The average US spending on travel is AED 415 or US$113 per person per day in the UAE. This article provides you with useful tips and hints on how to enjoy the UAE without spending. Going to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be regarded as a luxury; however, it does not necessarily cost the bank. Planning, local expertise, and inventive decisions will bring you to the amazing sceneries of its skylines, deserts, beaches, and markets at a low cost. Here’s how.
https://www.budgetyourtrip.com/united-arab-emirates
Why Choose the UAE for Budget Travel
UAE may not appear to be the cheapest destination initially, but there is a lot to do in it. Travellers can enjoy the scenery without spending a lot of money, as there are free cultural attractions as well as low-cost food markets. With the fantastic infrastructure, favorable airline fares, and a large choice of places to stay, it is more easily accessible than ever for the low-end customer segment to explore.
Best Time to Visit on a Budget
Summer (June to September) is the cheapest season to be in the UAE. Hotel rates become very low as the number of tourists reduces because of the heat. In case you would rather have a milder climate, you can visit in the month of May or late September. In these shoulder months, you find the flights and hotels relatively cheap, and you never get in the midst of the season peak crowds in winter.
Affordable Flights and Transport
Low cost airline like Air Arabia, flydubai, and Wizz Air offers discounts on early booking of tickets. The cheapest options will be found on flight comparison sites. When in the UAE, use taxis sparingly since they are expensive. Rather, take the Dubai Metro, the public buses or the Nol card system that will get you to most major attractions at a fraction of the price.
Budget-Friendly Stays
Accommodation may suck at your budget, but the UAE has numerous affordable options. Dubai Marina or Downtown hostels are comfortable and cheap. Hotels such as Premier Inn, Citymax or Holiday Inn Express are often low-end, and therefore offer rooms below 60 pounds per night. Airbnb is also a good choice, particularly when you want to spend more time and prepare your food.
Cheap Eats & Street Food
Leave the luxury restaurants and go to the local cafeterias or food courts. In places such as Karama and Deira in Dubai there are numerous affordable restaurants with offers of Indian, Pakistani and Filipino meals at under five dollars a meal.
Free & Low-Cost Attractions
Most of the best UAE experiences do not cost a dirham. Dubai Fountain Show, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Al Fahidi Historical District and Abu Dhabi Corniche are all free. Even such tourist sites as Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque do not require entry fees. You can visit museums, souks or even desert landscapes at a small fee to have an experience of local culture.
Local Transport Hacks
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, purchase a Nol card or an Hafilat card to save on daily commutes. Such prepaid plans make traveling more affordable than purchasing seconds. Careem or Uber taxi apps are too costly and they should be employed in cases where no other transportation options are available. One can also take a walk-in small area like Bur Dubai and Deira.
Budget Breakdown Chart
| Expense Category | Estimated Daily Budget (Budget Traveler)* |
| Accommodation | US$40-60 (≈ AED 150-225) |
| Food & Drinks | US$20-35 (≈ AED 75-130) |
| Local Transport | US$ 5-15 (≈ AED 20-55) |
| Attractions & Activities | US$ 10-30 (≈ AED 35-110) |
| Miscellaneous (shopping, SIM card, tips) | US$ 5-15 (≈ AED 20-55) |
*According to averages of various travellers and sources. The prices depend on city, season and mode of travel.
Conclusion
Some strategies can be used to visit the UAE without entirely breaking the bank. It does not cost too much to see the country as long as you choose the best time to visit, cheap places to stay, use the public transport system and also see the free places. The UAE proves that luxurious budgets do not have to bring you on to the world plans.