What are some cost-saving tips for traveling to Dubai?

johnathanmack

Through this question, I am seeking suggestions on ways to reduce expenses while planning a trip to Dubai.

This means that I am looking for information on how to make my trip to Dubai budget-friendly. Like finding affordable housing, transportation options, or activities to do in town?

eskbanker

johnathanmack said:

Through this question, I am seeking suggestions on ways to reduce expenses while planning a trip to Dubai.

This means that I am looking for information on how to make my trip to Dubai budget-friendly. Like finding affordable housing, transportation options, or activities to do in town?

Are you going on holiday, or emigrating, or something in between?

TripAdvisor destination-specific forums are usually worth a look:

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowForum-g295424-i872-Dubai_Emirate_of_Dubai.html

DullGreyGuy

johnathanmack said:
activities to do in town?

What attracts you to going to Dubai if you dont know what you want to do there?

Doshwaster

Don't drink alcohol

themadvix

It really depends what you're aiming to do there. My husband and I stopped over there on our way back from honeymoon (to the Maldives) ten years ago (a lifetime in terms of Dubai's development). We stayed in an Ibis that was £17/night - perfectly functional and near to restaurants/a short cab ride away from the shopping malls. But I think part of the experience of Dubai is probably staying in one of the fancy hotels - with the views, the swimming stuff and the aquariums etc. Would recommend the souks for a wander and the old-fashioned boat across the river was a bargain. Breakfast, if not included, can be grabbed cheaply in one of the malls - memorably we went to Waitrose and picked up pastries. We also spent quite a bit of time wandering around - but we're easily entertained - the 'pork room' in Waitrose was weird to us, although obviously in accordance with their laws. The old town was weirder though - it dates from the 1950s (looks much older) but was seemingly completely deserted. We aren't likely to return as we weren't that impressed, but I also think we perhaps missed out on some of the more relevant experiences - a desert trip being the main one. We did go up the Burj Khalifa and that was very impressive. Don't expect to find local cuisine though - we discovered that such things don't really exist (saw plenty of locals at the burger places in the shopping malls) - all the hotels have nice restaurants, but usually Thai, Chinese or other cuisines.

StuieUK34

if you show the cops when u land that u got some £2 co-codamol tablets in your bag, pretty sure u get free accomodation !    
Defo a way to do Dubai on a budget!

daveyjp

I'm not sure I'd want to do Dubai on a very limited budget.

My visit was almost 25 years ago, just as development was starting to take off and then it was still a cheap destination.  Lots of modern development, but still local options for food.

However lazing around pools, walking along beaches, wandering along the creek and souks are all free.

I called a friend today who I wasn't aware was in Dubai on business,  He was in the hotel bar for happy hour (actually 4 hours) and beer was £6 a pint rather than £12.

Neil49

Use the metro system to get around. This assumes you are somewhere close to it in the first place. 

TELLIT01

I haven't been to Dubai but certainly get the impression that the traveller on a budget isn't the market they are aiming at.

Ganga

And £12 a pint they wont be tempting me

Doshwaster

Some deals to be had from hotels and restaurants offering fixed price brunch deals.