Dubai and “budget” are not two words that typically appear in the same sentence. It’s true that the Emirate is a beacon of luxury, glitz and glamour. However, with a little research, it is possible to spend an enjoyable – and comfortable – week in the glittering metropolis. Here we discuss how to keep to a budget for your main expenses of accommodation, transport and food. For ideas on how to pull together a great itinerary packed with affordable activities, take a look here.
Accomodation
Hampton by Hilton – Al Barsha
Budget accommodation sometimes means sacrificing comfort to save money, but not here. Hampton by Hilton Al Barsha is comfortable, clean and perfectly located between the hotspots of Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai. A straightforward 5 minute walk to Mashreq metro station and near to the Sheikh Zayed Road, the hotel is a great base with easy connections to get around the city. Room rates include a great buffet breakfast with a variety of hot and cold options, including a divine chai tea! The hotel also has a small rooftop pool for catching the beautiful Arabian sunsets, and Starbucks is served in the reception area for all your afternoon iced coffee needs.
Getting around
Dubai is a sprawling metropolis designed more for the automobile than the pedestrian. Whilst there is a significant reliance on road travel, if you plan to spend most of your time in hotspots such as Jumeirah and Downtown Dubai you will have plenty of public transport options. The prices are super reasonable too, from just 3 AED for a standard adult ticket.
Whilst only consisting of 2 lines currently, with a third due for completion in 2029, the Dubai Metro serves all of the main areas you are most likely to travel to as a visitor. The system is efficient, clean and simple to use, even at peak times of day. There are a range of ticket options available, but the most common choice for visitors is the Silver Nol Card. The card can be purchased for 25 AED, and includes 19 AED of e-purse value. Once purchased, the card is valid for 5 years and can be easily topped up at metro stations. And that’s not all, as the card can also be used as payment on all modes of transport, at public parks, the Etihad Museum and at over 2000 shops across Dubai.
If public transport isn’t your bag (although I 100% recommend it), Uber is widely used in Dubai and regular taxis are also available. You may also spot pink-roofed taxis around the city, especially at the airport – these are driven by female drivers and solely for the use of women and children.
Eating & Drinking
Food and drink will quickly eat (pun intended) into your budget if you dine solely at restaurants in Dubai. As a city that attracts people from all over the world, there are endless cuisines on offer across hundreds of high quality restaurants. As with most other destinations, sticking to the local cuisine will work out more affordable.
I for one am a fan of visiting supermarkets when I’m abroad and whilst I know this may sound strange, I know I’m not alone in this! A wander round a local supermarket can give a flavour of what the local cuisine has to offer and almost serves as a day trip in itself for the foodies among us. Picking up a few simple ingredients and snacks to be eaten as a mezze-style meal can be a fun and easy way to self cater. Supermarkets such as Spinneys offer excellent quality foods such as houmous, falafel, breads and produce as well as their popular delicatessen counters offering freshly made snacks and salads.
For those looking for a meal with a little less preparation, mall food courts are a good option for a budget bite. Offering just as much variety as restaurants but at a more affordable price, food courts can be found in all the main malls, including Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
