How to do Dubai on a budget

There’s no denying it, Dubai is a flashy city. Just look at its gleaming skyscrapers, ultra-luxe hotels, and sprawling shopping malls. But, I’ll let you in on a little secret: Dubai is so much more than meets the eye. After living here for two decades, I’ve found that not everything has to be expensive, if you know where to look. The city’s hidden gems—and yes, even some star attractions—can be surprisingly affordable. To help you plan your next trip, I’m revealing all the best deals as well as my favorite free activities.

When I introduce friends and family to Dubai, I always take them on an abra across Dubai Creek. These traditional wooden boats have been ferrying passengers for centuries, and at just 1 dirham (about $0.27), it's the best-value sightseeing tour in the city. I'll never forget my kids’ first abra ride. Their eyes widened as we glided past the Old Town and heard the call to prayer echoing from the nearby mosques. On the other side, you’ll find the Gold Souk, where you can spend hours wandering the jewelry stalls and haggling with the vendors.

Tip: Head to the abra stations in Deira or Bur Dubai at golden hour for magical views. The sunset is spectacular and reflects off the water and buildings on the bank.

In the heart of the historic Al Fahidi neighborhood, the Dubai Museum is the perfect introduction to the city and its fast-paced evolution. Plus, it won’t cost you a dime. I've visited countless times, and each trip reveals something new about Dubai's transformation from a pearl-diving village to a cutting-edge metropolis.

Tip: Come here early in the morning to beat the crowds and the intense heat. The temperature-controlled exhibits are a welcome respite from Dubai's scorching midday sun.

Jumeirah Mosque isn't just architecturally stunning—it's also one of the few mosques in the UAE where people of all faiths can enter. The "Open Doors, Open Minds" program offers guided tours where you can learn about Islamic culture and Muslim beliefs. I remember years ago, I took my friends here during their first visit to Dubai, and it ended up being their favorite stop.

Tip: While the tour itself is free, there's a small fee for the traditional breakfast afterward. Trust me, it's worth every dirham to taste the regional treats (think: dates and karak tea) and have engaging, meaningful conversations with the group.

The metro is a budget traveler's best friend. Clean, futuristic, and air-conditioned (a blessing in the sweltering summer), it's the easiest way to explore the city. When I first arrived in Dubai, the metro didn't exist. Now, I can't imagine the city without it. It's like a window into Dubai's diverse population—you'll hear a dozen languages on a single journey!

Keep in mind, Dubai isn’t particularly walkable. The layout is very similar to Las Vegas, with all the main attractions lining one long strip. Luckily, the metro runs along Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai's main artery, making it a convenient way to sightsee. I also recommend booking a hotel near a metro stop to avoid expensive taxi fares.

Tip: Get a Nol card (Dubai's public transport card) and load it with credits. The Red Line will take you to most major areas, from the historic Creek area to the futuristic Dubai Marina.

Dubai has world-class beaches, and many of them are free. I prefer Kite Beach because it has laid-back Venice Beach vibes. People whiz past on rollerblades and scooters, and kites soar through the air. You can lounge in the pristine sand or grab a bite to eat at any of the cafés overlooking the Persian Gulf.

For unbeatable views of the Burj Al Arab, follow the surfers to Umm Suqeim Beach. This stretch of sand is across the street from a beautiful, green public park that houses my favorite café in the city: BookHero. I always enjoy browsing its shelves and sipping a sweet mocha coffee.

Tip: The J1 Beach development (formerly known as La Mer) was recently revamped and now has free beach access, quirky street art, and tons of restaurants.

The food scene in Dubai isn't all about Michelin stars and tasting tables. I’ve had many memorable meals at small, no-frills spots. Along Al Dhiyafah Road in Satwa, there are a handful of authentic Lebanese and Iranian restaurants, which serve staples like garlicky chicken shawarma. My go-to is Ravi’s, a Pakistani place that's been cooking up savory curries for decades (the mutton curry is a must).

Tip: For a truly local experience, try karak chai (spiced tea) and regag (thin bread with cheese) from one of the casual cafeterias scattered around the city. It's a popular late-night snack and only costs a few dirhams.

In an arid city like Dubai, green spaces feel like an oasis. But beyond the much-needed shade, these public parks are the center of community activities and events. Zabeel Park has a weekly organic farmers' market while Safa Park often has free yoga classes. Creekside Park is another popular choice, with rolling hills facing the Creek and multiple playgrounds (the kiddie zipline is worth the queue).

Tip: On Friday evenings, families gather for picnics and impromptu cricket matches in the park. It's a side of Dubai that tourists often miss, but it's where you'll find the beating heart of the city.

Even if I’m traveling on a budget, I always save a little bit for souvenirs. In Dubai, it’s best to skip the expensive shopping malls and wander through the traditional souks instead. They are free and far more interesting. Here, you can browse jewelry, spices, or whatever other treasures and trinkets catch your eye. The Gold Souk glitters with elaborate window displays while the Spice Souk fills the air with exotic aromas. The Textile Souk is hard to find, but it’s worth the effort. The stalls sell everything from pashminas to pillows.

Tip: You’ll need to know how to haggle to get the best bargains. When you enter a shop, it’s common courtesy to have a friendly chat with the vendor before asking about the price of an item you’re interested in. They will usually quote a higher rate, expecting you to give a counter offer (40 to 50 percent is a good starting point). If they refuse, thank them and prepare to walk away. They will likely call you back with a negotiated price that makes you both happy.