Can You Visit Dubai On A Budget?

Posted by Ailsa Caroline on April 9th, 2019

Are you wondering if you can visit the city of Gold on a budget? Well, we are here to answer that.

Dubai is the dream city for every traveler. Unfortunately, there are travel crazies like you and me who are on a tight budget but have dreams of wandering in the Dubai safari, waking up in the Burj al Arab hotel, sipping the delicious tea and feeling the warm breeze on the Jumeirah beach.

Any travel enthusiast who has set foot on the land of Dubai has never forgotten the trip. This city has modernized itself to keep up with the World but is still attached to its roots. You can see the Arab heritage and traditions in abundance here.

It is not called the city of gold for nothing. it is known for not only being one of the famous tourist attractions of the world but also one of the richest cities in the whole World. Well, with luxurious hotels, expensive beaches, huge shopping malls and hedonistic restaurants, it was meant to be. However, it has still managed to be a budget-friendly travel escapade somehow. It requires little guidance and planning to save money while visiting Dubai. And we are here to do just that for you.

Here are some of the best ways, you can save money while enjoying to the fullest.

1)    Always book the plane tickets in Advance:

If you are not new to travelling, you must already know this. But if you are, we are here to tell the thumb rule of travelling. Always book your plane tickets at least 2 to 3 months before the trip. If you do it earlier, that is even better. This helps you in getting the best rates.

Also, since we know that Dubai is one of the famous destinations, some airlines offer special discounts and attractive offers on Dubai tour packages occasionally. Keep an eye for the golden opportunities and book right away. Subscribe to the online platforms which can notify you about the upcoming deals via emails or text messages.

Another great way to save is to book your flight with one of the United Arab Emirates’ local airlines. They sometimes offer special tourist discounts which can get you discounts up to 40 % in some places in Dubai. Do not miss out on such opportunities.

Keep visiting the local airlines' websites such as Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai etc. Their websites keep running special rates for the tourists. Keep an eye for those. The offers often include discounts at certain luxurious dining spots, spas and amusement parks. Hence, they can contribute greatly to your budget-friendly trip.

2)    Always book a budget-friendly Hotel.

We all love luxurious hotels, but not all of us can afford to live at one. And this should not be taken as a negative point. The purpose of travelling is sight-seeing, not just enjoying the luxuries.

Do not take us wrong, we do not have anything against the deluxe and expensive hotels. It is certainly not a bad thing to enjoy and live at one if you can afford. But if you are on a budget, like us, we would like to tell you that Burj Al Arab is not the only hotel in Dubai.

Dubai is the city of tourism. They have targeted every set of tourists, which is why there is an abundance of budget-friendly hotels. You just have to search for the right one.

Another great option to keep your stay cheap and comfortable at the same time is by renting a room in the gorgeous apartments of Dubai residents. There is a whole real estate plan going on behind this strategy. If you want to enjoy to the fullest, are most likely to spend the whole day outside and you probably are not looking for a lot of facilities, this is the best option you can avail.

3)    Travel at the right time.

There is no best time for travelling. Any time is the right time. But, if you have budget constraints like us, we would recommend you; plan your trip to Dubai in hot summer months like June, July and August. It is observed that travelers’ traffic tends to lessen in these months and the holy month of Ramadan.

Keep an eye for the offers from airlines and hotels around these times. They offer many discounts and cheaper rates to increase traffic.

4)    Keep the intra-city travelling’s budget under control:

When it comes to travelling within the city, other expenses become least of your problem. We do not want to spend more on the way than on the actual destination. Although, taxis in Dubai are relatively cheaper than taxis in other parts of the world. But considering the chances of heavy traffic, it is certainly not the best way for someone who is on a budget. The taxi ride will cost you a minimum amount of 12 AED, regardless of the length of the distance. Hence, if public transport is available, always opt for it. The public transport system in Dubai is very well maintained and thoughtful, keeping the tourists’ in the loop.

One of the best ways to do that is getting an RTA NOL card. The NOL Card is basically an electronic ticketing card that was introduced in August 2009 for all modes of public transport in Dubai including Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, Dubai taxi, Dubai water bus and Dubai bus. The most suitable option for tourists is to get a red card or a silver card. A red card is for 6 AED while the silver card is for 25 AED. The latter is better since it can cover all the public transport modes, while there are lesser options in the former. You can get these cards online, from an RTA customer service center or an authorized sales agent, the ticket office or from a vending machine. Even if it takes you a little longer to reach the destination, think of the good it is doing to your wallet.