How Much Money Is Enough for a Dubai Trip? My Personal Budget Guide

Dubai is one of those places that constantly keeps you guessing. One minute you’re surrounded by shiny skyscrapers and Lamborghinis, and the next you’re eating a shawarma from a quiet corner shop that costs less than a cup of coffee.

I’ve been there myself, and trust me, your budget will shape your entire experience. Whether you’re traveling on a tight budget, somewhere in the middle, or going all-out on luxury, Dubai has options. However, you should take note of the fact that nothing comes cheap unless you know where to look.

In this guide, I’ll share what I actually spent during my trip, what to expect cost-wise, and how to plan smart depending on how much you’re working with.

How Much Money Do You Need for a Trip to Dubai?

The amount of money you need for a Dubai trip depends on a few key factors:

• Duration: Are you staying for a few days, a week, or longer?
• Travel style: Are you on a tight budget, mid-range, or luxury vacation?
• Activities: Do you want to visit Burj Khalifa, go on a desert safari, shop in malls, or relax on the beach?
• Season: Prices fluctuate depending on the tourist season (November to April) versus summer (May to September).

My Personal Budget for a recent Dubai Trip

When I traveled to Dubai recently, I made it a point to keep things balanced. I didn’t go full luxury, but I also didn’t rough it like a backpacker. I stayed somewhere comfortable, enjoyed good food, and still experienced a lot of what the city has to offer without spending recklessly.

Here’s what I personally spent during my five-day trip.

Accommodation:

I stayed in a mid-range hotel in Deira, one of the older parts of Dubai. It’s a great area if you want to be close to the metro and still feel connected to the city’s cultural roots. My hotel was clean, had strong Wi-Fi, and served breakfast. It cost me around $75 per night. For five nights, that added up to about $375.

Food:

I kept it simple. Most days I spent around $10 to $15 per meal, depending on where I ate. I mixed it up between shawarma joints, mall food courts, and a few casual sit-down restaurants. The food was consistently good, and I didn’t feel like I was missing out. Across five days, I spent roughly $150 to $200 on food.

Transportation:

I stuck with the Dubai Metro for most of the trip. It was clean, easy to use, and took me to almost every major area I wanted to visit. At just a couple of dollars per ride, I spent about $7 per day, which came to around $35 in total. I only used a taxi once or twice for short rides. I avoided Uber completely because of the extra cost.

Attractions and Activities:

Dubai has a lot to offer, and I chose experiences that gave me the most value. I went up the Burj Khalifa, visited the Dubai Frame, and joined a desert safari that included dinner, camel rides, and a live show. All of that cost me around $100 total, which I consider pretty good for what I got.

Shopping and Extras:

I didn’t go crazy with shopping, but I did pick up a few souvenirs and gifts. I also spent a bit on snacks, bottled water, and one or two small splurges. All in all, I spent somewhere between $50 and $100 on extras.

Total Cost for Five Days in Dubai (excluding flights):

Somewhere in the range of $1000 to $1200. That gave me a balanced experience with decent comfort, great food, and the chance to explore the city properly.

Now, let’s break it down in detail so you can plan according to your budget.

Estimated Costs for a Dubai Trip (Excluding Flights)

For a five-day trip:

• Budget travelers: AED 2000 – 3500 ($550 – $950)
• Mid-range travelers: AED 5000 – 12,000 ($1350 – $3200)
• Luxury travelers: AED 20,000+ ($5500+)

How Much Should You Budget for Flights to Dubai?

The cost of flights to Dubai depends on where you are flying from and the season.

• From Europe: $350 – $800 round-trip
• From the US: $600 – $1200 round-trip
• From Africa: $400 – $800 round-trip
• From Asia: $300 – $600 round-trip

I always book my flights in advance and use Google Flights or Skyscanner to find the cheapest options.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Dubai for Every Budget

Where you stay in Dubai makes a huge difference in cost.

Budget Travelers ($30 to $80 per night)

• Hostels in Deira or Bur Dubai
• Cheap two-star hotels
• Airbnb shared apartments

Mid-Range Travelers ($80 to $200 per night)

• Three or four-star hotels in Downtown, Marina, or Business Bay
• Mid-range apartments
• Hotels like Premier Inn, Rove Hotels, or Ibis

Luxury Travelers ($250 to $1000+ per night)

• Five-star hotels like Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, or Armani Hotel
• Private luxury apartments with a Burj Khalifa view

I stayed in Deira, which was affordable but still had great access to the metro.

Food: How Much Does It Cost to Eat in Dubai?

Dubai is a foodie’s playground. You’ll find everything from five-dirham shawarma on a street corner to gold-covered wagyu steak at a hotel you probably can’t afford unless you’re trying to impress someone. I tried a bit of everything while I was there, and honestly, how much you spend on food depends on your vibe.

If you’re on a budget, stick to street food, food courts, and local cafeterias. You can grab a tasty meal for around AED 10 to 30 (that’s about $3 to $8). The shawarma in Old Dubai? Delicious and super affordable. Some of the best food I had came from hole-in-the-wall joints you won’t find on Instagram.

For those who like sitting down somewhere a little nicer, expect to spend around AED 40 to 150 ($10 to $40) at casual restaurants, especially in malls or popular areas like Marina or Downtown. This includes solid meals with international flavors, good service, and a relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re going all-in on luxury, Dubai is ready to drain your wallet. High-end restaurants inside hotels or at the top of skyscrapers can easily run you AED 300 to over AED 1000 ($80 to $300 or more) for dinner. The views and presentation are usually impressive, but the prices? Even more impressive.

Tip: If you want to save money while still eating well, look for local cafeterias in areas like Deira or Bur Dubai. You’ll get full meals for AED 10 to 15, and they hit the spot.

Transport: Getting Around Dubai Without Spending Too Much

Getting around Dubai can either be super cheap or surprisingly expensive. During my trip, I relied mostly on the Dubai Metro, and I ended up saving over $100 on transportation costs.

• The metro: It is clean, air-conditioned, and super reliable. Rides cost between AED 3 to 7 (around $1 to $2), depending on the distance. It connects to most major tourist areas, so unless you’re heading deep into the suburbs or staying out late, it’s the smartest choice.
• Taxis: They  are reasonably priced for short trips. Expect to pay between AED 12 and 50 ($3 to $14), especially if you’re going from a mall to a nearby hotel or attraction. They’re metered, and drivers are usually honest.
• Uber and Careem (which is like Uber but for the Gulf region) are available too, but they tend to be a bit more expensive than regular taxis. For longer rides or peak hours, I was seeing prices between AED 30 and 100.

If you’re into flexing or just curious about the high life, yes, Dubai has luxury cars for rent. Rolls-Royces, Lamborghinis, you name it. But be ready to spend AED 500 and up per day. And trust me this doesn’t include the deposit or insurance. Personally, I stuck to the metro.

Activities and Sightseeing Costs in Dubai

Dubai has a long list of things to do, and many of them aren’t cheap but they’re worth it if you plan ahead. Here’s what I paid or saw during my visit:

• Burj Khalifa: The most popular attraction in the city. Basic tickets start at AED 159, but if you want to go to the top, it can cost up to AED 400 ($45 to $110).
• Desert Safari: One of my favorite experiences. You’ll find options from basic group tours for AED 100 to fancier private safaris for AED 300 ($27 to $80). Choose based on the type of experience you want – dune bashing, camel rides, dinner, or shows.
• Dubai Frame: A cool and affordable experience. Tickets cost AED 50 ($14), and the views are worth every dirham.
• Dhow Cruise Dinner: A relaxing evening on the water with food and music. Prices range from AED 150 to 300 ($40 to $80), depending on whether you choose Marina or Creek.
• Ferrari World (in Abu Dhabi): If you’re doing a day trip from Dubai, tickets are about AED 310 ($85). It’s not in Dubai, but a lot of people make the trip just for the thrill rides.

Money-saving tip: Always check if you can buy tickets online in advance. Some attractions offer discounts if you book directly through their website or via apps like Klook or GetYourGuide. It’s also a great way to skip long queues.

Shopping and Miscellaneous Expenses

Dubai is one of those places where you can spend as little or as much as you want when it comes to shopping. Whether you’re looking for affordable keepsakes or planning to drop serious cash at high-end stores, the options are all there.

If you’re on a budget, head to the souks in Old Dubai. You’ll find plenty of souvenirs, perfumes, magnets, spices, and small gifts priced between AED 10 and 50, which is around $3 to $14. These spots are perfect for travelers who want to bring something back home without burning a hole in their wallet.

For mid-range shoppers, places like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates are the go-to spots. You’ll find recognizable brands, decent sales, and a wide range of prices. Most people in this category spend anywhere from AED 200 to 1000, which is about $50 to $270, depending on what they’re after.

Now if you’re stepping into the luxury world, Dubai is ready for you. From Chanel and Louis Vuitton to Cartier and Gucci, there’s no price ceiling. You could literally spend thousands of dollars in a single afternoon if you wanted to.

Personally, I picked up jewelry at the Dubai Gold Souk, and it was a much better deal than buying from a mall. The prices were more flexible, and you can actually bargain, which is part of the fun.

Tips to Save Money on a Dubai Trip

Here are some of the best ways I found to cut costs without compromising the experience:

• Use the Dubai Metro instead of taking taxis everywhere. It’s clean, reliable, and way more affordable.
• Eat at food courts or local cafeterias. You’ll still get great food without the inflated tourist prices.
• Book your attractions online. Many of the big ticket spots offer online discounts if you book in advance.
• Travel during summer. Yes, it’s hot, but hotel prices drop significantly during the off-season, and most places are air-conditioned anyway.

Final Thoughts: How Much Money Do You Really Need for Dubai?

So how much do I honestly think a traveler should budget for a trip to Dubai? The answer depends entirely on your travel style. Here’s a rough idea based on a five-day trip:

• Budget Travelers: Around $550 to $950. You’ll stay in hostels or budget hotels, eat simple meals, and use public transport.
• Mid-Range Travelers: Expect to spend between $1350 and $3200. This includes staying at decent hotels, doing a few paid activities, and shopping a bit.
• Luxury Travelers: If you’re not watching your spending, you’re probably looking at $5500 or more for the full Dubai experience. This would enable you enjoy five-star hotels, fine dining, private tours, and luxury shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions About Budgeting for a Dubai Trip

1. Is Dubai expensive to visit?

Dubai can be expensive, but it depends on your travel style. If you stay in budget hotels, eat at local restaurants, and use public transport, you can visit Dubai affordably. However, if you prefer luxury hotels, fine dining, and high-end shopping, expect to spend significantly more.

2. How much cash should I carry to Dubai?

Dubai is a cashless-friendly city, so you don’t need to carry a lot of cash. I recommend having at least AED 500 to 1000 ($135 to $270) for emergencies and small purchases. Most places accept credit/debit cards, and ATMs are widely available.

3. Can I visit Dubai on a $500 budget?

If you’re staying for 2 to 3 days, it’s possible to visit on a $500 budget by staying in cheap hostels, eating street food, and using public transport. However, this budget won’t cover major attractions or luxury experiences.

4. What is the cheapest month to visit Dubai?

June to September are the cheapest months to visit Dubai because it’s summer and extremely hot. Hotels and flights are much cheaper during this time, but outdoor activities may be uncomfortable.

5. How much does a meal cost in Dubai?

• Street food: AED 10 to 30 ($3 to $8)
• Casual restaurant: AED 40 to 150 ($10 to $40)
• Fine dining: AED 300 to 1000+ ($80 to $300)

6. How much does a taxi cost in Dubai?

Dubai taxis start at AED 12 ($3) and charge per kilometer. A short trip can cost AED 20 to 50 ($5 to $14), while longer rides may go up to AED 100 ($27) or more.

7. What’s the best way to save money on a Dubai trip?

• Use Dubai Metro instead of taxis
• Stay in budget hotels or Airbnbs
• Eat at food courts or local restaurants
• Book attractions online for discounts
• Visit during off-peak season

8. How much should I budget for a 7-day trip to Dubai?

• Budget travelers: $800 to $1200
• Mid-range travelers: $2000 to $4000
• Luxury travelers: $7000+

9. Can I use US dollars in Dubai?

No, the official currency is the UAE Dirham (AED), but US dollars can be exchanged at currency exchange centers. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

10. How much does it cost to visit Burj Khalifa?

Tickets for Burj Khalifa cost AED 159 – 400 ($45 – $110) depending on the time and level of access. Booking in advance is recommended.

Note: If you’re also planning a fun but budget-conscious trip to Europe, check out my guide on how to save money at Disneyland Paris.