How To Holiday In Dubai Even When You Are On A Budget

Known as the ‘Billionaire’s Playground’, Dubai might be  known for being the land where the ‘rich and famous’ frolic in champagne baths, but did you know that Dubai is also home to free and low cost attractions that won’t bankrupt your wallet? Don’t believe me? From ‘The Dubai Museum’ whose ancient archaeological finds date back to 1,000 BC and costs only 50 P, to a romantic cruise down Dhow for only AED 1 (0.20), there is more to Dubai than just champagne showers. In fact beyond the grazing skyscrapers and built up city lies a world beyond the glass wall, where the old and new Dubai collide in one delicious subversive experience. For those who have ‘cash to splash’ a holiday might involve a stay at the luxurious and infamous Atlantis hotel on The Palm, where summer never ceases to end, while those with money to spare might look at indoor skiing at Ski Dubai with over 22,000 square metres of down-the-slopes action for £63.40. No matter what your budget is, a holiday in Dubai will be well worth your attention, with many Dubai Deals tailored to travelers who are on a budget but still want to explore all that Dubai has to offer. Whether you are an adventurer and are seeking a new travel narrative in Jumeirah Mosque, entranced by 75 minutes delving into Islam and Emirati culture for DHS 20 (£4.15), or would much rather be outside in nature, sailing away on Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim, the choice is entirely yours. So stray away from the hustle and bustle of the urban cityscape and wander into Dubai’s Old Quarter, where Old Dubai is home to such aesthetic and cultural delights like Bastakiya Quarter , Dubai Heritage Village and Dubai Old Souk.

1. Instead of Splurging Out On Taxi’s Use The Metro or Alternative Modes Of Transport

Contrary to popular belief, even when you are visiting Dubai on a budget, public transport will not be ‘costly’ and is more practical for long journeys across town. Despite taxi’s being in use all over the city, you should take advantage of the fact that Dubai has the cheapest metro tickets in the world, with Nol card retails starting at 1.8 dirhams (which is only 0.37!) in comparison to taxis which starts at 2.49 and can increase to 20 AED (4.15). While metros might not be the scenic route through the city, for those who like a little aestheticism while they travel, then hiring out a rental bike for 30 minutes (15 Dirhams) will give you the best views of the city and a suntan to boot. If the metro or a bike is not your thing and you would rather travel by water, then a water taxi might be your best bet. From the cheapest form of water transport which starts at 1 AED (0.21), a manually rowed boat known as an ABRA, to the most expensive and leisurely form of transport known as a ‘Waterbus’ for 160 AED (33.24), no matter your budget choose a mode of travel that will help you enjoy Dubai to its fullest.

 

2. Look For ‘Free Entertainment’ Such As Kite Beach, Sandboarding At Al Qudra and Outdoor Movie Screenings

Your holiday in Dubai does not have to be expensive; with a plethora of free entertainment spots like kiting or sailing at ‘Kite Beach’ to grabbing a sandboard and gliding through the dunes, despite its ‘billionaire’ reputation, you can still have the time of your life in Dubai with little money to spare. For movie fanatics why not head over to Reel Cinemas at Rise Dubai Creek Harbour who is hosting a FREE outdoor cinema screening every Thursday from 7.30 PM onwards. With films like Inception and La La Land being showcased, enjoy the thrill of watching all your favourite movies outside where the elements can collide. For free entertainment that keeps you moving head to Kite Beach, which unlike other beaches in Dubai is free, family friendly and patrolled by lifeguards to keep you safe at all costs. While popular with kitesurfers, if you want to head to a more remote but just as stunning beach spot, go to Al Sufouh, surrounded by peaceful views of the marina and the nearby Burj Al-Arab and the Atlantis. If you are an adventure seeker who would rather ride the dunes than the ‘waves’ then head over to Al Quadra and instead of forking out money for ‘dessert ride trips’, create a Do It Yourself Itinerary, featuring pleasantries like sandboarding, a BBQ in the sand and so much more.

For those who seek adventure without the help of a tour guide, why not try Dubai Tourism’s ‘Audio Book Tours’ (Metro Moments and Al Fahidi Architecture Tours) to explore the city at your own leisurely pace. Or if you would rather seek out stunning art galleries, Dubai is home to some fantastic artistic talent , especially evident in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, which is home to the lovely Majlis Gallery, as well as the XVA Gallery (which doubles as a boutique hotel).

3. Take Advantage Of The Deals Dubai Has To Offer Such As Ladies Night Or Free Nights Out On Your Birthday

In recent years Dubai has tried to move away from its stereotype of being an expensive city by creating enticing deals like free nights out for men and women, while going on holiday in Dubai in your birthday will often warrant treats like a free day pass to Dubai’s Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark (if you register your date of birth on the website). So make sure that you steer well away from ‘expensive, over-hyped attractions’ and look out for deals like Ladies Night, where you can get unlimited drinks with all your gal pals- or make new friends- from wine to cocktails. One of the most popular Ladies Night offerings has to be the infamous Miss Independent at Ramusake in the DoubleTree by Hilton at JBR, where on Wednesdays you get unlimited wine from 7pm to midnight. Make sure that you double check before just turning up to Miss Independent however as these Ladies Nights are often booked weeks in advance so its worth doing your research beforehand. While ‘Guys Night’ is rarer, Dubai still offers Gents Night in locations like Qwerty in Media One Hotel which offers two free drinks every Monday between 6pm and 8pm. Now how’s that for a treat?

4. If You Have Some Spare Cash Go Exploring In The City By Visiting Dubai Museum Or Cruising Down River Creek

Dubai has plenty of museums and riverside attraction spots to tickle any newcomers fancy. But Dubai Museum and the River Dhow are both beautiful cultural attractions to explore no matter whether you are travelling with a partner, alone, with friends or children, at low cost prices. Dubai Museum, home to significant archaeological recreations such as historic Arab houses, mosques, souks, date farms, desert and marine life. While showcasing Dubai’s history and its original heritage, it is the fact that Dubai Museum is housed in Al Fahidi Fort- the oldest building in Dubai – that makes it even more enticing, as you learn from free guided tours that this fort (built in 1787) was once a monarch base, a force of defence, a weapons arsenal and prison, before being renovated during the reign of Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. A taste of old Dubai, it isn’t just the fort or museum that can tickle a culture lovers fancy, but the River Creek. Home to Dhow River Cruise, you can eat, drink and relax, taking in the breathtaking sights of the river with loved ones or make some new friends along the way. However you choose to holiday in Dubai you don’t need to spend a fortune to make memories count.

Have You Ever Been On Holiday In Dubai?

*Disclaimer

Please note this is a collaborative post but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by monetary compensation.