossoms and indigenous culture to food & art in the cities, see the best of Taiwan in a week with this 8-day Taiwan itinerary. Here are the very best things to do and places to visit in Taiwan plus practical information to help you plan your trip. #Taiwan #Taiwantravel #timeforTaiwan #heartofAsia

Then there’s Taipei- a city that changed the way I thought of Asian capitals. None of the chaos, none of the crowds- calm, laidback, trendy, modern and orderly, Taipei is the kind of city you don’t need to escape from. Plus there are tons of cool things to do in Taipei .

There’s culture in the art galleries, delicious food in Taipei’s night markets , districts and cultural parks, shopping from designer boutiques and international chains to pop-up stores, and a dining scene that includes Michelin-starred restaurants, street food, and hole-in-the-wall places serving traditional and local food. For nightlife, expect eclectic bars, trendy wine bars, slick rooftop bars, speakeasy bars and nightclubs for every taste.

Watch my Video of Taiwan

Further away, nature lovers will appreciate the quiet hiking trails and sublime mountaintop sunrises in the Alishan National Scenic Area, as well as the cherry blossoms that adorn the country’s landscapes from January to April.

It’s also worth timing your visit around the Taiwan Lantern Festival, held in a different city each year where thousands of lanterns, created by local and international artists, around traditional and modern themes, light up the sky, land and water and attract locals and tourists from around the world. In 2020, the Taiwan Lantern Festival will be held from 8 th to 23 rd February 2020 in Taichung.

And the people? Friendly, respectful, welcoming (also of diversity) and so polite they put the rest of the world to shame. In fact, Taiwan is a Muslim-friendly country with several Muslim-friendly hotels and restaurants serving halal food and the availability of prayer rooms and mats around the country. This is why it’s on my list of the best countries to visit from Dubai- because Taiwan is making travel more accessible for Muslims.

When to Go: The best times to visit are Spring (March to May), that is also a good time to see the cherry blossoms, and Autumn (October and November). Winter (December to February) is also a good time if you don’t mind the chilly nighttime temperatures.

How to Get There: There are direct flights to Taipei from several Asian cities and others such as Dubai and Istanbul. Look for flight options from Dubai and elsewhere here:

Visa for Taiwan: Depending on your nationality, you may or may not need a visa to visit Taiwan . Some nationalities can get a visa on arrival, others need to get an e-visa and yet others need to apply in person in their own countries. Check your visa eligibility and rules here .

Where to Stay in Taipei:

Have you been to any of these destinations and are there any you’d like to visit on your next holiday?

Planning your trip to Dubai? Join my Dubai Travel Planning Group on Facebook for FREE resources, tips, and updated and new info about cool restaurants, cafes, instagrammable spots, attractions and things to do in and around Dubai.

Additional Reading

Where To Stay in Dubai: The Dubai Hotel Accommodation Guide for Every Budget

Best Places To Stay in Dubai for Couples (The Most Romantic Hotels)

Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara Review: Stay at Abu Dhabi’s Grandest Desert Palace

Best Time to Visit Dubai

Guide to Ramadan in Dubai

What to Wear in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide

How to go from Dubai Airport to City Center

Best Day Trips from Dubai

Best Things to Do in Khor Fakkan

Best Places to Visit in Dubai for Cheap & Free

Best Cafes in Dubai for Great Coffee and Good Vibes

What to Buy in Dubai: Best Souvenirs from Dubai

Wadi Shees: Nature Trails and Kayaking on this Dubai Day Trip

How to spend 48 hours in Sharjah

Chedi Al Bait: Tasteful Luxury in a Heritage Setting

Should You Rent a Car on your Dubai Vacation?

13 Countries to Visit From Dubai On Your Holiday

Stay at the Only Wildlife Safari Resort in the UAE

20 Signs I’ve Been in Dubai Too Long

Dubai Through the Eyes of an Old-Timer

Almost Wonderland at Dubai Miracle Garden

Dubai Travel Blog

This page contains affiliate links. For any bookings made through links on this page, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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Affordable Escapes – 12 Cheap Places to Travel from Dubai

Dubai's iconic skyline reflects in water, showcasing modern elegance.

Embarking on a journey need not break the bank, especially for those fortunate enough to call Dubai home. In this guide, we unveil the secrets to unlocking budget-friendly adventures from the heart of UAE. As the demand for economical travel increases, we delve into the realm of our Main topic Cheap Places to Travel from Dubai, shining a light on the myriad of options available for savvy travellers in search of both excitement and savings.

From the vibrant souks of Southeast Asia to the historical tapestry of Eastern Europe, we’ll traverse the continents, revealing destinations that promise not only cultural richness but also affordability. Buckle up for an exploration of hidden gems, visa-free paradises, and insider tips that will redefine the way you perceive budget travel from Dubai.

Ready to redefine your travel experience without compromising on an adventure? Let’s embark on this exhilarating journey together.

Why Travel from Dubai?

Dubai, the glittering gem of the Middle East, extends its allure beyond the towering skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls. As a global hub, Dubai holds a unique position that beckons travellers to venture beyond its borders. Here, we unravel the reasons why jetting off from Dubai is not just a journey but an experience in itself.

Travel Hub Par Excellence

Dubai International Airport stands as a testament to the city’s unparalleled connectivity. As one of the busiest airports globally, it serves as a gateway to a multitude of destinations, making the world truly accessible to Dubai residents. Whether you’re dreaming of palm-fringed beaches or ancient wonders, Dubai’s airport is your launchpad.

Accessibility of International Destinations

Dubai’s strategic location on the world map makes it a convenient starting point for a myriad of international destinations. The proximity to Europe, Asia, and Africa ensures that diverse cultures and landscapes are within easy reach. From the enchanting streets of Paris to the serene beaches of the Maldives, the possibilities are as expansive as the desert horizon.

World-Class Airports

Dubai is synonymous with luxury, and this extends to its airports. The city boasts not one but two world-class aviation hubs – Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). The seamless experience, top-notch amenities, and efficient services set the stage for a smooth transition from the vibrant city to your chosen destination.

As you contemplate your next adventure, consider Dubai not just as a destination but as the ultimate starting point for a global exploration. The world is at your fingertips, and Dubai is the launchpad that propels you into a realm of discovery.

Factors for Choosing Cheap Destinations

In the pursuit of cheap places to travel from Dubai, strategic planning becomes the compass guiding your journey. Choosing the right destination involves considering various factors that can significantly impact the overall cost and experience. Here are key elements to keep in mind when selecting your next budget-friendly getaway:

Affordability of Flights and Accommodations

Begin your quest by evaluating the cost of both flights and accommodations. Opt for destinations where competitive airfares and budget-friendly lodging align. The interplay between affordable transportation and economical stays forms the foundation of a pocket-friendly trip.

Local Currency Strength and Cost of Living

Understanding the local economic landscape is crucial. Favour destinations where the exchange rate works in your favour, and the overall cost of living is reasonable. Exploring countries with a favourable currency exchange can significantly stretch your travel budget.

Seasonal Variations in Travel Costs

Timing is everything when it comes to budget travel. Be mindful of peak tourist seasons and consider travelling during off-peak periods. Off-season adventures not only offer lower prices on flights and accommodations but also provide a more intimate and authentic experience.

Hidden Gems and Less-Explored Destinations

Look beyond the well-trodden path and consider destinations off the beaten track. Hidden gems and less-explored locales often offer a more authentic experience and cost savings compared to popular tourist hotspots.

Armed with these considerations, you can strategically choose destinations that align with your budgetary constraints while providing a rich and memorable travel experience. The world is replete with affordable wonders waiting to be discovered, and with careful planning, your journey from Dubai can be as economical as it is enchanting.

Top 12 Cheap Places to Travel from Dubai

Plane taking off to diverse destinations, each pictured.

Embarking on an affordable adventure from Dubai opens up a world of possibilities, each destination offering a unique tapestry of experiences without breaking the bank. Here are the top 12 budget-friendly destinations that beckon from the dazzling city of Dubai:

1. Southeast Asia Escapes

Thailand : From bustling markets to tranquil beaches, Thailand is a haven for budget-conscious travellers.

Malaysia : A melting pot of cultures, Malaysia offers diverse landscapes and wallet-friendly attractions.

Vietnam : Rich history, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine make Vietnam an enticing destination.

Indonesia : With its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes, Indonesia is a gem for budget travellers.

Sri Lanka : Uncover the cultural treasures and pristine beaches of this South Asian paradise.

2. Cultural Delights in Eastern Europe

Bulgaria : Explore historic sites and charming towns without breaking the bank.

Romania : From medieval castles to vibrant cities, Romania offers affordable charm.

Hungary : Budapest’s thermal baths and historic architecture make it an affordable European gem.

Poland : Rich in history and culture, Poland provides a budget-friendly European escape.

Armenia : A hidden gem in the Caucasus, Armenia offers affordability and a rich history.

3. African Adventures

Kenya : Witness the wonders of wildlife and landscapes in Kenya on a budget.

Egypt : Explore ancient wonders like the pyramids without straining your budget.

Morocco : The enchanting streets of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains await budget travelers.

South Africa : From safaris to vibrant cities, South Africa offers diverse experiences at affordable prices.

4. Silk Road Marvels

Uzbekistan : Discover the historic Silk Road cities with their intricate architecture.

Kazakhstan : Vast landscapes and cultural richness make Kazakhstan an affordable gem.

5. Subcontinental Wonders

Nepal : Nestled in the Himalayas, Nepal offers stunning landscapes and budget-friendly adventures.

India : A tapestry of cultures, history, and landscapes, India is a budget traveler’s dream.

6. Island Paradise

Maldives : Contrary to its luxurious reputation, the Maldives offers budget-friendly options for the savvy traveller.

These 12 destinations promise not only affordability but also a wealth of cultural experiences, natural wonders, and unforgettable adventures. Stay tuned as we delve deeper into each destination, uncovering the hidden treasures that make them perfect choices for budget travel from Dubai.

List of Countries to Visit From Dubai Without a Visa

For residents of Dubai, the world becomes an open canvas with a plethora of destinations offering the freedom to explore without the hassle of visa requirements. Here’s a curated list of 20 visa-free countries that welcome travellers from Dubai with open arms:

1. Maldives

2. Seychelles

3. Mauritius

11. Bahrain

12. Saudi Arabia

14. Kyrgyzstan

15. Azerbaijan

16. Morocco

17. Tunisia

18. Malaysia

19. Thailand

20. Singapore

This list opens doors to a world of diverse cultures, landscapes, and experiences, all waiting to be explored without the constraints of visa formalities. As you plan your next adventure, consider these visa-free destinations to make your journey from Dubai seamless and truly unforgettable.

Budget-Friendly Activities in Each Destination

Embarking on budget travel doesn’t mean compromising on experiences. In each of the budget-friendly destinations from Dubai, a myriad of activities await that not only enrich your journey but also spare your wallet. Here’s a glimpse into the affordable adventures that await in each destination:

1. Local Attractions and Landmarks

Immerse yourself in the vibrant street life of Bangkok’s markets.

Roam the historic streets of Bucharest and discover hidden gems.

Explore the ancient temples of Luxor and Aswan along the Nile.

Wander through the bustling bazaars of Marrakech.

2. Affordable Dining Options

Indulge in delicious street food in Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

Savour the flavours of traditional Bulgarian cuisine without breaking the bank.

Delight in the affordable and diverse street food scene in Ho Chi Minh City.

Experience the rich taste of Middle Eastern cuisine in Amman on a budget.

3. Free or Low-Cost Activities and Experiences

Relax on the pristine beaches of Bali without spending a dime.

Hike the Carpathian Mountains for breathtaking views in Romania.

Enjoy the free walking tours in Budapest to explore the city’s beauty.

Take a budget-friendly camel ride in the Moroccan Sahara.

Each destination offers a wealth of experiences that cater to the budget-conscious traveller. Whether it’s exploring historic landmarks, savouring local delicacies, or indulging in affordable adventures, these budget-friendly activities ensure that your journey is not only cost-effective but also filled with enriching moments. Stay tuned as we uncover more ways to make the most of your travel budget in each of these remarkable destinations.

How to Make Travel Cheapest: Tips for Booking Affordable Travel

In the quest for budget-friendly travel, mastering the art of securing affordable bookings is key. Follow these savvy tips to ensure your travel expenses remain wallet-friendly, and discover a game-changing mobile app that can reshape your travel experience.

1. Best Times to Find Cheap Flights

Stay flexible with your travel dates.

Midweek flights are often more affordable.

Monitor airline promotions and flash sales.

2. Utilizing Budget Airlines

Explore options from low-cost carriers for significant savings.

Be mindful of additional fees.

3. Booking Accommodations Strategically

Opt for budget-friendly accommodations, such as hostels or guesthouses.

Consider alternative lodging options like vacation rentals.

Book accommodations well in advance to secure the best rates.

4. Taking Advantage of Travel Deals and Promotions

Subscribe to newsletters for travel deals and discounts.

Utilize cashback and reward programs.

Be open to last-minute deals for spontaneous getaways.

5. Use Apps for Cost-Effective Traveling

App Lifti Lifti revolutionizes travel by connecting travellers with surplus luggage space to individuals seeking to send their belongings to a specific area. As people move, Lifti facilitates a seamless process, optimizing travel plans. The platform leverages blockchain technology to ensure the security and integrity of the entire transaction, providing users with a trustworthy and efficient solution for their travel needs.

Traveling Smart and Responsible

As travellers, we bear a responsibility to tread lightly, respecting the destinations we visit and contributing positively to the communities that welcome us. Here are some guidelines on travelling smart and responsibly, ensuring that your adventures not only enrich your life but also leave a positive impact on the places you explore.

1. Sustainable and Responsible Travel Practices

Choose eco-friendly accommodations committed to sustainability.
Minimize single-use plastics by bringing reusable items and water bottles.
Respect local wildlife and natural habitats.

2. Supporting Local Economies

Opt for locally owned businesses and eateries to support the community.
Purchase souvenirs directly from local artisans and markets.
Engage in responsible tourism activities that benefit local economies.

3. Making the Most of Your Budget While Respecting the Destination

Be mindful of cultural norms and customs; dress respectfully and adhere to local traditions.
Learn a few phrases in the local language to enhance communication and show appreciation.
Leave no trace: Dispose of waste responsibly and leave natural and cultural sites as you find them.

Personal Experiences and Testimonials

Embarking on a budget-friendly adventure from Dubai is not just about the destinations; it’s about the stories and experiences that shape your journey. Here, we share personal anecdotes and testimonials from fellow budget-conscious travellers who have discovered the magic of affordable escapades.

1. Stories from the Road

Anna , Exploring the Backstreets of Bangkok: “Navigating the vibrant markets and tasting local street food in Bangkok was a sensory delight. Travelling on a budget not only allowed me to experience the authentic side of the city but also connect with fellow travellers who shared their hidden gems.”

Ahmed , Uncovering the Charms of Budapest: “Budapest, with its stunning architecture and rich history, captivated me. What amazed me most was how much I could explore on a budget. From the historic Buda Castle to the bustling ruin bars, every experience was both affordable and unforgettable.”

2. Testimonials from Budget-Conscious Travelers

Sara : “Lifti.io transformed the way I travel. Not only did I save on transportation costs by sharing my luggage space with others, but I also had the chance to meet incredible people along the way. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a community that makes travel smarter and more affordable.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what are some popular cheap places to travel from dubai.

Popular cheap travel destinations from Dubai include Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Romania, and Kenya. These destinations offer a blend of affordability and enriching experiences. For a detailed list, explore our blog on “Affordable Escapes – Cheap Places to Travel from Dubai.”

2. Are there visa-free countries for Dubai residents?

Yes, Dubai residents enjoy the privilege of visa-free travel to various countries. Some of these include the Maldives, Seychelles, Georgia, Turkey, and more. Refer to our blog post for a comprehensive list of 20 visa-free countries for Dubai residents.

3. How can I make my travel from Dubai the cheapest possible?

Making your travel from Dubai the cheapest involves strategic planning. Explore tips such as booking flights during off-peak times, utilizing budget airlines, and leveraging the Lifti app for cost-effective travel. Find more insights in our blog section on “How to Make Travel Cheapest.”

4. What is the cheapest country to travel from Dubai?

Determining the absolute cheapest country can vary based on factors like seasonal variations and personal preferences. However, Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Malaysia often offer some of the most affordable travel options from Dubai.

5. Where is it cheap to fly from Dubai?

It’s generally cost-effective to fly to nearby destinations in the Middle East and Asia from Dubai. Countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Egypt often have affordable flight options. Our blog post on “Affordable Escapes” delves into specific destinations.

6. What is the cheapest place to visit in Europe from Dubai?

Eastern European countries like Bulgaria and Romania are known for being more budget-friendly compared to Western European destinations. Explore our blog’s section on “Cultural Delights in Eastern Europe” for more details.

7. Where is it easy to fly from Dubai?

Dubai offers excellent connectivity to various destinations, making it easy to fly to Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. Explore our blog’s section on “Why Travel from Dubai?” for insights into the accessibility of international destinations.

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Ten things to do in Dubai on a budget
Alternatively, you can still appreciate the scale of the tower by standing at the base and trying to capture it all in one photo. Cost: From AED149 for Burj Khalifa, At The Top. Burj Khalifa. Sights & Attractions. 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai. 4.
50 things to do for under Dhs50 in Dubai
The Tap House, open daily noon-1am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, thetaphouse.ae (04 425 0009). Bike around Dubai Marina. There are 7km of pathways to explore around Dubai Marina, and if you hire a Careem bike for Dhs20 a day, you can whizz around that pretty rapidly. It's an ideal place to people watch and the views are super by day or night.
How to travel in Dubai on a budget (Updated 2024)
Given the huge range of prices, it would be very difficult to estimate an average daily price. However, assuming that you travel by yourself, stay in a budget hostel, travel by metro and eat and drink on a budget, the cost of traveling to Dubai would be: 265 AED = $70 a day. Accommodation - Budget dorm: 100AED.
11 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Dubai (BEST Activities!)
10. Dubai Creek Water Taxi Abra. Abra is the traditional water taxi on Dubai Creek and one of the fun, cheap things to do in Dubai. A single ride costs 1 AED (0.25 EUR) per person and you pay directly to the driver. This is not a scenic tour, but a quick way to get between places located along Dubai Creek.
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Dubai
Dubai Marina. It's such a pleasure to stroll in Dubai Marina, admiring the magnificent skyscrapers and observing the human variety... 10. Bur Dubai Abra Station. ... at the Bur Dubai near the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood and cross to explore the authentic Gold and Spice Souks. 11. OliOli.
15 Top Places To Visit In Dubai On A Budget (Under 200 AED)
15 Top Places To Visit In Dubai On Budget (Under 200 AED) 1. Jumeirah Mosque. This attractive and monumental model is one of the top Dubai attractions that heartily welcomes non-Muslims too. Visit this mosque during the early evening hours for the best experiences. Entry Fee: FREE! Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm Daily.
Cheap things to do in Dubai
Because of its popularity, it's not always easy to snag a good spot to watch a Dubai Fountain performance, so the boardwalk will give a perfect front-row view for just Dhs20 ($5.45). 4. Spice Souq. Dubai Mall might be the biggest shopping center in the world, but it's pretty pricey.
A Budget Trip to Dubai
The budget traveller's guide to Dubai. From flights to attractions, here's how you can save big on a week-long holiday and experience the city's best for just AED6,000. Budgeting for a trip to Dubai can be hard, especially as there's so much to see and do, from the huge range of spectacular hotels to the countless delicious meals.
Cheap Places To Visit In Dubai
Here are some of the best parks in Dubai that you can visit during your trip. Zabeel Park: Located on the base of The Dubai Frame, Zabeel Park is one of the largest and most popular parks in the city. It features jogging tracks, barbecue areas, a mini golf course, and gorgeous views of the city. Mushrif Park: Mushrif Park is another excellent ...
Dubai on a Budget: 16 Cheap Things to do in Dubai
11 Cheap Places to Visit in Dubai. Tour the Jumeirah Mosque. To understand more about Islam, the main religion of the UAE, you should try to tour the Jumeirah Mosque. Every day at 10 am and 2 pm, tours are held to educate tourists and residents alike about the religion.
15 of the cheapest things to do in Dubai and ...
When you think of Dubai, luxury resorts, towering skyscrapers, and high-end dining likely come to mind. However, there are plenty of places to visit in Dubai for free, making it possible to enjoy your time here on a budget. Keep reading to discover Dubai's best free attractions and cheapest things to do in Dubai. From
10 cheap things to do in Dubai
The half-boat and the half-raft commute is one of the best ways to travel across Dubai Creek, which divides Deira and Bur Dubai. You can take a ride on one of two routes for just Dhs1 per person. One route goes between Bur Dubai and Deira Old Souk Abra Stations, while the other route runs between Dubai Old Souk and Al Sabhkha Abra Stations.
10 Things to Do in Dubai on a Small Budget
Budget. History. The Dubai Museum is a popular museum housed in an old building that contains numerous artifacts of local history from long before the discovery of oil in Dubai. It's located in Al Fahidi Fort, which is the oldest building in the city dating back to 1787.
Best Places to Visit in Dubai: Cheap & Free Things to Do in Dubai in 2023
The Dubai Fountain, in my opinion, is simply the best of all free things to do in Dubai Mall. Dubai fountain. The water reaches heights of 500 feet and the performance, enhanced by lights takes place inside the 30-acre Burj Khalifa Lake. If you don't mind the 60 Dirhams charge, then you can actually cruise the lake in a boat and watch the ...
16 Affordable Destinations To Visit In Dubai
Dubai Mall. frantic00/Shutterstock. Located right in the heart of Dubai, next to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall has stats that make it seem like a bonafide tourist attraction rather than a complex for shopping. More than 100 million people pass through its doors each year, visiting the 1,200 shops scattered throughout the center.
Dubai on a budget: 10 things to do in Dubai for under Dh20
It has various stops that can give you a gorgeous overview of the islands, including the Palm Gateway, The Pointe, the Palm Fountain, the Atlantic Aquaventure, Nakheel Mall, etc. Cost: Dh 10 - 20 ...
11 Cheap and Free Things To Do In Dubai
By far, the Dubai Mall is one of the most exciting and free places to visit in Dubai. With well over 12 million square footage, the massive mall hosts more than 1,300 retail shops, a SEGA game arcade, 22 movie theaters, an ice skating rink, and over 200 restaurants and cafes, not to mention the largest indoor aquarium in the entire world.
THE 30 BEST Places to Visit in Dubai (UPDATED 2024)
See ways to experience (88) 2023. 2. Burj Khalifa. 77,389. Architectural Buildings. Admission tickets from ₹4,809. Standing over 2,700 feet and 163 floors high, this record-breaking skyscraper in downtown Dubai is the tallest structure in the world. Burj Khalifa has several open-air viewing decks and swanky lounges….
20 places to visit in the UAE for free or less than Dh20
Learn about the Arabian Peninsula's Iron Age at the newly-opened museum in Dubai's Historical District - a confluence of the past and the present. Location: Shindaga District, Dubai; Cost: Dh ...
THE 10 BEST Cheap Things to Do in Dubai
Highly rated budget-friendly activities in Dubai: The top cheap things to do. See Tripadvisor's 32,24,178 traveller reviews and photos of Dubai attractions for thrifty travelers ... Dubai Hotels Things to Do Restaurants Flights Holiday Homes Forums. Middle East. United Arab Emirates. Emirate of Dubai. Dubai. Places to visit in Dubai. Best ...
Best neighborhoods in Dubai
Bur Dubai is one of the cheapest areas to stay in Dubai, and it's home to heritage B&Bs, the city's oldest hotel, modern budget and midrange chains and plenty of hotel apartments in the Mankhool area near the BurJuman mall. Away from the Creek, Bur Dubai becomes rather nondescript. 16 best cheap things to do in Dubai.
99 Best Things to Do in Dubai
Slip and slide your way around the AquaFun inflatable waterpark at Jumeirah Beach Residence. 9. Escape the bright lights of the city and go kayaking in a shimmering lake nestled amid the mountainscapes of Hatta. 10. Take the plunge in the world's deepest pool and explore depths of up to 60m at Deep Dive Dubai. 11.
Dubai's Ultimate Bucket List: Must-See Attractions and Hidden Gems
Rising from the heart of Dubai like a silver needle piercing the sky, the. Burj Khalifa. stands as an emblem of human tenacity and vision. Holding the record as the world's tallest structure, this ...
15+ Cheapest Countries To Visit From Dubai
Italy is one of the cheapest European countries to visit from Dubai. This European nation promotes many happening shopping scenes, music festivals, and art exhibitions. All this and mouth-watering gastronomic treats assure amazing tour experiences. Best time to visit Italy: May and June. Distance: 6,195.8 km.
Best Times to Visit Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai is from November to March. Weather-wise, Dubai really only experiences two seasons: hot and hotter. ... The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024. ... Lyn Mettler ...
13 Countries to Visit from Dubai for Your Last-Minute Holiday (Direct
Incredible Countries to Visit from Dubai for Your Next Holiday 1. Azerbaijan. Still a largely off-the-beaten-path destination in the Caucasus (especially when you consider all the attention that Georgia gets), Azerbaijan is a country by the Caspian Sea that lies on the ancient Silk Road in Central Asia, a place that since it's ancient origins has welcomed travelers and cultures from around ...
Top12 Cheap Places to Travel from Dubai on a Budget
Top 12 Cheap Places to Travel from Dubai Cheap destinations from Dubai. Embarking on an affordable adventure from Dubai opens up a world of possibilities, each destination offering a unique tapestry of experiences without breaking the bank. Here are the top 12 budget-friendly destinations that beckon from the dazzling city of Dubai:
Cheap Flights from Dubai to Island Lake
Compare flight deals to Island Lake from Dubai from over 1,000 providers. Then choose the cheapest plane tickets or fastest journeys. Flex your dates to find the best Dubai-Island Lake ticket prices. If you're flexible when it comes to your travel dates, use Skyscanner's "Whole month" tool to find the cheapest month, and even day to fly to ...

How to travel in Dubai on a budget (Updated 2024)

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In this backpacking guide to Dubai you find:

our recommended travel insurance for Dubai

First quick tips on how to have your cheap holidays to Dubai

Remember that, in Dubai, health care is private

Get The Entertainer

Budget Tours

Useful Page events

Top free things to do in Dubai

Camel racing

Deira Gold Souq

Hindu temple (Shiva and Krishna Mandir)

Street wrestling

Crossing the Creek on a boat

Horse racing in Meydan

Walking around Souq Madinat

Wandering around Al Bastakiya

Deira fish market

Dubai Marina and its skyscrapers

Jumeirah Mosque

The walk and beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence

The bottom of Burj Khalifa

Backpacking in Dubai: Best accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers

Couchsurfing

Dubai on a budget: How to save money on food

First, remember to get The Entertainer

Eat at mall food courts

The best quality-price restaurants

Cook at home

Backpacking in Dubai: How to save money on alcohol

Download Guzzle App

Get the best out of the happy hour

Ladies night

Go for a Brunch

Buy alcohol at the airport

Trip to Barracuda

Budget Dubai: How to save money on transportation

Renting a car

Conclusion – How much does a trip to Dubai cost?

More useful information for backpacking in Dubai

More UAE Articles:

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11 Cheap & Free Things to Do in Dubai (BEST Activities!)

1. Dubai Fountains

2. Dubai Mall: Aquarium and Waterfall

3. Dubai Marina

4. Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

5. Dubai Beaches

6. Traditional Markets

7. Love Lake Dubai & Al Qudra Area

8. Zabeel Park & Dubai Frame

9. Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort

10. Dubai Creek Water Taxi Abra

11. Jumeirah Mosque

Visiting Dubai on a Budget: Tips, Tricks, and Must-Do Activities

How To Visit Dubai On A Budget

Affordable Accommodation Options

Local Transportation

Dining on a Budget

Plan Ahead and Book Tickets Online

Free and Low-Cost Things To Do In Dubai

The Dubai Fountain

Go for a Desert Safari

Visit The Beach

Global Village

Dubai Creek

Miracle Garden

Dubai Frame

JBR & Bluewaters Island

Visit Dubai’s Public Parks

Shindagha Museum

Shopping on a Budget

Free Entertainment

Dubai on a Budget: 16 Cheap Things to do in Dubai

Where to Stay in Dubai on a Budget:

5 Cheap Things to do in Dubai