Ultimate Guide to a Budget-Friendly Trip to Dubai

Before traveling to any destination, it is very important to plan; this will save your time and money too. While traveling, we have limited days and many places to cover, activities to do, cultures to witness, and many more. That is why pre-planning is a very important process. 

Early birds catch the worm; the saying is true for traveling too; book your hotel rooms first. Booking will save money, time, and hassle, and there is a high chance of getting the maximum discount

When arriving at Dubai International Airport (DIA), booking accommodations in advance can indeed save you money and ensure a smoother travel experience. 

Dubai International Hotel:

• Located within Terminal 3 of the airport, this hotel offers convenience for transit passengers or those with early flights. No need to exit the airport.
• The price for an individual per night here starts from AED 1057.57.

Premier Inn Dubai International Airport Hotel:

• Just a few minutes from the airport, this hotel offers a free shuttle service to and from all terminals. It's a budget-friendly option with comfortable amenities.
• The price for an individual per night here starts from AED 128.80.

Holiday Inn Express Dubai Airport:

• Located near Terminal 3, this hotel also provides a free shuttle service to the airport. It offers complimentary breakfast and other amenities suitable for business and leisure travelers.
• The price for an individual per night here starts from AED 162.28

Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre:

• Situated close to the airport, this luxury hotel features multiple dining options, a spa, and conference facilities. Ideal for travelers seeking a more upscale stay.
• The price for an individual per night here starts from AED 385.09

Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai:

• Located close to Terminal 1 and 3, this hotel offers modern rooms, several dining options, and a free airport shuttle service.
• The price for an individual per night here starts from AED 648.11

Roda Al Bustan Hotel:

• Just a short distance from the airport, this hotel provides luxury accommodations with various dining options, a spa, and a free airport shuttle.
• The price for an individual per night here starts from AED150.

Flora Inn Hotel Dubai Airport:

• A few minutes away from the airport, this hotel offers modern amenities, a rooftop pool, and a free airport shuttle service.
• The price for an individual per night here starts from AED 246.74

Jumeirah Creekside Hotel:

• Located near the airport, this hotel offers luxurious accommodations, multiple dining options, and various leisure facilities, including a swimming pool and tennis courts.
• The price for an individual per night here starts from AED 166.85

After booking a hotel according to your budget and choice then its for you to choose the landmarks that you are going to travel to on this trip.

Creating a list of landmarks is another vital step. Dubai is filled with many beautiful destinations, and covering all of them at once is challenging. Therefore, it is essential to highlight the significant landmarks that are renowned worldwide. 

Burj Khalifa - The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, offers stunning panoramic views of the city from its observation decks. You can reach the Burj Khalifa from your hotel by metro, bus, or taxi. 

Traveling by Dubai Metro will cost you approximately AED 1.50 while taking a bus will range from AED 5 to 8. Opting for a taxi, though slightly more expensive at AED 6, will get you there in just 12 minutes.

Dubai Frame - An iconic structure that provides a panoramic view of old and new Dubai from its sky deck. Remember you have to pay an entry fee here that is AED 50 for adults during non-peak hours

Traveling by Dubai Metro will cost you approximately AED 7.55 to 11.02 but it will take your 29 minutes so to save time you can use an alternate mode which is a bus or taxi. 

While taking a bus will range from AED 3.67, one of the cheapest and quickest modes to reach here. Opting for a taxi, though slightly more expensive at AED 25.71 to 33.06

Jumeirah Mosque - An architectural marvel and one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslim visitors, offering insights into Islamic culture. There is no entry fee so don’t worry about your money and just grab a chance to visit this beautiful holy place. 

How to get there: This landmark is well connected by metro and buses. For the metro, take the red line to Emirates Towers Metro Station, and from the bus, take Bus 32C or 7 to Jumeirah Mosque. The cost for the metro will be AED 5-7, and for the bus, AED 3–5.

One of the important points to note is that the mosque is open to guided tours for non-Muslims, usually available on certain days.

Palm Jumeirah - A man-made island in the shape of a palm tree, home to luxurious resorts, restaurants, and private residences.

You can reach here via the the metro; take the red line to Dubai Internet City Metro Stations; it will cost you around AED 7; for the tram, transfer to the Dubai Tram, which will cost you AED 3 to 5; and get off at Palm Jumeirah Tram station.

You also have the option of a monorail, from which you can witness the mind-boggling views of the island and the city. For Metro, take the Palm Monorail from Palm Gateway station to various points on the island, which will cost you around AED 20 to 30. It is costly but worth it. 

Dubai Creek - A historic waterway that divides the city into Deira and Bur Dubai, offering a glimpse into Dubai's trading past.

How to reach here: Metro: Take the Green Line to Al Ghubaiba Metro Station or Al Ras Metro Station. Abra (water taxi): Cross the creek using traditional abras. Cost: AED 5-7 for the metro, AED 1 for the abra.

The important point to note is that visiting the creek area also provides access to the Gold and Spice Souks.

Dubai Autodrome - A state-of-the-art motorsport facility that hosts various racing events and provides driving experiences. Here, you can book a variety of motor experience starting at AED 250 per person or go for karting that cost you around AED 125 per person. 

How to reach here: Metro: Take the Red Line to Mall of the Emirates Metro Station. Bus: From there, take Bus F29 to Dubai Autodrome. Cost: AED 5-7 for the metro, AED 3-5 for the bus.

Notes: Check the schedule for events or book driving experiences in advance.

Burj Al Arab - A luxury hotel known for its distinctive sail-shaped silhouette, often considered one of the most luxurious hotels globally. The entry fee of this luxurious hotel will cost your around AED 100. 

Here, you can reach through multiple ways but the best and cheapest way is through public transport i.e bus and Dubai metro.

The location is a 9-minute walk from Bus Stop 2, serviced by buses 8, 81, and X28, and within a 5-6 minute walk to the Mankhool metro stations at Standard Chartered Bank 02 and Street 7 1-01

Now that you know all the locations and hotels, it's time to choose the options that best meet your needs and preferences. Once you've booked, get ready for your flight and await your arrival.

First things come first, to stay connected and save money on high roaming costs, get yourself a prepaid sim card for Dubai, or you can always order an e-sim. Like everything else in Dubai, the SIM is also expensive, but it is still an important purchase. You can grab it at the airport, and it will cost you around AED 29.38 to 73.96. 

After sim, grab yourself a silver NoL card; it will cost around AED 25. This card will help you travel cash-free and pay for various transport modes in Dubai with a single tap. The card may be used to service the Dubai metro, buses, trams, and water buses. Nol cards, which come with an AED 19 balance, are perfect for tourists.

Grab UAE dirhams; in Dubai, people only use their local currency, so upon arrival, you'll need to exchange your money for UAE dirhams.

To make the most of your time and maximize your adventure, try arriving Dubai in the evening. This clever strategy allows you to hit the ground running and jump right into the excitement. After a quick rest, get ready to create some unforgettable memories!

Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Burj Khalifa. The night views from this towering skyscraper are absolutely breathtaking, and the spectacular light show is sure to captivate you. From the 125th floor, you’ll have a stunning panoramic view of the entire city. It's a sight you won't want to miss! The entry fee for adults during prime time is AED 224, but trust me, it's worth every dirham.

After soaking in the sights from one of Dubai’s most famous landmarks, dive into the vibrant nightlife. Explore the city's buzzing cafes, lively bars, and other nighttime attractions. These experiences will add an extra layer of excitement to your trip, leaving you with cherished memories of your time in Dubai.

The next day, wake up early and gear up for an exciting adventure. Kick off your day with a visit to the Dubai Frame, a stunning architectural marvel where you can enjoy incredible views of both old and new Dubai. The entry fee is just AED 50 for adults during non-peak hours, making it a must-see on your itinerary.

Next, head over to the beautiful Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslims. Try to arrive by 9:45 AM and remember to wear modest clothing. Ladies, don’t forget to bring a scarf to cover your head. The serenity and beauty of this mosque will leave you feeling peaceful and inspired.

Now it's time for a taste of luxury and glamour at the Burj Al Arab. This iconic hotel, built on a man-made island, offers an unparalleled experience. Enjoy a luxurious cup of coffee with mind-boggling views of the Persian Gulf. It’s an experience that will make you feel like royalty!

But your day isn’t over yet! Make your way to Palm Jumeirah, another incredible man-made island packed with luxurious hotels and the thrilling Aquaventure Waterpark. Explore, relax, and have fun until you’re ready to head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest. You’ll need it because the next day is packed with even more fun, excitement, and thrills!

So get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Dubai. Each moment will be filled with wonder and excitement, leaving you with memories to treasure forever.

The next day promises to be unlike any of the previous ones, brimming with exhilarating activities that will make this trip truly unforgettable. Dubai offers a plethora of adventures, from sprawling shopping centers to thrilling skydiving experiences. For a short trip like this, a desert safari is an absolute must. The thrill of the ride and the endless vistas of dunes will etch this day into your memory forever.

If sand isn't your thing and you're more into the party scene, a cruise is the perfect alternative. Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife, hopping between lively bars and chic cafes, and dancing the night away under the stars. Whether you're chasing adrenaline in the desert or soaking up the electric atmosphere on the water, Dubai has everything to make this trip spectacular.

If you make your traveling itinerary like this, then you will able to enjoy more and spend less. Proper planning is a very crucial part of traveling so take your time and plan your trip properly so that you can make more of it, 

Use public transport- In Dubai, private transportation is way too expensive! Dubai is one of the most planned cities and is well-connected by roads and highways. Most famous landmarks are connected by roads or the Dubai Metro, so you can use public transport to save time and money. 

Avoid tourist season: Dubai's tourist season starts in September and ends in December because, during this period, Dubai's weather is bearable and beautiful. During this time, Dubai is lined up by tourists; all the hotels and cafes are pre-booked. If you are planning to visit at this time, then be ready to spend more money. 

To save time, you can visit here during off-hours. It's a little bit hotter, but it doesn’t affect you more because all of the Dubai areas are fully covered with air conditioners. 

Always carry currency- The currency of Dubai is UAE Diharm; always carry currency with you. Well, in Dubai, you will find ATMs everywhere and credit card options, but some places don’t have these facilities, so to avoid unfavorable circumstances, carry Dubai currency with you.

Planning a budget-friendly trip to Dubai involves careful pre-arrival planning. Choosing landmarks and booking hotels involves many processes.  Upon arrival, get a local SIM card and a Nol card for affordable transport. Follow a well-structured itinerary, starting with iconic sites and exploring vibrant nightlife. Use public transport to save money, and visit during off-peak seasons to avoid high costs. Always carry some local currency for places that don't accept cards. Proper planning ensures a memorable, cost-effective Dubai experience.