Tips for Visiting Dubai

[Nisar Subhani]

Dubai is mostly used as a stopover destination for travelers traveling in and out of the Emirates. Dubai can easily be a quiet city, you can reach big destinations in two days, there are wonderful things here for those who want to spend more time. I loved my time in Dubai more than I thought! It is a city caught between the old and the new. It has a place in traditional culture with old world customs, while at the same time going to any Middle Eastern Vegas (so it is behind closed doors). I was amazed at how much I could do in this city - and how I painted the surface in a week. Dubai is a beautiful, multicultural city, much more than it stops. I hope you use this guide to help you plan a trip that will not break your budget!

Specific cost
Hostel prices - Hostels are not common in Dubai. Here are just a few and the maximum charge is for a basic hostel between 100-120 AED. If you want a private room, expect to pay between 250-375 AED. Most have free wifi and in some places even free breakfast. If you can avoid them, I wish they weren’t better off in the city.

Budget Hotel Prices - Budget hotels for basic couple or double rooms start between 200-250 AED per night. Free WiFi is standard, and many budget hotels also have free airport shuttles or swimming pools. Mid-range hotels start at 250 AED per night, but if you are looking for more spectacular ones, the sky is the limit here! Airbnb is also an option here (I suggest avoiding them as other payment sharing economy services are trusted here). A shared room on Airbnb starts at 100 AED per night, while the whole house or apartment is close to 400 AED.

Average Food Price - You can get cheap food in Dubai for around 30 AED, fast food costs a bit less (around 25 AED). The best meals are usually shared by the table and include humus, beaten, falafel, foul, fatwas, tahini salad and grilled hollowi cheese. Operation Falafel is a great cheap restaurant chain with 7 locations around Dubai. If you want a meal at a mid-range restaurant, expect to pay close to 100 AED. For breakfast throughout the day, expect to pay at least 375 AED per person. If you plan to cook your own meal, the grocery will cost between 175–225 AED per week. Dubai Mall Dibonaire has a 15 AED (US 4 USD) lunch special. This is the best deal I have ever found. Visit Old Dubai for cheap food. Meals at restaurants in the area usually cost 20-30 AED ($ 5-8 USD). I really loved Al Ustead, an Iranian restaurant near the Al Fahidi Metro.

Transportation cost - Metro is not comprehensive, efficient and well organized and government buses can take you anywhere. The single charge is between 4-8.50 AED (prices depend on how far you go) and the time of day is 20 AED. Taxis are cheap, but if you need to call one, call Uber instead because the addresses here are a little tricky to convince the taxi company by phone. The prices between the two are comparable, so stay with what is most convenient. Bus fares to Abu Dhabi are 40 AED (you can also take a taxi for 290 AED each way) and 55 AED Desert safari Dubai deals.

Recommended daily budget - 300 AED / US 80 USD (Note: You are advised to stay in a hostel, eat a little outside, cook your meal a lot, do a lot of free activities, keep your alcohol consumption to a minimum, and use local transportation. You can always reduce this number.However, if you live in or out of hardcore housing often expect to eat more of it! Dubai is not cheap, but it is not super expensive!)