How to Travel in Dubai on a Budget
It is no secret that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is known worldwide for luxury and wealth. It is the wealthiest country in Africa and The Middle East, with a total net asset of $925 billion.
It is, however, essential to note that wandering around the streets of UAE doesn’t have to break the bank. Similar to most countries with extremely high prices, there are ways wherein you can squeeze your last dirham possible to make the most out of your vacation. Whether you’re in a limited period, traveling with family, or just searching for some budget-friendly alternatives, here are tips to keep in mind to be able to enjoy UAE on a budget.
Also Read: Guide for First-timers in the UAE
Budget-friendly Travel Around Dubai, UAE
1. Grab A Copy Of The Entertainer
The Entertainer is a well-known magazine found in many countries which offer exclusive discounts on hotels, activities, and restaurants. A significant amount of the discounts available are generally 2-for-1 promos which are valid for a year starting from January to December.
Expats can grab a copy of The Entertainer at bookstores, supermarkets, or even online by downloading it on their website. Ordinarily, the hard copy costs within the range of 495 to 500 AED while the online version is available for 445 AED.
2. Try Free Activities
The best things in life are free. Among the fun activities, you can do for free in the UAE is to watch camel races, which usually occur on Fridays from 6 to 8 in the morning. However, camel races which take place in the Dubai Camel Racing Club are only held from November to March.
Apart from camel races, you can also choose to visit the Shiva and Krishna Mandir temple, which is located in Bastakiya, Dubai. It should be noted that the best time to visit the temple is on Fridays around noon when Hindu people bring gifts and perform rituals to their Gods.
Other free things to do in the UAE are to watch street wrestling, horse races or walk around Souq Madinat which globally recognized for its giant turtles and exquisite views of the Burj Al Arab.
3. Ignore The Booze
Drinking liquor and beverages in the UAE are expensive, so it is highly recommended for anyone to go easy on the booze during their visit. Beers typically cost within the range of $10 to $12 while a glass of wine is priced at $15 on average.
If you are on a budget but still want to grab a glass of wine or a bottle of beer, it is best to attend happy hours wherein you can get a drink for a discounted price. The schedule and location of stores which offer happy hours and drink specials can be found on The Entertainer.
While the UAE can appear expensive on a surface, there are a plethora of choices on a stopover to fill your time but trim the costs down. Keep these tips in mind to have fun at minimum prices.