EXPENSIVE – this is the first thing that comes to mind when we think of a Dubai holiday. And why not? Dubai is defined by a glamourous skyline. The glitzy hotels and the shiny buildings add to its glamor. Dubai is also known for its one-of-a-kind constructions and architecture.Everything in Dubai screams money, luxury, and opulence. But there is no need to postpone or cancel your Dubai holiday for this reason. Unless you stay at a 5-star hotel, eat at a fine dining restaurant for every meal, and shop only at the most expensive shopping malls, it is possible to enjoy a holiday in Dubai without going broke. You need to plan well in advance. Once you have your Dubai visa online, you can start planning your budget-friendly Dubai holiday with the tips mentioned here.

Dubai is the 7th costliest city to stay in, in the world. So it’s important to reduce the cost of your stay by using discount codes wherever you book. It’s worth using a booking.com voucher to reduce the cost of your hotel stay, freeing up more spending on your activities whilst you visit.

Budget-Friendly or Free Places to Visit in Dubai

Sightseeing in Dubai can be expensive. There is so much to see here. The most popular attractions have an entry fee. But there are some attractions that can be visited for free or at a minimal charge.

Dubai Mall: Entry to the largest mall in Dubai is free. Shopping here is obviously not. But you can roam around the mall without spending money. The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is a paid attraction. But a portion of the aquarium tank can be viewed from outside for free. Dubai Mall is also an art gallery. You can admire some wonderful sculptures and art works here. Window shopping at its 1200+ stores is also a delight.

Dubai Fountain Show: Another fantastic free thing to do lies right outside the Dubai Mall on the Burj Lake. The Dubai Fountain Show happens every evening from 6 in the evening to 11 at night, in half an hour interval. You can stand on the edge of the lake to watch the fountain dance to the tunes of the music. The marvelous lights add to the magic. You can watch the performances as many times as you want. You will never get bored as you will find a different song and performance every time. While you are not admiring the fountain show, you can check out the Burj Khalifa perched right next to the lake.

Abra Ride on Dubai Creek: The Dubai Creek has a historic significance. It is where the Arabs first settled in Dubai. The creek is filled with commercial buildings and hotels on both sides. An abra ride along the creek does not take more than AED 1. You can relax in the abra and enjoy the beauty of the place.

Bastakiya Quarter: Bastakiya Quarter is the reminder of Dubai’s past, when the city was a fishing town. Lots of efforts have been taken to preserve the original beauty of the place. The cobbled streets, the traditional homes, and the wind towers are worth exploring.

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary: The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a natural haven in the city. It is tucked in a corner of Dubai Creek. It is a safe spot for a variety of migrant birds, including flamingos.

Dubai Museum: Dubai Museum is located inside Al Fahidi Fort, the oldest building in the city. The exhibits here will take you to the olden days. It will give you a glimpse of how the Arabs lived in the past. There is also an audio-visual presentation that shows the futuristic plans of the city.

Coffee Museum: The Coffee Museum is a free attraction that you can visit in Dubai. It is a part of the Bastakiya Quarter and takes you on an interesting journey of coffee. You will get to see coffee brewing methods in different countries. You will also see a variety of antique items related to coffee.

Public Beaches: Dubai is a coastal city. It has so many beautiful beaches, some of which are private ones. But there are many public beaches you can visit for free. You can enjoy water sports and the beach weather at Jumeirah Beach, JBR Beach, and Kite Beach. Most of the public beaches come with all the amenities and facilities needed. They are dotted with restaurants and cafes and some with amusement parks and play areas too.

Dubai Desert Safari: The desert safari in Dubai is not to be missed even if you are on a budget. You will easily find a budget-friendly desert safari that offers all the important desert safari expenses. You may have to share the desert camp with hundreds of other people. But you can still go dune bashing, camel riding, and sand boarding. BBQ dinners and entertainment packages are also included in these desert safari packages.

How to Plan a Budget-Friendly Dubai Itinerary?

While there are several free or budget-friendly attractions in Dubai, you cannot return from Dubai just by visiting these few attractions. Most of the popular Dubai attractions require you to pay an entry fee. Here is how you can see them without spending too much money.

• Buy all entry tickets online. Online tickets are cheaper than the ones you can buy at the entrance of any attraction. This will help you to save money and time. You can buy these tickets directly from the website of the place you want to or through a travel website. Compare the rates to get the best price.
• Go for combo deals. Travel companies offer combo packages that will help you save money. For instance, you will get to visit Burj Khalifa and go for a desert safari or dhow cruise on a combo tour without paying money for each of them individually.
• Look out for special deals and discounts. Some travel companies offer regular deals and discounts to their customers, especially during festivals and other special occasions. If you grab them, you may get a good deal.

How to Save on Accommodation?

It is easy to save on accommodation in Dubai. If you are on a shoestring budget, ignore the luxury resorts and five-star hotels. Instead look for budget-friendly 2-star and 3-star hotels. These hotels offer comfortable rooms and amenities at affordable rates. Deira and Bur Dubai are a few places where you will find good accommodation at low rates. Dubai has also introduced hostels, which are perfect for solo travelers and those traveling with friends. Couch surfing is also gaining popularity in Dubai.

How to Save on Food?

Dubai celebrates world cuisine. Almost every cuisine is available in this city. But it is not a good idea to go hopping from one fine dining restaurant to another if saving money is on your agenda. Dubai lets you experiment with food on a tight budget as well. The old part of the city is home to small restaurants, food trucks, and stalls where you can try delicious food that does not cost too much. This is especially true for Indian and Arabic cuisine. You can also skip breakfast on a weekend and enjoy a brunch at a restaurant that offers unlimited food and drinks.

How to Save on Transportation?

Taxis are easily available in Dubai. But they are expensive. So how do you travel within Dubai without spending too much money? The answer is public transportation. Dubai has a well-connected metro network. Almost all the important places in Dubai are connected by metro. There are two metro lines: green and red. Places that are far from the metro station can be reached by bus.

Essential Cost Saving Tips

The points mentioned above will help you save money. Here are additional tips that will be more helpful.

• Booking your flight tickets at least 4-8 months will help you in saving money. Flight tickets are usually higher as you get near the date of travel. It is best to book in advance when you are sure about your travel plans.
• The number one rule of budget-travel in Dubai is not to visit during peak season. Dubai is busiest between November and March. It is also the most expensive time as the weather is pleasant. Budget travelers should visit Dubai between April and October. These are extremely warm months, but the rates are cheaper.
• Avoid visiting Dubai during the peak season if you do not want to spend too much money. Winter in Dubai is between November and March. The weather during these months is pleasant. This attracts millions of people to the city. Everything in the city is highly priced to make the most of the peak season. But Dubai is relatively cheaper between April and October when the climate is not favorable. You will find good deals on hotels and flight tickets during this period.
• Dubai is a paradise for shopping. But expect an empty bank account if you go on a shopping spree in the malls. Instead, traditional souks and markets are where you can buy local stuff at good rates. You can buy spices, fabrics, perfumes, souvenirs, handicrafts, and gold at these souks. Bargaining is also accepted here.
• You can download apps that offer amazing deals and discounts on hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. You may have to spend some time researching these deals to grab the deals you need. But in the long run, you will be able to save some serious money.

A budget Dubai holiday is possible. So, why not add it to your travel bucket list? Stop postponing your plan just because of money. A smart plan and some practical tips are enough to help you explore Dubai without going bankrupt.