How to Save Money in Dubai as a Tourist in 2024
Believe it or not, it’s totally possible to visit Dubai on a budget. I’ve now lived in Dubai for nearly 3 years, and trust me when I say that visiting Dubai doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, there are plenty of cheap and even free things to do in Dubai that should be on everyone’s bucket list! If you’re planning a visit and want to know how to save money in Dubai as a tourist, I’ve got you covered with all of my tried and true tips and tricks!
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Dubai on a Budget: How to Save Money in Dubai as a Tourist
1. Visit during the low season
Dubai’s peak season is from November to April. This is when the weather is at its finest, so it makes sense that this is also when most people flock here to lounge on the beaches and enjoy the sunny days.
If you’re wondering how to save money in Dubai, you might consider avoiding the peak season. For a more affordable time of year, look into visiting Dubai during Ramadan. For some reason people think this is a bad time to visit Dubai, but it’s actually my favorite time of year to be here!
You’ll get to experience a ton of cultural festivities, events, and traditions, but you’ll also be able to take advantage of huge hotel discounts, as well as discounts at businesses, mega sales at Dubai’s many malls, and fewer crowds at Dubai’s top attractions!
Alternately, while visiting during the seriously hot and humid summer isn’t for everyone, this is when you can get some crazy discounts on some of Dubai’s coolest hotels and experiences. You may not be able to see all of Dubai’s best outdoor attractions (many of which close for the season), but you may be able to do things that would typically be out of your price range.
2. Choose your accommodation wisely
Most people assume that Dubai only has luxury hotels and that’s absolutely not the case. While hotels and resorts in Dubai can be super expensive, there are tons of budget-friendly options. You just have to know where to look!
My best advice is to pick a hotel or Airbnb in Bur Dubai or Deira. This is what’s known as “Old Dubai” and if you ask me, this is where you’ll find the heart and soul of the city.
While you won’t find luxury high-rise buildings in these parts of town, you will find affordable restaurants and street food stalls, lots of shops to buy trinkets to bring home, and surprisingly affordable accommodation options.
Another tip is to try and find a place within walking distance of a metro stop. This will make getting to and from the airport, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and beyond way more affordable than taking taxis everywhere.
Another tip is to either get an apart-hotel with a kitchenette or an Airbnb with a kitchen. Eating out in Dubai can get expensive so it’s always nice (and cheaper) to be able to prepare some meals yourself.
3. Get Deals with Groupon and The Entertainer
You can get some killer Buy-One-Get-One deals using both Groupon and The Entertainer app. So if you’re looking to go out to a nice dinner, brunch like the locals do, or tick off a few Dubai bucket list activities for less, both of these are well worth looking into.
Do note that The Entertainer does cost AED595 (which is roughly USD$160) per year, so it may not be practical for a quick trip. But if you’re planning on a longer visit or are moving to Dubai, expats here swear by The Entertainer when it comes to getting great deals.
4. Take advantage of the many free activities
If you’re looking for free things to do in Dubai, you’ll find them in spades. Visit the massive Dubai Mall, see the spectacular Dubai Fountain Show, marvel at the Burj Khalifa, take in picture-perfect views of the Dubai Marina, get a tan on Kite Beach, and wander around maze-like souks.
All of these activities are totally free – and I’m barely scratching the surface!
5. See what AED55 will get you
If you’re willing to spend a few dirhams, you’ll also find that there are loads of must-do Dubai activities that cost AED55 (USD15) or less! I wrote a detailed list here, but a few of my favorites are shopping and eating at the Ripe Market, grabbing drinks at Time Out Market, riding an e-scooter around the Dubai Marina, and taking in the views from the top of the Dubai Frame!
6. Seek out Dubai’s street food hot spots
If you’re a fan of street food (or just need to find cheap eats), you’re going to want to check out the Karama, Satwa, Bur Dubai, and Deira neighborhoods.
Dubai is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines and in these areas, you’re going to find vendors and modest family-run restaurants cooking up a wide range of popular Dubai street foods. Expect everything from Indian samosas, Pakistani biryani, and Palestinian pide to different styles of hummus, falafel, shawarmas, manakish, kofta, and so, so many other regional dishes.
The best part? The food in these areas is shockingly affordable compared to more touristy Dubai neighborhoods!
7. Take advantage of food delivery discounts
Speaking of cheap eats, there are always deals to be had on the most popular food delivery apps in Dubai, like Careem, Deliveroo, and Talabat. And this is especially true for new users of these apps. When you first sign up, you’ll be spoiled with really good deals (often 50% off) the first few times you get food delivered from these apps. So if you’re wondering how to save money in Dubai as a tourist, it’s well worth signing up.
I personally usually use Careem and there are always discounts on restaurants for 50% off or Buy One, Get One deals. So if you’re feeling lazy and just want to stay in for the night, you may get lucky with a very cheap meal that should have cost you a lot more!
8. Drink for less
I’m not going to lie; drinking in Dubai can be ridiculously expensive. Things have gotten more affordable in the past few years after Dubai did away with the 30% alcohol tax. That being said, ordering a beer at a bar will still cost roughly AED37 (USD10) at minimum.
If you’re trying to do Dubai on a budget, having a few drinks out on the town is going to add up fast. If you do want to imbibe, I highly recommend seeking out the many happy hour specials that basically happen in the early evening at bars and restaurants all over the city. This will help you save some dirhams.
Another way to save a bit is to purchase booze for way less at one of Dubai’s designated alcohol stores. For example, a craft beer at an MMI alcohol store will cost AED15 compared to something like AED65 at a bar! Do note that you cannot drink in public in Dubai, but you’re free to bring booze back to your hotel or to a friend’s house.
If you’re a tourist, you don’t need an alcohol license to purchase alcohol at these stores. Just be sure to bring your passport! If you have your Emirates ID, you’ll need to apply for a free alcohol license at the store. It’s really easy and you can make a purchase immediately.
9. Use public transport
Thankfully getting around Dubai is both easy and cheap. If you’re wondering how to save money in Dubai as a tourist, you’re going to want to take advantage of the Metro, the Tram, and the taxis.
I wrote a detailed guide about getting around Dubai using public transport. But to put costs in perspective, taxis should be metered with a base fare of AED12 (USD3.27) and a cost of AED2.21 (USD0.60) per kilometer. So the cost is way more affordable than other major cities.
The Metro is also super affordable and will cost you a few dirhams to get anywhere in the city. For example, if you want to get all the way from the Dubai Marina to the airport (basically a 45-minute journey), it will cost you roughly AED10 (USD2.72).
The Dubai Tram runs a loop around the Dubai Marina and it’ll also only put you back a few dirhams to use it to get around the Marina and JBR areas.
10. Fill up at the free water refill stations
When it comes to how to save money in Dubai as a tourist while being environmentally friendly, take advantage of the city’s free water refill stations! This is one of the initiatives I really love about the city.
I personally hate traveling and using plastic water bottles. And in a hot climate like Dubai’s, it’s really important to stay hydrated. With that in mind, it’s pretty cool that you can fill your bottle for free all around the city!
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