If there is one place to experience affordable luxury, it is the United Arab Emirates. Their standard is something else, and 2 or 3-star hotels look like 4 stars elsewhere. while experiencing UAE on a budget won’t give you the experience a person with an unlimited budget has, you can still see and do things you probably can’t see and do anywhere else.
I’ve traveled to the Emirates multiple times since 2014 and am planning another visit in December. Initially, the destination wasn’t on my list, as I thought it was too expensive. However, when my best friend relocated there, I made my first trip to see her in 2014. At that time, the plane ticket was over 500 euros and the visa was 100 euros. The last time we went, in January 2024, the tickets were 300 euros, and a visa was no longer required.
How to Reach UAE on a Budget
As usual, travel agencies’ offers are numerous but don’t necessarily fit our idea of UAE on a budget. That’s why we always opt for self-planning.
Let’s start with plane tickets. In recent years we have flown with Wizz Air from Sarajevo, Belgrade, and Vienna. The cheapest I paid for the return ticket was 200 euros for the basic fare, which included only a backpack. With 10kg hand luggage added, it’s 280 euros.
Considering the climate in UAE, light clothes are needed most. However, if you insist on wearing a completely different outfit from head to toe every time you leave the room, a backpack and 10kg of additional luggage will not suffice.
So, check the low-cost companies in your area that fly to Abu Dhabi or Dubai and see what they offer. As always, ticket prices will be changing. For the trip we are planning on November 30th, my friends bought tickets for 300 euros (basic fare) in July. I bought mine in August and it was 200 euros. From my experience, the prices are best around 3 months before the travel time.
Of course, the holiday season will be more expensive, so if you plan to go there during Christmas and New Year, be prepared to pay more.
Where to Stay
Considering how luxurious the United Arab Emirates is, it may come as a surprise that accommodation can be more than affordable.
In Dubai, a four-night stay for two people in a highly-rated dorm or hostel ranges from 55 to 220 euros, with some options including breakfast. Renting an entire apartment would cost between 150 and 350 euros. Hotel rooms or apartments start at around 220 euros.
Abu Dhabi is somewhat pricier, and there are fewer accommodation options. Hostels and apartments start at around 120 euros, while the most affordable hotel costs 180 euros for two people over four nights.
In expensive cities, we prefer to rent an apartment and save on food by cooking some meals ourselves. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, staying in an apartment can offer a touch of luxury at a more affordable price. Most buildings are relatively new, featuring amenities like gyms and swimming pools.
Saving Tips & Trick for UAE on a Budget
If you are anything like me, you travel to see and experience as much as possible. Costly restaurants, shopping, and partying are usually not on our itinerary. Traveling to the UAE on a budget means saving where you can to indulge in unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Low-Cost Food Options
One of the easiest ways to save money is to avoid eating and drinking out all the time. Although there are affordable fast food options, eating at bars and restaurants all the time is highly over our budget.
However, the prices in supermarkets are lower than in most of Europe, and they sell freshly prepared meals. If we are staying in an apartment, we buy groceries we need for breakfast, and some other stuff like fruits, water, snacks. As we are sightseeing during the day, we bring some snacks and eat out. Usually, we opt for Za’atar w Zeit, which can be found in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in almost all malls. Generally, food courts in all malls are huge and there is something for everyone.
For dinner, we mostly buy the food at a supermarket, eat at home with a few drinks to warm up, and then go out. This way we are already full and tipsy, so a night out won’t set us short of a couple of hundred euros. If you plan to visit UAE on a budget, clubbing or bar hopping shouldn’t be on your itinerary.
Buying and Consuming Alcohol in UAE
In the UAE, alcohol is costly and not widely accessible. You won’t find it in supermarkets, but only in specialized liquor stores that offer delivery services, with wine prices starting from 7.5 euros per bottle. Dubai and Abu Dhabi have various chains, and a quick online search will help you find the best stores, their locations, and websites. Tourists will need their passports to purchase alcohol at these liquor shops. Make sure to avoid consuming alcohol in public areas like parks or beaches, as it’s strictly prohibited. Their laws are strict and they don’t shy away from imprisoning tourists.
Alcohol is not even served at every restaurant, so check ahead if you plan to have drinks with your meal. Of course, you can buy it without problems in clubs, bars, hotels and many restaurants. One good thing is that both Abu Dhabi and Dubai have bars and clubs that host “ladies’ nights” once a week. This means that for women, some or all alcoholic drinks are free or discounted for a few hours or a whole night.
Transportation
Taxi in UAE is still cheaper than almost any other place I have visited, but the issue is that everything is so far away, that you usually need at least 15-20 euros per ride. Uber and Careem are also available, although a bit pricier than a taxi. Don’t ride on illegal cabs as they will often be more expensive.
When visiting UAE on a budget, I suggest using public transportation as much as possible. Dubai’s metro system consists of only two lines, but there’s also a tram and a monorail available to take you to the key attractions.
A weekly pass for the Dubai Metro costs around 12 euros, but you can also opt for a rechargeable Silver Nol Card, which comes with a 5-euro balance for use on trams, buses, the metro, and water buses. It also includes a SIM card with either 2GB for 16 euros or 4GB for 22 euros.
Abu Dhabi does not have metro, but it does have a very well-connected bus line. Price per single journey is between 0.9 and 1.3 euros, depending on the length. You can also get a Hafilat Smart Card, costing 2.5 euros, a prerequisite for a weekly pass which costs 8.5 euros.
Attractions
Before you embark on the UAE on a budget adventure, you should accept that if you have limited time or money, it’s impossible to see everything worth seeing. Therefore, it’s essential to research and make a list of attractions and activities that interest you. From there, prioritize the must-see experiences and create an itinerary that fits your budget. Luckily, there are also plenty things to do and see that are free of charge or affordable for any pocket.
Abu Dhabi Itinerary
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the United Arab Emirates and plays a key role in the UAE’s economy, holding about 95% of the nation’s oil reserves. Consequently, it offers a range of cultural, historical, and entertainment experiences.
Main Attractions:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – A masterpiece of Islamic architecture, known for its white marble domes and minarets.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi – An iconic museum showcasing art from across civilizations in an innovative and futuristic setting.
- Yas Island – Major entertainment and shopping hub, home to Ferrari World with the world’s fastest roller coaster, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World, Seaworld, and the Yas Marina Circuit, home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
- Qasr Al Watan – A palace that highlights the rich history, culture, and governance of the UAE.
- Abu Dhabi Desert – Golden dunes, thrilling dune bashing ride, breathtaking sunsets… need I say more?
- Corniche Beach – A well-maintained beachfront ideal for relaxation, family time, and watersports.
Other Places to Explore:
- Saadiyat Island – A cultural district featuring luxury resorts, art galleries, and pristine beaches.
- Mangrove National Park – A serene natural escape, perfect for kayaking and observing wildlife in the heart of the city
- Emirates Park Zoo & Resort – a wildlife sanctuary just a 10-15 minute drive from Yas Island is home to over 200 species and more than 1,500 captivating animals.
Abu Dhabi’s balance of rich heritage, cutting-edge architecture, and natural beauty makes it a fascinating destination to explore. And while you could spend all the money in the world in a few days, you don’t have to. The main attractions are not expensive, which allows you to save a little and splurge on a theme park on Yas Island or a luxurious beach day at Saadiyat Beach Club.
- Sheik Zayed Mosque
- Louvre Abu Dhabi – 15 eur
- Yas Island Theme Parks – 1 theme park – 90 eur, combo 2 parks – 117 eur
- Qasr Al Hosn – 7.5 eur
- The Corniche
- Saadiyat Island
- Mangrove National Park
- Emirates Park Zoo & Resort – 12 eur
Dubai Itinerary
Dubai, the most populous city in the UAE, is an extraordinary mix of old-world charm and futuristic architecture. Known for its luxury shopping, towering skyscrapers, and rich cultural heritage, Dubai is a city of contrasts, offering something for everyone.
Most people think it is impossible to experience UAE on a budget because the country has built its reputation on luxury and exclusivity. And truly, somehow, even the simplest things have a luxurious undertone. But still, many of those experiences are affordable.
Main Attractions:
- Dubai Old City & Al Fahidi Neighborhood – Historical area of Dubai with traditional wind towers, narrow alleys, and cultural spots like the Dubai Museum.
- Boat Ride Across Dubai Creek – on a traditional abra boat across Dubai Creek offering stunning waterfront views and a peek into the city’s trade heritage
- Dubai Souks – Bustling Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk in Deira, offering everything from glittering gold jewelry to fragrant spices and vibrant textiles.
- Downtown Dubai – Home to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, Dubai Mall and Dubai Fountain water show set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa.
- Madinat Jumeirah – A luxurious resort that mirrors ancient Arabian architecture, featuring tranquil waterways, high-end dining, and stunning views of the Burj Al Arab
- Palm Jumeirah – A man-made palm-shaped island, home to upscale hotels like Atlantis The Palm, beach clubs, and restaurants
- Dubai Marina – A vibrant waterfront area lined with luxury skyscrapers, restaurants, and a bustling promenade
- Dubai Safari – Dubai’s desert landscape offers not only amazing views but also exciting desert sports like dune bashing, sandboarding, quad biking
Again, you could spend weeks hopping from one mind-blowing experience to another, and easily spend thousands of euros. But, to cover the basics and a bit more, you don’t need too much time or money.
Based on your interest, time, and budget create an itinerary that includes at least some of the following:
- Dubai Old City & Al Fahidi Neighborhood
- Boat ride across Dubai Creek – 0.25 eur
- Dubai Souks
- Dubai Mall & Fountain
- Burj Khalifa
- Madinat Jumeirah
- Palm Jumeirah – by monorail 2.5 eur & Atlantis
- Dubai Marina
- Desert Safari – between 25 and 60 euros
Ready for UAE on a Budget?
If this has inspired you to consider visiting the UAE on a budget, check these posts to help you start planning!
5 Useful Packing Tips and Tricks You Need to Know
The Ultimate Checklist Hack: 8 Things to Do Before You Depart
Until next time,
Asya
