Ways to Save on Your Vacation in Dubai: Life Hacks and Tips

How to ride the impeccably clean metro for next to nothing, enjoy a meal with a view of skyscrapers for just 20 dirhams, and discover world-class free entertainment. Your honest guide to a different Dubai.

The cost of a cup of coffee in Dubai Mall can equal the price of a hearty, aromatic meal at an authentic café somewhere in Deira. This isn't an exaggeration—it's the city's daily reality. There are two Dubais: one glossy, straight out of tourist brochures, with sky-high prices; and the other, the real, everyday Dubai, where millions of residents live, each mindful of every dirham's value. The key to smart savings is gaining access to this "local" Dubai. Forget about compromises. This guide isn't about giving up vibrant experiences to save money. On the contrary, it's your gateway to a different Dubai, where behind the luxurious façade lies a world of smart solutions and local secrets. We'll reveal them all, so you can savor this incredible metropolis without emptying your bank account.

Food in Dubai: from food courts to supermarkets—secrets for satisfying and affordable dining

Dubai's culinary scene is full of contrasts. Here, Michelin-starred restaurants coexist with tiny cafeterias where, for just a few coins, you can enjoy the city’s best shawarma. It’s precisely in these unassuming little eateries and on the shelves of ordinary supermarkets that true treasures await the budget-conscious gourmet—authentic flavors and wallet-friendly prices.

Your secret weapon: supermarkets

A trip to the supermarket in Dubai isn’t just a mundane chore—it’s the first and most crucial step toward smart savings. Local supermarket chains can be roughly divided into three price segments: discount stores (Viva), the mid-range segment ideal for tourists (Carrefour, Lulu, Union Coop), and the premium segment (Spinneys, Waitrose). The stark differences in pricing clearly highlight the potential savings for your wallet.

But the real secret of these hypermarkets lies behind the counters of their ready-to-eat food sections (hot food counters). Forget those sad salads in plastic containers! These counters are a genuine gastronomic oasis: imagine fragrant, steaming biryani rice, a whole grilled chicken with a crispy crust, mountains of fresh Arabic appetizers, hummus, mutabbal... And all at prices so affordable, you might start doubting whether you’re still in Dubai.

Where to eat out: a guide to budget-friendly eateries

If you don’t feel like cooking or heading to the supermarket, Dubai offers three reliable options for an affordable meal: cafeterias, food courts in shopping malls, and ethnic restaurants.

But the true soul of “another Dubai” can be found in the cafeterias. Don’t be put off by their modest, sometimes even austere appearance. These are vibrant hubs of local life, where deals are struck and conversations flow amid the sizzle of shawarma grills and the hum of blenders churning mango and avocado juices. It’s right here, for just 1–3 dirhams, that you’ll be served a cup of the legendary “karak”—a scorching, spiced tea with milk that warms you up in the cool mall and invigorates you better than any espresso. This is the true taste of the city.

Getting around Dubai: metro, buses, and taxis—how to avoid overspending

Forget everything you thought you knew about public transport. In Dubai, the RTA system is an attraction in its own right. Imagine driverless trains gliding gracefully between skyscrapers, stations resembling spaceships, and an immaculate cleanliness that would make even an operating room envious. And now add to this that all this futuristic marvel is also the most economical way to explore the city, leaving expensive taxis for special occasions.

Your key to the city: the Nol card and RTA fares

Forget single-use tickets. Your ultimate companion is the rechargeable Nol card, the local equivalent of Moscow’s “Troika” or St. Petersburg’s “Podorozhnik.” For tourists, the silver Nol card is the optimal choice. The city is divided into 7 fare zones, and the cost of your ride depends on how many zones you cross.

Key life hacks of the RTA system include the 30-minute free transfer rule between different modes of transport (e.g., from metro to bus) and the 7-day pass (Weekly Pass). If you plan to travel extensively, a full-zone pass for 110 AED will pay for itself after just 2-3 trips per day.

Taxis and ride-sharing: when are they worth it?

Taxis aren't necessarily a budget killer if used wisely. In addition to official taxis, apps like Uber and Careem operate in the city (the latter also offers the Hala Taxi option for booking regular taxis at transparent fares). When is a taxi a smart choice?

• If you're traveling with a group of 3-4 people: By splitting the fare among everyone, you can end up paying the same amount or even less than what you'd spend on public transport tickets.
• At night: When the metro is closed, taxis remain your only option.
• For complex routes: If your destination requires 2–3 transfers, saving time and energy by taking a taxi may outweigh the price difference.
• In extreme heat: The comfort of air conditioning over short distances may well be worth the few dirhams you’ll pay extra.

Entertainment for every budget: from free shows to discount apps

Contrary to popular myths, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an unforgettable experience in Dubai. The city offers a wealth of free and affordable entertainment options, which we’ll now introduce to you.

Dubai for free: what to see without spending a single dirham

• Beaches: Enjoy the sun and sea at free public beaches such as Kite Beach (a paradise for kitesurfers), JBR Beach (with its well-developed infrastructure), or Umm Suqeim Beach (which offers that iconic postcard view of the Burj Al Arab hotel).
• Fountain shows: Every evening at the base of the Burj Khalifa, there’s a spectacular performance of the Dubai Fountain, with dancing water jets (from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, every 30 minutes). No less impressive is the IMAGINE laser and fountain show, held in the Dubai Festival City area. Important: the Palm Fountain show at The Pointe is currently out of service.
• Top walking routes: Dubai is made for exploring on foot. Get lost in the maze of narrow streets in the historic Al Fahidi district, where time seems to stand still. Feel like a millionaire as you stroll along the Dubai Marina promenade, admiring the gleaming white yachts. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a modern-day Eastern bazaar in the Al Seef district, or treat yourself to a photo session against the backdrop of colorful murals in the trendy City Walk neighborhood.
• Souks (Markets): Head to Deira to freely soak up the authentic vibe of old Dubai at the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk.
• Visiting Mosques: Jumeirah Mosque welcomes non-Muslim visitors during designated hours (often as part of an affordable guided tour), offering a wonderful opportunity to experience Islamic culture and architecture firsthand.

Smart savings: apps and tourist passes

For paid attractions, leverage digital tools. Apps like The Entertainer, Groupon, and Cobone provide "buy one, get one free" deals or discounts of up to 70% on water parks, safaris, observation decks, and much more. If you have a packed itinerary, consider the Go City Dubai Pass. It offers access to dozens of top attractions at a single, fixed price. Planning to visit Aquaventure Waterpark, ascend Burj Khalifa, and embark on a desert safari? With the Go City Pass, you’re likely to come out ahead!

Smart shopping: where to find souvenirs and brands at the best prices

The key tip for shopping in Dubai: steer clear of souvenir shops in malls and near popular landmarks. Instead, head to places where locals shop—they offer a more interesting selection and prices that are often significantly lower.

From markets to outlets: a map of bargain shopping

• Traditional Markets (Souks): At Deira’s markets, bargaining isn’t just allowed—it’s expected! Feel free to ask for a discount of 20–40% off the initial price.
• Discount Stores: Chains like Day To Day, Brands For Less, or Gift Village are true treasure troves, offering everything from souvenirs and clothing to electronics at fixed low prices.
• Outlets: If you’re aiming for branded shopping, head to Dubai Outlet Mall or The Outlet Village. Here, last season’s collections are sold at discounts ranging from 30% to 70%.
• Hypermarkets: The best place to buy edible souvenirs—dates, nuts, and local sweets—is at hypermarkets. At Carrefour or Lulu, you’ll find an enormous selection and excellent prices.

VAT refund: how to get your money back

Tourists in the UAE can reclaim 5% VAT on most purchases. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention.

• In the Store: When making a purchase totaling AED 250 or more at a store displaying the Tax Free (Planet Payment) sticker, request a tax refund form by presenting your passport.
• At the Airport: Before departure, go to the Planet Payment counter, show your passport, boarding pass, receipts, and refund forms. Be prepared to present the purchased items as well.
• Receiving your refund: After your documents are verified, you can receive your refund either in cash in dirhams or via bank transfer.

This method is especially advantageous for large purchases (electronics, jewelry, branded items). Note that the system charges a small administrative fee.

A guide to avoiding mistakes and fines: how not to squander your savings

Ignorance of local rules and common tourist mistakes can easily negate all your savings. This section is your safety guide to protect your wallet.

Fines you need to know about

Dubai strictly enforces public order, and fines for violations can be quite substantial.

In addition to official fines, be mindful of cultural norms. Public displays of affection, aggressive behavior, and consuming alcohol outside licensed establishments (bars, hotel restaurants) can lead to very serious consequences.

Alcohol in Dubai: expensive but accessible

Alcohol in Dubai is sold exclusively at hotel-licensed venues and comes at a premium: a glass of beer costs 40-50 AED, and a glass of wine ranges from 50-70 AED. An often-overlooked tip: tourists can also purchase alcohol at city stores (MMI, African + Eastern), where prices are 2-3 times lower than in bars. As of this guide's publication (May 2024), all you needed was to present your passport and tourist visa at the store to obtain a free 30-day tourist license. However, the rules may change, so we recommend checking the current procedure on the official website of one of the retailers (e.g., MMI Dubai) before visiting the store.

5 common tourist mistakes (and how to avoid them)

• Buying tours on the street.
  Problem: Overpriced, poor quality, risk of fraud. Solution: Book tours online through trusted platforms with reviews or at official tourist information centers.
• Riding in taxis without meters.
  Problem: The driver quotes an arbitrary, inflated fare. Solution: Always insist on using the meter or opt for apps like Uber, Careem, and Hala Taxi, where the fare is known in advance.
• Buying water near tourist attractions.
  Problem: Prices are 2–5 times higher than in stores. Solution: Always carry a bottle of water purchased from a regular supermarket.
• Exchanging currency at the airport.
  Problem: Extremely unfavorable exchange rates and high commissions. Solution: At the airport, exchange only a minimal amount for initial needs. The best rates are available at exchange bureaus in major shopping malls.
• Misusing coupons.
  Problem: Unpleasant surprises in the final bill. Solution: Carefully read the terms and conditions of promotions, especially those offered through discount apps.

Tools for the budget traveler: must-have apps

Your smartphone is your ultimate savings companion. Make sure you download this digital "toolbox" before your trip—it’ll help you put all the tips from our guide into practice.

Apps that will save you money

Dubai awaits you!

So what exactly is budget Dubai? It’s an exciting quest, not a sad compromise. It’s the thrill of a pioneer who learns to see modest prices in supermarkets behind the dazzling glitz of shop windows. This realization—that the city’s true, vibrant pulse beats not only at the Burj Khalifa observation deck, but also at a humble stall serving piping-hot black tea for just one dirham—means that you now hold in your hands not merely a guidebook, but a map to the treasures of this “other” Dubai. Happy hunting!