12 Cheap Activities in Dubai (An Expat’s Guide!)
It’s no secret that Dubai is an expensive city. And while a lot of the city’s bucket list activities aren’t feasible for budget-minded travelers, there are actually quite a few cheap activities in Dubai that are actually well worth doing – whether you’re on a budget or not!
From zipping around the Dubai Marina on an e-scooter and sampling cheap street food in Satwa to taking in Dubai skyline views from the top of The Frame and shopping at Ripe Market, here is my expat’s guide on cheap things to do in Dubai for under AED 55 (USD 15).
And if you’re really pinching your dirhams, check out my guide on all the free things to do in Dubai!
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12 Cheap Activities in Dubai (An Expat’s Guide!)
1. Shop and Eat at Ripe Market
Gathering at Ripe Market is one of the top cheap activities in Dubai for expats. While you’ll find pop-up Ripe Markets around the city throughout the year, the main market is held in Academy Park every Saturday and Sunday from October to May. And entry is just AED 5!
The market is all about community and always features local vendors selling everything from clothes and jewelry to home décor, plants, and body products. Expect family-friendly entertainment (like live music and a petting zoo) too.
This is a prime spot to sample affordable eats as well. There are always a dozen or so food trucks and vendors on-site dishing out all sorts of different cuisine types, ranging from nachos and burgers to bao buns, açaí bowls, and Turkish kebabs.
2. Ascend the Dubai Frame
Going to the top of the Dubai Frame is a bucket list item for many visitors. But unlike most of Dubai’s must-do activities, this one doesn’t have to break the bank, because adults can visit for just AED 50!
Tickets allow you to go to the top of the 150-meter-tall structure and walk along the 100-meter-long glass walkway. I hope you’re not afraid of heights! From the top, you’ll see get spectacular views of the modest buildings of Old Dubai juxtaposed with the towering Burj Khalifa and Dubai’s modern skyline.
3. Enjoy Happy Hour at The Tap House
There are a few Tap House locations in Dubai, but to make the most of their happy hour deal, go to the Souk Al Bahar location in Downtown Dubai. They have happy hour from 12-7 pm, during which you can get beers for around AED 37.
But, one of the reasons this location is so special is that you can couple these happy hour deals with the Dubai Fountain Show. For the best view, reserve a spot on the floating deck for 5:30 pm and wait for the first showing to start at 6 pm. This is easily one of the coolest ways to enjoy unobstructed views of the show!
4. Get Up Close Views of the Dubai Fountain Show
When it comes to fun and affordable things to do in Dubai, seeing the Fountain Show is always a good idea. But if you want to avoid the massive crowds, you can pay AED 20 to get VIP access to the new floating Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (aka Fountain Walk Bridge) which is set right on Burj Lake.
You’ll have the chance to walk down the 272-meter boardwalk, and at the closest point, you’ll be just 9 meters from the fountains. If you ask me, that’s a pretty killer deal for such a unique experience!
5. Take in Palm Jumeirah Views from the Monorail
If you’re looking for cheap activities in Dubai, take a ride on the Palm Monorail. Taking public transport might not sound like your idea of a good time. But trust me, book a ticket from the Palm Gateway Station at the base of the “trunk” all the way to the Atlantis Station at the top of the Palm, and you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the Arabian Gulf and Palm Jumeirah along the way.
Plus, the cost to ride on the monorail is only AED 20 (one-way), AED 30 (round-trip), or AED 35 for this full-day pass. It beats paying someone a hefty fee to take you around one of Dubai’s most famous attractions!
6. Get Cheap Eats in Satwa
Dubai’s restaurants can be ridiculously expensive but get out of the tourist hubs and you’ll find that eating here can be fun, delicious, and affordable! For some of the very best cheap eats in the city, make your way to 2nd December Street in Satwa.
This is where you’ll find the best street food in the city, which comes at shockingly reasonable prices. This is Dubai, so you’ll find a wide range of cuisines here – from Indian, Lebanese, and Persian to Afghani, East Asian, and Southeast Asian.
For a casual sit-down meal, Ravi is a longtime local favorite for cheap Pakistani eats, while Al Mallah is one of the best Lebanese restaurants in the city. But really, it’s just well worth wandering around the area and seeing what hidden gems you can find!
7. E-Scoot Around the Dubai Marina
When it comes to fun and cheap activities in Dubai, why not rent a scooter for a half hour or so and cruise around the iconic Dubai Marina? You’ll find Lime e-scooters all over the place in the Dubai Marina area. They cost AED 3 to unlock and AED 1 for every minute you use it.
The 7.2-kilometer Dubai Marina Walk runs all the way around the marina. You’ll find plenty of cool attractions along the way, from cool street art and art installations to beautiful mosques and postcard-worthy scenery.
8. Cruise Along Dubai Creek on an Abra
If you find yourself exploring Old Dubai, taking an abra (a traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek is not only a Dubai bucket list activity but it’s hands down one of the best cheap activities in Dubai.
This is actually a popular means of transportation for locals. So while it is a touristy activity, it’s also a necessity for many who live in the area. This means that the ride across the creek will only put you back AED 2!
Boats run a few routes across the creek, taking you from both the docks in Al Seef and Al Fahadi over to Deira, so it’s a super convenient way to get around if you’re sightseeing in Old Dubai.
9. Find Cheap Eats at Mall Food Courts
This is another one that probably sounds a little odd. But don’t underestimate how good (and diverse!) the food courts are in Dubai’s Malls. Malls are a big thing here in Dubai and you’ll find massive ones all over this city — and with a massive mall comes a massive food court!
Of course, Dubai Mall is the most well-known and has tons of affordable options in the food court. But if you’re into authentic Chinese food, head to the food court in Chinatown (just opposite the Dubai Ice Rink in the mall), and you’ll find a dozen or so Chinese stalls hawking everything from steamed dumplings to spicy dan dan noodles.
Malls like Dubai Hills Mall and Mall of the Emirates also have fantastic offerings in their food courts, with cuisines ranging from American fast food chains to Indian buffets, Mexican burritos, Lebanese shwarma, Japanese ramen, and so, so much more. You should be able to eat very well for under AED 55, if not quite a bit less.
10. Take a Guided Tour of Jumeirah Mosque
Touring Dubai’s many mosques is always a great way to tap into this country’s history and culture. And luckily, the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque offers guided tours for just AED 35, making it one of the most affordable things to do in Dubai.
The mosque is part of the “Open Doors. Open Minds.” program, which means that non-Muslims are welcome to tour the mosque, take photos, and ask questions. As part of the tour, you’ll also be treated to refreshments.
Tours are typically offered at 10 am and 2 pm from Saturday to Thursday for AED 40. Tours are not offered on Fridays. Do note that modest dress is required and women should bring their own headscarf.
11. Drink and Dine at Time Out Market
When it comes to affordable things to do in Dubai, spending some time in Time Out Market is always a fun idea. Explore this hip food hall in Downtown Dubai and you’ll find 17 unique food concepts, including three bars.
While it’s not the cheapest place to eat and drink in town, it’s completely possible to have dinner or drinks for under AED 55. For example, get a “bespoke” cheeseburger for AED 33 at Pickl, a shawarma at Liban by Allo Beirut for AED 25, or a margherita pizza at Pitfire for AED 49. You can also grab affordable draft beer for AED 35 and cocktails for AED 55 at Fountain Bar.
Other perks of hanging around Time Out Market is that you can get excellent views of the Dubai Fountain Show from the outdoor terrace. Plus, there are always free live music performances and pop-up events happening at this local hangout!
12. Get Cheap(er) Booze at an Alcohol Store
Going out for drinks in Dubai is a pricey affair. It seems at minimum a happy hour beer or cocktail will put you back AED 37. So if you want to get drinks to have in your hotel room or apartment, you’ll want to stop by one of Dubai’s designated alcohol shops.
Buying alcohol in Dubai is a bit confusing for newcomers. You can’t actually purchase alcohol at a grocery store or convenience store. Instead, you’ll need to hunt down a branch of MMI or African + Eastern. Here you can find wine, beer, and everything in between for much less than you’d pay at a bar or restaurant. Here’s my guide on how to buy alcohol in Dubai.
A few more cheap activities in Dubai:
- Snack on cheap street food in Old Dubai.
- Discover the history and culture of coffee at the Coffee Museum (AED 10).
- Learn about the founding of the UAE at Etihad Museum (AED 25).
- See the oldest building in Dubai at Dubai Museum (3 AED).
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