Dubai Vacation Expenses: Your 2025 Budget Guide

If you’re planning a holiday in Dubai, the first question on most people’s minds is – how much will it cost? The answer isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all number, but we can break it down into the main parts of your trip so you know exactly where your money will go.

Big Ticket Items: Flights and Hotels

Airfare is usually the biggest single expense. From the US or Europe you’ll pay anywhere between $600 and $1,200 for a round‑trip economy ticket. Booking 2–3 months ahead and using price‑alert tools can shave off a few hundred dollars.

Accommodation ranges wildly. A budget hotel or hostel can be as cheap as $40‑$70 per night, while a mid‑range 4‑star hotel sits around $120‑$180. Luxury resorts start at $250 and can go well beyond $500 per night. If you’re traveling with a partner, sharing a double room can cut the nightly cost in half compared to two single rooms.

Don’t forget the extra fees that sometimes hide in the fine print: city tax (usually about 7% of the room rate) and a tourism fee that can add $5‑$10 per night. Adding these up, a 7‑day stay in a comfortable 4‑star hotel will cost roughly $1,050‑$1,260, excluding meals and attractions.

Everyday Costs: Food, Transport, and Fun

Food in Dubai can be as cheap or as pricey as you want. Street‑food stalls and local cafeterias serve meals for $5‑$10. Mid‑range restaurants charge $20‑$35 per main dish, while fine‑dining spots can easily top $100 per person. A realistic daily food budget for two people is $40‑$70 if you mix a few casual meals with one nicer dinner.

Getting around is easy but not free. The Metro costs between $1 and $3 per ride, while a taxi start‑fare is about $3 and $0.50 per kilometer after that. If you plan to ride the Metro for most trips, budget $10‑$15 a day. For occasional taxis, $20‑$30 a day should cover airport transfers, late‑night rides, and short hops.

Activities are where many travelers overspend. A desert safari with dinner runs $60‑$85 per person, a ticket to the Burj Khalifa observation deck is $40‑$60, and a day at a water park is $50‑$70. Museums and cultural sites often charge $10‑$20. Set aside $150‑$200 per person for a mix of must‑see attractions.

Don’t forget the small stuff that adds up: souvenirs, tips, and occasional drinks. A modest allowance of $30‑$50 a day keeps you covered without breaking the bank.

Money‑Saving Tips You Can Use Right Now

Look for bundled packages – many hotels offer discounts when you add a desert safari or a spa treatment. Use a prepaid travel card to avoid currency conversion fees, and withdraw cash in larger amounts to save on ATM charges.

If you travel off‑season (May to September), you’ll find lower hotel rates and fewer crowds. Also, check out the “stay‑longer‑pay‑less” deals that some resorts provide for 5‑night stays or more.

Finally, compare prices on local apps for rides and food delivery. Uber and Careem often have promo codes for first‑time users, shaving a few dollars off each ride.

With these numbers in mind, a typical 7‑day Dubai vacation for two people will run between $3,200 and $4,500, depending on your style of travel. Knowing where the money goes lets you plan a trip that feels luxurious without shocking your wallet.