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|Updated on November,19,2024|

Planning a budget trip to Dubai could never be easier. Dubai is a great city to visit for solo travelers. It is modern, offers a luxury shopping experience, has amazing architecture, and more. It offers a wide range of things to do, from desert safari on a budget and breathtaking city views from the 160 skyscraper Burj Khalifa to visiting the most expensive hotel in the world, Burj Al Arab, and more. Once you come to Dubai, you will love it with all your heart.

 

Furthermore, a Dubai trip doesn’t have to be very expensive, and believe me, you can still travel on a budget to Dubai. Especially if you are in Europe or other nearby countries, you are lucky, as you can find cheap flights to Dubai from Europe for less than $100 for a round trip. Sounds amazing, right? I am already jealous :).

 

Is it possible to go to Dubai on a budget? Definitely, yes.

My tickets from the USA were surprisingly affordable as I only paid $500 for a round-trip with a layover in Amman (in February), making the entire journey about 16 hours. But guess what?

 

After a bit of digging, I discovered that a trip to Dubai from Moscow, for instance, can cost as low as $77-145, with a travel time of just 5-6 hours. Pretty amazing, right? So, as you can see, finding the best deal depends on your departure location and the time of year you choose to travel.

 

What to Do Before Going to Dubai

1. Check Visa Requirements

Before traveling to Dubai, make sure you know whether you need a visa. Many nationalities are eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival, but it’s important to verify the specific requirements based on your passport and nationality. You can check official government sources or travel agencies for the most up-to-date information.

2. Get Travel Health Insurance

It’s always a good idea to get travel health insurance to cover unexpected medical expenses while you’re abroad. Dubai has high-quality healthcare, but medical treatment can be expensive for visitors. Look for a policy that also covers trip cancellations, lost luggage, and emergency evacuation for added peace of mind. I always buy my insurance on Insubuy where they have various partners and options.

3. Pack the Power Adapter Type G

Dubai uses the Type G power plug, which has three rectangular pins arranged in a triangular pattern. Be sure to bring a universal power adapter, so you can charge your electronics. If you’re staying in a hotel, most will provide adapters, but it’s better to have your own just in case.

 

4. Download Your Entertainment in Advance

In case the in-flight movie selection doesn’t meet your expectations, download your favorite shows, movies, or e-books ahead of time. Long flights can be tiring, and having something to entertain you will make the journey more enjoyable.

 

5. Research Cultural Etiquette

Dubai is a cosmopolitan city, but it’s also a Muslim country. It’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, particularly in public places like malls or religious sites. Also, avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of the country’s strict laws regarding alcohol consumption, public behavior, and social media.

 

6. Pack a Reusable Water Bottle

Dubai is hot, especially in summer, and staying hydrated is crucial. Bring a reusable water bottle that you can refill throughout the day. Tap water is safe to drink in Dubai, but bottled water is also widely available if you prefer.

How to Plan a Budget Trip to Dubai: Complete Travel Guide

What to Know About Dubai

• Despite what some sources may suggest, you can wear regular clothes (including shorts, skirts, and tops) in Dubai. However, it’s important to be mindful of the local culture, as Dubai is a Muslim country. While it’s not as strict as it might sound, you’ll want to avoid breaking laws or attracting unwanted attention. I noticed that many women were dressed in typical attire similar to what you would see in other countries.
• You will get a free SIM card from officers at Passport Control. A sim pin is not included, so if you want to use it, take it from home or simply go to any mobile store and ask them to help you remove your current sim and insert the new one.
• Wi-Fi calls won’t work unless you use a VPN.
• Despite the hot temperature during the day, it gets chilly after 4 pm.
• Most people speak English.
• You can use cards everywhere. Cash is less likely needed (but it is better to have some for emergencies).
• The walk from the Emirates Mall metro station to Burj Khalifa is long (15 minutes). Be prepared.
• If you rent a bicycle or scooter, you will need to ride it on the pedestrian path as there are no designated areas on the main road for those types of vehicles.
• There are free shuttles to the Expo at certain stops only.
• Dubai is very safe during the day and night.

How to Navigate in Dubai Without a Car

The best way to navigate in Dubai is by Metro. It’s clean and reliable, and trains come every 5 minutes. If you miss one, another will arrive in about 5 minutes.

 

To use the Dubai Metro, you’ll need a NOL Red Ticket (starting at AED 2, ~$0.55) or a NOL Silver Card (AED 25, ~$7) with initial credit, which can be recharged. The Silver Card is valid across all public transport modes, including the metro, trams, and buses, and can be used for multiple trips.

 

Travel costs are based on the number of zones you pass through. For instance, a journey within one zone costs AED 3 (~$0.82) on the Silver Card, and fares increase for additional zones. The NOL Red Ticket is for single trips, starting from AED 4 for one zone.

 

If you’re staying longer, the 7-day pass offers unlimited rides across all RTA transport services. It’s a great option for tourists who plan to use public transport frequently during their visit.

 

You’ll need to tap your card twice—once when entering and again when exiting—to calculate the fare based on your journey. Trains can get crowded, and there are also Pink train cars for females.

 

For budget travel, consider using buses. I took one to visit the Miracle Garden and had to wait around 20-30 minutes. Like the Metro, you’ll tap your card twice.

 

Scooters and bikes are available in tourist locations, though not everywhere.

 

For taxis in Dubai, I recommend using Careem or Uber to save money. However, when I tried to use Careem, my American credit card didn’t work. To avoid any hassle, I suggest downloading the app and setting up your payment method before your trip.

 

That way, you can avoid potential payment issues once you’re there. It’s always a good idea to double-check everything in advance to make sure you’re ready to go when you arrive.

 

Read more about Dubai’s public transportation system here.

Best Areas to Stay in Dubai

Dubai Marina

This area is full of restaurants, high-rise buildings, luxury hotels, JBR beach located right there, and more. Great area to just walk around, try some delicious food or simply get some suntan on the beach and try cool water activities.

Best Hotels in Dubai Marina

• Pearl Marina Hotel Apartments
• Rove Dubai Marina
• Hilton Dubai The Walk

Palm Jumeirah Island

This famous man-made island is made like a tree shape and is located right on the water full of restaurants, hotels, and more. It can be pretty expensive to stay there, but if you have a budget and want to stay in a cool place, just do it.

Best Hotels in Palm Jumeirah Island

• C Central Resort the Palm
• Aloft Palm Jumeirah
• Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel

Deira/Al Rigga

This area is close to the airport, which makes it convenient to stay in. There won’t be many restaurants or cafes around. Instead, there are supermarkets on almost every corner which are open 24/7. Trip to Downtown will be about 40 minutes by train, so not the fastest route, but for budget travelers, it is a great place to stay to save money.

 

These two sub-regions are part of old Dubai. This is also one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Dubai. Check local craft shops, wander around in tiny old streets, check some art galleries near, or simply try the actual authentic Arab food.

Best Hotels in Deira/Al Rigga

• Excelsior Hotel Downtown
• Hilton Garden Inn Dubai Al Muraqabat
• Aloft Dubai Creek

Downtown Dubai

This area is great to stay in as all the main sights will be close by. And if you are interested in nightlife, too. Prices vary but keep in mind the closer you stay downtown, the more expensive they will be.

Best Hotels in Downtown Dubai

• Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Waterfront
• Pullman Dubai Downtown
• DoubleTree by Hilton Dubai – Business Bay

Business Bay

This area is pretty new and full of skyscrapers and office buildings, shopping centers, and hotels, which makes it a great choice for those who travel for business. Plus, it’s close to Downtown.

Best Hotels in Business Bay

• Canal Central Hotel
• Paramount Hotel Dubai
• Pullman Dubai Downtown

Bur Dubai

Centrally located Bur Dubai area is a great choice for those who are looking for budget hotels, great food choices, and historical landmarks to explore near.

Best Hotels in Bur Dubai

• Marriott Hotel Al Jaddah, Dubai
• Rove Healthcare City
• Savoy Central Hotel Apartments

 

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Best Budget-Friendly Activities in Dubai

• Dubai Desert Safari tour

This activity is a must-do. It is cheap and fun. I’ve booked my tour with the GetYourGuide agency (as I always do), and the tour was very nice. This tour included 3 activities: camel ride, sandboard ride, and crazy dunes ride in the vehicle. I did this on my birthday, and I had so much fun. Recommend it 100%.

 

• Visit Dubai Mall

If you have been to the major cities and visited malls there, you won’t be so excited about the Dubai Mall. It’s huge, has lots of shops, and the Burj Khalifa is located right there as well. So you can combine your activities at the same time. The only thing I hated about the Dubai Mall is that they sell perfume on every single corner, which is super strong. So if you are allergic to this kind of stuff, be aware.

 

• View the City From the Top of Burj Khalifa

  

  

The entrance to the top of the Burj Khalifa is located inside the Dubai Mall on the G level. To go to the top, you will have to buy tickets in advance for a certain time. Alternatively, you can still do it on the spot, but in that case, you might have to wait in a long line, as your preferred time slot can be unavailable due to the high number of visitors.

 

• Watch the Night Fountain Show

Honestly, the Dubai Fountain show is far less exciting. Moreover, if you’ve ever been to Las Vegas and watched a show there, you might find it much better than the one in Dubai. Plus, the Dubai show is relatively short, but it’s still worth checking out.

 

• Go On the Speed Boat Tour

  

This is another fun activity to do in Dubai. The whole tour time will take about 90 minutes, and you will see Burj Khalifa, Atlantis Hotel, RJB beach, and more from the water. There will also be stops to take pictures.

Tip: Take your hairbrush, as your hair will be so messed up after that.

 

• Go to the 3D Dubai Selfie Museum

I had no time to go there, but it looked so fun. Packed with mind-bending optical illusions and colorful backdrops, it’s the perfect spot to snap fun and creative selfies. From walking into fantasy worlds to posing with wacky 3D art, it’s an awesome way to add a playful twist to your Dubai trip.

 

• Explore the Marina Area and JBR Beach

Visit one of the coolest and most social areas in Dubai. Get some sun tan on the free beach, go for a walk facing the ocean and yachts, eat delicious food for any taste, and more. Dubai Marina won’t disappoint you.

 

• Explore Old Town

Stroll through historic streets, shop at vibrant souks, and take a scenic abra ride across Dubai Creek. It’s a perfect blend of culture and history for a unique glimpse of the city’s past. Take a combined walking and cruise tour of Old Dubai.

 

• Go to Miracle Garden

  

The Miracle Garden is a floral wonderland where every nook, structure, and statue is crafted entirely from vibrant blooms. It’s undoubtedly a must-visit attraction during your trip to Dubai.

 

• Go to Dubai Expo

 

If you find yourself in Dubai during this season, a visit to the Dubai Expo is a must. It’s a unique opportunity to explore your country’s representation and innovations. Just be prepared for plenty of walking while you’re there.

Free Things to Do in Dubai

• In contrast, instead of paying for the Aquarium, you can observe it entirely for free inside the Mall. The caveat is that the views are limited, but still a good option to consider.
• Go on a Free walking tour
• Join the Grand Mosque free tour
• Watch the flamingos at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
• Visit coffee museum
• Check out the Dubai Fountain show
• Visit Outdoor market
• Watch Camel Racing at Al Marmoom
• Go to the Spice Souk
• Visit Dubai Festival City Mall
• Check out the Dubai frame

How to Save Money in Dubai

• If possible, select accommodation with a kitchen. So you can cook “at home” instead of eating out
• Stay in hostels or cheap hotels
• Eat at the malls if you are out instead of cafes/restaurants
• Use Groupon (with VPN) to find a good deal on restaurants or attractions
• For the same purpose, you can find the Entertainer magazine or opt to download their app (which you will have to pay for, although they also offer a free trial)
• Stay for free with a couch surfer

How Much Dubai Trip Cost

• Round-trip tickets from the USA  – $500 (February 2022) with Royal Jordanian
• Accommodation 4 days – $250+ taxes $16
• Tours and Attractions:
  * Miracle Garden ticket price – $13
  * Burj Khalifa top entry fee – $41 tickets.com
  * Speed boat tour cost – $32
  * Desert safari tour price- $36
  * Expo ticket – $13
• Metro/bus tickets – $16
• Covid test: Regular  – $41  (24hrs), Express -$108 (6-10h), Super express – $164 (4-7h)
• Uber: up to $100
• Food: $80
• Travel health insurance $6 (5 days)
  Total: ~$1200 for 4 full days

 

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Dubai was never on my bucket list, but this time I spontaneously decided to have a solo birthday trip there, and let me tell you, I am so glad I did. Moreover, I liked the city so much. There are so many things to do and see, and, most importantly, it is a very safe place for those who travel alone.

 

I hope you found the information I shared with you in this How to Plan a Budget Trip to Dubai: Complete Travel Guide post useful. Thank you for stopping by, and safe travels.

 

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