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Read MoreTravel Costs Dubai – What You’ll Actually Spend in 2025
If you’re planning a Dubai adventure, the first question is always “how much will it cost?”. The good news is that Dubai isn’t as mysterious as it seems. With a little research you can nail down flights, hotels, food and fun without blowing your budget.
We’ll walk through the main expense categories, give you realistic numbers and share easy ways to stretch every dirham. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group, this guide lets you set a solid budget before you book.
Daily Expenses Breakdown
Accommodation: In 2025 a mid‑range 3‑star hotel in Dubai Marina or Deira runs about AED 250‑350 per night. Luxury resorts on the Palm start at AED 600 and can go well over AED 1500. If you’re okay with a hostel or Airbnb, you’ll find rooms for AED 120‑180.
Food: Street‑food stalls and small cafeterias charge roughly AED 15‑30 for a meal. A mid‑range restaurant will set you back AED 80‑120 for a two‑course dinner. Food courts in malls are a reliable middle ground at AED 40‑60 per person.
Transport: The Metro is the cheapest way to get around – a single ride costs AED 4‑7, while a daily pass is AED 20. Taxis start at AED 12 and add about AED 2 per kilometre. If you prefer ride‑hailing apps, expect a similar rate plus a small service fee.
Attractions: A ticket to the Burj Khalifa observation deck (At The Top) is AED 150‑200. Desert safaris run AED 200‑300 per person. Museums and cultural sites usually charge AED 30‑70.
Miscellaneous: Expect to spend AED 20‑40 on coffee, snacks or small souvenirs each day. If you’re buying a SIM card, a prepaid plan with 5 GB data costs around AED 50.
Putting it together, a solo traveler can manage on roughly AED 400‑600 per day if they choose budget hotels, eat local, and use public transport. A couple aiming for mid‑range comfort should budget around AED 800‑1200 daily.
Tips to Save Money
1. Book flights early. Prices drop 6‑8 weeks before departure, especially on mid‑week flights.
2. Use discount sites. Hotels often have lower rates on local booking platforms than on the big global ones.
3. Buy a Nol card. It works on Metro, tram and bus, and you get a 5% discount compared to single tickets.
4. Eat where locals eat. The Al Murrayatah and Al Satwa neighborhoods are full of eateries that serve tasty meals for under AED 25.
5. Combine attractions. Many operators sell bundled tickets (e.g., Burj Khalifa + Dubai Aquarium) that shave off 10‑15%.
6. Shop the malls during sales. Dubai’s big sales seasons (January‑February and July‑August) can save you up to 70% on clothing and souvenirs.
7. Stay outside the tourist hubs. Neighborhoods like Al Barsha or Jumeirah Village Circle offer cheaper accommodation while still being a short Metro ride away from the main attractions.
With these numbers and tips, you can plan a Dubai trip that fits your wallet and still lets you enjoy the city’s glitz. Remember to adjust for personal preferences – a night out at a rooftop bar will cost more, but a day at the beach is free.
Now that you know what you’ll actually spend, go ahead and set your budget. A clear plan means less stress and more time soaking up the skyline, the culture, and the desert sunrise.
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