How Much Does it Cost to Visit Dubai

Dubai is a city famed for its blend of stylish architectures, jaw-dropping entertainment options, exciting culinary scene, and endless shopping attractions.

It is one of those Middle Eastern gems which travel freaks can’t wait to strike off from their bucket list.

Most people, however, believe Dubai is an expensive city. But, in reality, it is a place ideal for every pocket.

If you are keen to know how much a trip to Dubai is, this comprehensive guide will give you more details.

Estimated Cost

Here Is An Estimated Cost Required For The Following Aspects Of Your Dubai Holiday Plan.

	Cheap	Mid-Range	Splurge
Airline Tickets	AED 250 (in off-season)	AED 500 to AED 800	AED 1500 to AED 2500 or more (in peak times)
Visa	AED 50 (transit visa) to AED 200 (96 hours visa)	AED 325 to AED 350 (30 days visa)	AED 800 to AED 2000 (multiple-entry visa)
Accommodation	AED 60 to AED 150	AED 200 to AED 400	AED 750 to AED 2000 or above
Transport	AED 3 to AED 7.5 in Dubai’s Metro & Public Buses	AED 12 (minimum taxi fare) to AED 100 or above	AED 200 to AED 1000 or above (private transfers)
Dining	AED 5 to AED 20 (local street food)	AED 50 to AED 150	AED 250 to AED 750 or above
Attractions & Activities	AED 3 (in museum, parks etc) to AED 15 (at Global Village)	AED 50 to AED 300	AED 350 to AED 1000 or above (for private sightseeing, desert safari etc.)
Other Expenses	AED 10 to AED 50 (for souvenirs)	AED 100 to AED 300	AED 500 to AED 2500 or above

Airline Tickets

You can expect to spend an average of AED 1000 or above on your Dubai visit. Expect to spend the lowest amount of AED 250 or less when you travel here in summer months.

The rates can go up to AED 2,500 or above during the peak season from November to February. That said, you can secure huge savings by booking your airline tickets in advance, at least four to five months before.

UAE Visa

Not all traveling to Dubai or UAE need a visa. Yes, for those flying to Dubai from certain European, American and Asian don’t need a visa in advance; they are eligible for a visa on arrival.

Apart from these, the GCC nationals can enjoy visa-free entry into the UAE. In all other cases, it is mandatory for a foreign national to have a proper valid visa in order to enter Dubai or UAE. Choose from transit visa, short term 96 hours, 30 days or 90 days.

There is also multiple-entry visa valid for 30 days or 90 days. So go ahead and pick a visa according to the number of days. It will set you back an average amount of AED 400 to AED 500 per person.

Accommodation

Dubai has no dearth of accommodations means you will find hotels that fall under every category and budget. But, it is wise to zero in on an accommodation that offers easy access to the activities and attractions included in your travel program.

Stay in a hotel at Downtown Dubai, Al Barsha or Sheikh Zayed Road for the most vibrant Dubai experiences. For beach and water centered Dubai holiday, you will some striking options across Dubai Marina, Jumeirah and Palm Jumeirah areas.

An accommodation anywhere in Dubai, other than Bur Dubai and Deira regions, may indicate higher costs, but you can save tremendously by booking early or via redeeming points (if you are a frequent visitor here.)

Transport

If you are on a tight budget, it is ideal to use Dubai’s public transport system operated by Road and Transport Authority. From the longest and one of its kind Dubai Metro and spacious buses to ferries, they are the most budget-friendly ways to get around in Dubai.

What is more convenient is that you can pay for all these transport with your NOL card which you can top up on the go. Alternatively, if you are in Dubai for a few days, it will be prudent to rely on a private transfer that comes with or without a driver. You can try reaching out to cars for rent in Dubai to see if the price fits the budget.

It allows you to get the best out of your limited time in Dubai. For those who wish to drive in the UAE, make sure that you carry your valid international driving license.

Dining

As with other aspects above, you can dine and drink in Dubai really cheap, splash out, or anything in between.

You can savor a filling plate of falafel or shawarma wrapped with meat, veggies etc for a rate as low as AED 5 to AED 7, especially in cafés and food outlets across Bur Dubai and Deira area.

If you are looking for mid-priced dining options, step into the food courts within the malls or make your way to one of the restaurants or cafes offering budget meals.

Alternatively, you can look forward to spend a fortune when you choose to dine in a premium venue with the most exquisite views in its backdrop, such as Atlantis, The Palm and Burj Al Arab.

Attractions & Activities

When it comes to budgeting your Dubai trip cost, this is probably the trickiest aspect. First of all, create a checklist of must-experiences in Dubai. Some of them, particularly Dubai Fountain, Palm Fountain etc are all free of cost.

If you are traveling with your little ones and family, you will be delighted to know that there are plenty of historical museums and parks here whose entry ticket won’t set you back more than AED 5 to AED 7.

But, if you plan to visit the region‘s theme parks, shows, and iconic attractions (such as the tallest of its Burj Khalifa), it will add to your cost considerably.

But, you can save on this department as well; buy combo tickets or all-in-one pass that bundles Dubai’s top attractions and activities like dhow cruise and desert safari Dubai in a package for a single low rate.

Other Expenses

This indicates everything other than above aspects. Dubai is a shoppers’ paradise; yes it’s and you will surely be tempted to stretch your pocket. With so much of dine and wine options all around, you would definitely want to spend on a fancy dish or drink too.

Likewise, you may even be drawn to watch a fascinating show or a phenomenal performance that is not in your travel program.

Dubai, precisely, is a city of surprises; so it is always safe to set aside a dedicated fund just to meet your spur-of-the-moment decisions or any unforeseen circumstance.

Conclusion

It is up to you whether wish to splurge or remain strict on your budget in Dubai. Whatever your spending limit is, Dubai has a perfect choice for every preference.

Now that you are aware about what the budget of a Dubai trip look like, go forth and start planning your holiday. There is no doubt that you will return with some memorable priceless moments without really hurting your pocket.

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