Dubai doesn’t have to be expensive, but it can be if you’re not careful with your spending. Like in other high-cost cities, the people who live there have found creative and practical ways to save money wherever possible, from finding affordable dining options to taking advantage of discounts and deals. With a little planning, you can enjoy everything Dubai has to offer without breaking the bank.
Use Groupon - Groupon is very popular in Dubai. You can find a lot of discounts, buy-one-get-one-free offers, and other deals on their website. If you want to do something, look on Groupon first because you might find a discount. This includes eating out, as there are many restaurant deals available.
Get The Entertainer - This is a magazine and app that gives you discounts and deals on restaurants, hotels, and activities. It's very popular in the UAE. You can find buy-one-get-one-free offers and discounts on things like attractions, restaurants, drinks, clubs, theme parks, and hotels.
When you get to Dubai, you can buy a copy at supermarkets and bookstores. You can also find it online on their website. The app is 594 AED. Look for sign-up deals as well. Sometimes, the app is half-price or there's a free trial.
Find a cheap brunch - We recommend trying brunch in Dubai because it's a fun local tradition. Every Friday, people go for a big buffet with lots of food and drinks, and it can get pretty wild as the day goes on. But, brunch can be expensive, sometimes up to 700 AED. It's good to know where the cheaper places are. Warehouse and 24th St. World Street Food Restaurant offer some of the lowest prices, between 159-295 AED per person. You can also ask on Couchsurfing, especially in the Dubai group. If you want a breakfast without alcohol, More Cafe and Cafe Beirut are good choices.
Attend a happy hour - Happy hours are great for saving money on drinks. There are many in Dubai, like McGettigan’s (30 AED drinks from 12-7 pm) and Lock, Stock & Barrel (half price drinks Monday to Saturday 4-8pm and Sunday 2-8pm). You can find more deals in The Entertainer book or the Guzzler app.
Eat in Old Dubai - For cheaper food, go to Old Dubai instead of the fancy areas. You can find meals for 35-65 AED. One place we like is Al Usted, an Iranian restaurant near Al Fahidi metro station.
Know where to find cheap accommodation - Hotels in Dubai can be pricey. Luckily, all the big hotel chains are here, so if you have points, use them. Using points is a good deal in Dubai.
Take the metro - The metro is cheaper than taxis and goes to the marina, airport, and Old Dubai. It costs 8.50 AED. If you need a taxi, the price starts at 12 AED plus 2 AED per kilometer. Try to stay near a metro stop to save money on transport.
Choose Tours in Dubai
Exploring Dubai on your own can be exciting, but joining a guided tour has many advantages—especially if you're on a budget. Tours help you save money, avoid hassle, and make sure you don’t miss out on important sights.
Dubai City Tours: A Budget-Friendly Way to Explore
A Dubai City Tour is a great way to explore the city’s most popular attractions in a simple and organized way. It’s especially a good choice for budget travelers who want to save money and time while getting the most out of their visit. Here are some reasons why city tours are a smart option:
Saves Money:
When you go on a city tour, the price includes transportation, entrance fees, and a friendly guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. This is much cheaper than paying for taxis, separate tickets for each place, or hiring a private guide.
Learn Interesting Facts:
Tour guides are experts who know all the fun facts, historical stories, and useful local tips. They can share fascinating details about places like the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the old parts of the city, which you might miss if you explored on your own. This makes your trip not only fun but also meaningful.
Saves Time:
A city tour is planned in advance, taking you to the best landmarks without the hassle of organizing everything yourself. You don’t have to worry about finding directions or which places to visit first. The tour will guide you smoothly through the highlights of Dubai.
Travel in a Group:
City tours are usually done in groups, which helps lower the cost per person. It’s much more affordable than booking a private tour and can also be a fun way to meet other travelers.
Choose What Works for You:
Whether you want to spend just a few hours or a whole day exploring, city tours have flexible options. You can pick a half-day tour to see the main attractions like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, or a full-day tour to dive deeper into both modern and historic Dubai, including markets and museums.
A Dubai City Tour is a simple, affordable, and enriching way to discover the wonders of this amazing city while sticking to your budget.
Combo Tours: Get the Best of Dubai in One Trip
If you’re visiting Dubai and want to enjoy the best of both the city and the desert, a Dubai Combo Tour is the perfect choice. These tours offer you a chance to explore Dubai’s modern attractions and experience exciting desert activities, all in one convenient package.
Here’s why combo tours are such a great deal:
More Value for Your Money:
With a combo tour, you get two amazing experiences—city sightseeing and a desert safari—at a lower price than booking them separately. It’s a smart way to save money while enjoying more activities.
Hassle-Free and Easy:
The tour takes care of everything for you. From transportation and meals to planned activities, you don’t have to worry about making any arrangements. It’s all done for you, making your trip stress-free and enjoyable.
Different Adventures in One Day:
Start your day exploring Dubai’s famous city landmarks and attractions. Later, head to the desert for a fun-filled evening of activities like dune bashing, camel riding, sandboarding, and a BBQ dinner under the stars. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Great for Groups:
If you’re traveling with friends or family, a combo tour is even more affordable. Tours often offer group discounts, making it a budget-friendly option for larger groups.
Saves Time and Maximizes Your Trip:
If you’re only in Dubai for a short time, a combo tour helps you see a lot more in less time. You can enjoy both the city and the desert in just one day, making the most of your visit.
Extra Entertainment Included:
Desert safaris often include added fun like belly dancing, live music, and photo opportunities. All these extras are usually included in the price, giving you even more to enjoy.
Safe and Convenient:
Professional guides take care of everything, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the experience. Whether you’re a solo traveler or visiting for the first time, a combo tour is a reliable and worry-free option.
With a Dubai Combo Tour, you can explore the best of both worlds in a single trip. It’s the ultimate way to experience Dubai’s modern city life and the magic of its desert landscape.
How to Make the Most of Your Dubai Trip
To enjoy Dubai while keeping costs low, follow these tips:
Book in Advance:
Use Groupon or The Entertainer app to get the best discounts before you arrive.
Try Local Food:
Don’t just eat in tourist areas. Look for brunch deals or eat in Old Dubai for delicious food at lower prices.
Pack Smartly:
Dubai has hot weather outside but cold air-conditioned places inside. Bring light clothes, a scarf, and comfortable shoes.
Use Helpful Apps:
Google Maps, Careem (Dubai’s Uber), and discount apps can save you time and money.
Ask Your Guide for Tips:
Tour guides know the best local places for food, shopping, and sightseeing. Don’t hesitate to ask them for recommendations.
Cheap Shopping in Dubai
Many people look for shops in Dubai where things cost between 1 and 10 dirhams. They do it to find good deals for less money. So, Dubai has many shops that sell things for 1 to 10 dirhams. These shops are also called discount stores. They have a lot of different things you can buy without spending a lot of money. Find out about the top eight shops in Dubai where prices are between 1 and 10 dirhams, including where they are, when they're open, how to contact them, and more.
Top "1 to 10 Dirham" Shops in Dubai
1. Centro 1 to 10
If you're looking for a shop in Bur Dubai where everything costs between 1 and 10 dirhams, you should go to Centro 1 to 10. This store has a lot of different things to buy like snacks, decorations for your house, clothes for men, women, and kids, shoes, and more. It's also a great idea to go there when it's time to get ready for school again because they have lots of school supplies priced from 1 to 10 dirhams.
- Location: 49 Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, near BurJuman Metro Bus Stop 2 – 1, near Bur Dubai
- Working hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Daily)
2. Al Bassam Center
Second, a popular shop in Dubai where everything costs between 1 and 10 dirhams is Al Bassam Center. This shop also offers items for up to 20 dirhams at a discount. At Al Bassam Center, you'll find many surprising items. This includes cleaning supplies and tools for keeping things clean. They also have products for taking care of your car, like foam for tires, a cleaner that works for many parts of the car, wax for the car, and more. Plus, if you're visiting and want to take souvenirs back home from Dubai, this is a great place to shop. You won't have to spend a lot and you'll find great deals to save money.
- Location: Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Deira, near Al Bakhit Center bus stop
3. Maqaami
If you want to find a shop in Dubai online where everything costs between 1 and 10 dirhams, Maqaami is a good choice. This website is trustworthy and offers deals from 1 to 10 dirhams not just in Dubai, but in Sharjah and Abu Dhabi too. The items for sale on Maqaami are special and unique. When you shop online there, you can find cool things like a playpen for kids that can be folded up, brushes for washing dishes, toy cars that work with batteries, decorations for Ramadan, products for beauty care, and much more.
- Working hours:
- 8:30 AM – 2:00 AM (Saturday – Thursday)
- 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM – 2:00 AM (Friday)
Souks and Markets in Dubai
Dubai Waterfront Market
The Dubai Waterfront Market is a place where you can buy all kinds of food. It takes the spot of a famous place in Dubai called the Deira Fish Market. This market is known for selling fresh fish and local vegetables. But, it also has lots of shops where you can buy clothes, accessories, jewelry, and other items at low prices. You don't need to haggle because everything is cheaper than in other stores. The market is open every day, which makes it very popular. It has five main areas: one for seafood, one for meat, one for fruits, and a big supermarket.
- Location: Al Khaleej Road, Opposite Dubai Hospital, Corniche Deira
- Timings for Retailers: Monday to Friday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Saturday and Sunday 10:00 – 11:00 pm
Souks in Dubai
Dubai's markets are exciting places with a mix of old-world charm and good deals. They are perfect for people looking to find bargains. The Gold Souk is famous for its beautiful jewelry. The Old Souk has many different items for sale. The Textile Souk offers a wide variety of fabrics, and the Spice Souk is full of wonderful smells from different spices and herbs. If you're looking for special perfumes, the Perfume Souk has many to choose from. Each market shows a part of Dubai's trading history, giving shoppers the chance to buy good quality things without spending too much. Bargaining over prices is a fun part of the experience, making shopping in Dubai's markets not just about buying things but also about enjoying the local culture.
Meena Bazaar
Meena Bazaar is in the busy area of Bur Dubai and is a great place for finding traditional clothes and accessories from India and Pakistan. It's full of life, with lots of colors and materials, and sells ethnic clothes, jewelry, and accessories at good prices. Shoppers can learn about the culture of the area while walking through the many small shops in Meena Bazaar. When you enter Meena Bazaar, you'll feel the lively atmosphere right away. You'll smell delicious street food and see colorful displays. Meena Bazaar feels like a street market in India, with shop owners offering you good deals.
Dubai Flea Market
The Dubai Flea Market is a popular open market in Dubai for affordable shopping. It's where buyers can meet sellers who offer used items like household goods, furniture, home appliances, electrical gadgets, books, toys, antiques, and accessories. This market is set up every weekend and is a good place to find things that don't cost a lot of money in Dubai. It has been located in places like Zabeel Park, Jumeirah Lakes Towers Park, and Al Handa Pond Park. It's a good idea to check the schedule to know where it will be when you plan to go shopping. The Dubai Flea Market is also a place where you can discover unique items and special pieces that show the different cultures of the city.
- Locations: Multiple locations
- Timings: Weekends, 04:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Karama Centre
Karama Centre is the oldest and most liked shopping spot in Karama. It attracts many people who are looking for unique and cheap items in the city. There are many stores offering a wide variety of things like leather goods, sportswear, watches, sunglasses, and souvenirs among others. It's a place where you can shop a lot. Karama Centre has over 300 shops spread out over a few buildings. It's a good place to find fashion items such as bags, clothes, sportswear, and accessories. Remember to bargain to get a good deal! You can find stores selling look-alike designer clothes, shoes, bags, and gadgets at low prices. There are also places that sell jewelry for less money.
- Location: Kuwait St, Karama
- Timings: 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
Outlets in Dubai
The Outlet Village
The Outlet Village is close to Dubai Parks and Resorts and it's a special place to shop. Here, you can find expensive brands at lower prices, making it easy for people who don't want to spend too much. This shopping mall looks like it's from Italy and has many famous brands like Armani, Roberto Cavalli, DKNY, Coach, Rodeo Drive, Michael Kors, Nike, Carolina Herrera, and Hugo Boss. People who like luxury but want to save money will enjoy this place. You can find things like dresses and items for your home at good discounts. The Outlet Village is all about getting good deals on nice things. It's a great place for shoppers who want to buy stylish things without spending a lot of money. Besides stores, there are also places to eat, areas for kids to play, a service where someone parks your car for you, and more.
- Location: Jebel Ali, Near Dubai Parks and Resorts
- Timings: Monday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday to Sunday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
Dubai Outlet Mall
Dubai Outlet Mall is a place in Dubai where people can find good deals. It shouldn't be mixed up with Dubai Outlet Village. It's the first mall of its kind in the city and has more than 240 shops. You can find items from last season from big names and shops like Bloomingdale's and Harvey Nichols at lower prices. This mall has a lot of products from famous brands like Givenchy, Mont Blanc, Aldo, Adidas, and Wrangler, all sold for less than their original prices. With over 1,200 luxury brands, Dubai Outlet Mall is the go-to place for affordable shopping in Dubai. The most exciting part is Bargain Mondays, when stores put out products with the best deals. Some of the stores that participate include Adidas Factory and Originals Outlet, Baldinini, Calvin Klein, Giordano, and Guess.
- Location: Route 66, Dubai – Al Ain Road
- Timings: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Friday and Saturday 10:00 – 12:00 am
Dubai is famous for its luxury, but you don’t need to spend a lot of money to enjoy it. City tours help you see all the important sights easily and affordably. Combo tours give you an adventure-packed day for a great price.
Whether you're visiting Dubai for the first time or returning for another trip, guided tours help you see more, save money, and have an unforgettable experience.
So, book a tour, explore the city, and create amazing memories in Dubai—without spending too much!