Can You Visit Dubai on $120 USD A Day

December 2024 - January 2025

We have all heard the horror stories. Dubai is for the rich. It's insanely expensive. There is no way you can budget travel. Are the myths true? Or can you travel to Dubai on a budget. When I started looking at Dubai, I originally set a budget of $100 a day. Then reality set in. I could not find any decently reviewed accommodations for less than $60 a day. Accommodations usually account for half my budget. So, I had to face the facts that $120 was a more realistic goal.

What I did right

Accommodations - To visit Dubai on a budget means using hostels. I was able to find an amazing hostel in the Dubail Marina with public transit (metro) next door. It was an all-female hostel with 4 beds per room and a nice kitchen. It wasn't perfect. The bathroom would flood, the curtains would fall down. But overall, it was a great selection at $60 per day.

Group tours - I kept group tours and sightseeing to a minimum this month. Being right on the marina and a 15-minute walk to the beach helped. The first tour I did was the usual tourist trap that everyone has to do. Tickets to the top of the Burj Kalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world with a cost just shy of $50. Step aside Taipei 101, Shanghai Tower, Empire State Building and Willis Tower. There's a new kid in town. Opened in 2010 with a total height of 830m (2717 ft),

Walking Tour of Old Dubai Airbnb experience. We started the tour in the historic Al Fahidi District. As we walked, we noticed the charm of ancient buildings and the unique Arabian architectural style. These structures house cultural treasures like museums, art galleries and event spaces. From there, we’ wandered into the vibrant Textile Souk, surrounded by colorful fabrics that celebrate Dubai's traditional craftsmanship. Then, hopped on an Abra, a water taxi, to cross Dubia Creek into the Gold and Spice Souks. It was well worth the cost of $27. Dubai Hidden Treasures A Cultural Walking Tour in Old Dubai.

There is no better way to see and understand Dubai than a tour from the water. Dubai is a huge city, so took a speed boat tour to see famous landmarks like Atlantic, The Palm, Burj Al Arab, and Palm Jumeirah. Cost $33 USD. 90 Minutes Speedboat Tour: Marina, Atlantis, Palm & Burj Al Arab

Located approximated 35 kilometers outside Dubai, the Al Awir desert is a reminder of life before the skyscrapers and million-dollar homes. Tribes still roam the vast dessert. On an overnight trip, i enjoyed a night stay in a Bedouin camp. As the sun set, we watched a traditional dance and had a BBQ dinner under the stars. Waking up early for a sunrise camel ride. This was the most expensive tour I did, but sleeping under the stars was well worth the price. Cost $166. Overnight Desert Experience with safari and BBQ Dinner

Here's a brief history lesson of the United Arab Emirates. Prior to 1960, what we now know as the UAE consisted of seven independent emirates (aka sheikdoms.) These independent emirates were under the British protection from 1820 - 1971. In the early 1960s, oil was discovered in Abu Dhabi leading to a full unification in 1971. While Abu Dubai thrived, the other emirates needed to use other avenues to improve their economy. Dubai led the way in understanding the value of tourism.

However, as oil reserves have dried up in Abu Dubai, they are slowly turning to tourism. I did a full day trip to Abu Dhabi. Cost $99. With its natural islands, cultural attractions, and architectural wonders, Abu Dhabi offers something for everyone. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE and the third largest in the world is a place that is closely knit to the culture and religion of the UAE. One-of-a-kind treasures while navigating the marbled halls, such as Swarovski chandeliers, patterned designs, and the largest hand-knotted carpet in the world. Visit Qasr Al Watan, a functioning presidential palace and cultural site in Abu Dhabi, which lets you learn more about the traditions that have defined the history of the UAE. From Dubai: Abu Dhabi Premium Full-Day Sightseeing Tour

What I did wrong

Dining out - I do this all the time. I get a place that has a kitchen and yet I constantly go out to restaurants and bars for lunch and dinner. However, since the UAE is a Muslim nation, the cost of alcohol is insane. Generally, $10 - $12 for a pint of beer. Overtime it adds up. I spent on average $50+ per day for food.

Not reserving something for New Years Eve. Suddenly it was New Years Eve and I had nothing reserved. No plans. I wandered down to Jumeriah Beach for dinner and drinks and to watch the fireworks. and drone show.

Drum roll ........ On average I spent $155 USD per day.

If I had just utilized the kitchen in the hostel to prepare one meal a day, I would have been on target for $120 spend.