11 Tips For Saving Money in Dubai While Traveling

Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with good reason. It’s a city that offers everything from world-class shopping to exciting nightlife.

But with all the fun and luxury that Dubai has to offer, it’s easy to forget about basics like food and accommodation.

That’s why we’ve put together this list of 11 tips for saving money in Dubai. From eating cheaply to finding affordable hotel rooms, you’re sure to find something here that will help you save money while you’re in town!

From experiencing the city without spending a fortune on transportation to finding bargains on food and shopping, to avoiding common tourist traps, we’ve got you covered. 

Stay at a budget hotel

When trying to save money on a trip, one of the best ways to do so is by staying at a budget hotel. Not only will you be able to enjoy your vacation more without breaking the bank, but you’ll also avoid any unpleasant surprises down the road.

Here are some tips for finding and booking a budget hotel in Dubai:

• Use online travel agencies (OTAs) – These websites offer great deals on hotels all over the world, and they can help you find bargain rooms that aren’t available through mainstream channels. OTA sites also often have user reviews and ratings which can give you an idea of how good or bad each particular establishment is.

• Check out Repeat Guests – Many popular budget hotels tend to fill up fast during peak tourist seasons, so look for establishments that are frequently visited by people who are already familiar with their prices and amenities. This way, you’re sure not to get caught off guard when making your reservations!

• Compare rates before booking – Once you’ve found a deal that suits your needs, make sure to compare rates before finalizing anything. Don’t be afraid to call several different hotels in order to get multiple offers in hand (this will help reduce the chances of being surprised with high initial fees).

• Ask about discounts – Most budget hotels offer small discounts or freebies for repeat customers, so it’s always worth asking if there’s anything special going on currently.

Visit the Old Quarter

Dubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle, but there are also some great money-saving tips available if you want to visit the city without spending a fortune. 

One of the best ways to save on your trip is to visit the Old Quarter. This part of Dubai was once an important center for trade and commerce, and it has preserved many of its historical buildings and markets. 

You can find everything from traditional Middle Eastern foods to high-end fashion here at affordable prices. And because this area is so popular, parking can be quite difficult to find nearby during peak hours. 

To get the most out of your stay in the Old Quarter, follow these money-saving tips: 

• Make use of public transportation – By taking advantage of buses and metro lines that run through or near this area, you can save a lot on taxi fares. Plus, getting around by foot is also possible thanks to close proximity to many notable tourist spots.

• Eat lunch at home instead of going out for an expensive meal – Many restaurants in the Old Quarter are quite pricey. Instead, make lunch at home your regular routine and take advantage of cheap supermarket deals or restaurant specials offered during off hours.

• Check prices before making purchases – Always double-check prices before making any major decisions like buying tickets or souvenirs. The UAE has strict laws governing retail pricing practices which may result in hefty fines if violated.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to have a wonderful time exploring all that Dubai has to offer while staying within your budget!

Avoid alcohol

Drinking alcohol can be expensive, and it’s not always the best way to enjoy your time. Not only will drinking costs you money, but it can also damage your body and mind.

Alcohol is expensive in Dubai, and it’s easy to wind up spending a lot of money on drinks when you’re out socializing. 

Here are some tips to help you save money while drinking: 

• Bring your own alcohol. This may seem like a small thing, but it can really add up over time. Buying liquor at the bar costs an average of $14 per bottle, compared to just $3 for someone who brings their own wine or beer. 

• Skip the cocktails entirely. Sure, they’re fun sometimes – but most cocktail recipes cost more than what you would pay for a regular drink by itself.
• Save your money by opting for something less complicated (like white wine instead of champagne) or skip the mixer altogether and enjoy straight tequila or vodka with your friends rather than feeling guilty about hitting the wallet hard later on!

• Stick to sparkling water if you want to avoid paying high prices for soft drinks.

Check out the cheap eats

Looking for some delicious, budget-friendly food? Check out the cheap eats section of Dubai’s online directory! Here you’ll find all sorts of affordable restaurants that are sure to satisfy your appetite. 

From Chinese and Indian cuisine to pizza and burgers, there’s something for everyone. Plus, most places offer coupons or discounts that make them even more affordable. 

Here are a few money saving tips to help you get started:

• Eat at local restaurants instead of eating out at expensive chains. These establishments offer fantastic food and prices that will fit any budget.

• Order drinks and starters in bulk to save on costs. You’ll be surprised how much money you can save by doing this little trick.

• Check out the buffet areas at malls and other large public venues – they often have great deals on food, drinks, and desserts. Plus, there’s usually no need to queue up or feel rushed during your mealtime!

Take the Metro

If you’re looking to save money on your transportation costs, then taking the Metro is a great way to go. Not only does it provide an easy and efficient way to get around town, but it also offers some great money-saving tips.

For example, one popular tip is to use the Metro at night or during rush hour when travel is busiest. This will help you avoid long lines and crowded stations, both of which can add up quickly. And if you plan ahead in advance, you can even purchase tickets online for reduced rates.

There are also several ways to reduce your overall expenses while traveling by metro: buy tokens instead of individual transfers; bring a reusable water bottle; use public transport instead of taxis whenever possible, and shop near home rather than traveling out shopping centers each day.

Use your SmarTrip card instead of cash whenever possible. This will save you both time and money since using your card eliminates the need to carry around bills and coins. Plus, there are no transaction fees associated with SmarTrip cards!

Look for spots with free entry

Check out the free attractions and activities available around town! Whether you’re a fan of museums, zoos, or amusement parks, there’s likely something worth checking out for free. 

Here are a few Money Saving Tips to get you started: 

• Visit one of the city’s many public gardens during your morning commute. Most have interesting exhibitions or playgrounds for kids that are open from 7 am to 11 am without charge.

• In addition, head over to Souk Madinat Jumeirah (the shopping mall located at Jumeirah Beach Residence) on Fridays from 8 pm until midnight and enjoy all of its shops and restaurants completely free of charge! The same deal applies during Ramadan – make sure to check the mall’s website for details. 

• Take advantage of Dubai Municipality’s ‘Free Friday’ events which offer admission into various museums across Dubai for no cost at all. This includes both traditional heritage sites like Zayed Palace as well as newer attractions like The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. Simply show your ID card when entering and enjoy!

Plan Your Travel During Summers

Summer is the perfect time to travel to Dubai. Not only does the weather be warm and sunny most of the time, but prices for airfare and hotels are also at their lowest points of the year. 

Here are some money-saving tips that can help you plan your trip: 

• Compare different airlines online- There are a variety of airline options available when traveling to Dubai, so it’s important to do your research before making a decision. Airlines like Emirates offer great deals on flights during summer months, so it’s worth comparing all of your options before choosing one. 

• Check hotel rates in advance- Many hotels in Dubai offer discounts during the summer months, so it’s important to book as early as possible if you want to get the best deal possible. Be sure to search by location (such as downtown or beachfront), a number of rooms required, and other amenities desired (like pool or spa). 

• Eat local food whenever possible- Restaurants in Dubai tend to be expensive compared with restaurants back home, but there are plenty of inexpensive places where you can order local dishes such as shawarma or falafel instead of more expensive international fare. Try finding restaurants close by where you’re staying rather than eating out every night.

• Consider buying tickets ahead of time for popular attractions and activities like theme parks or cable cars. This way, you won’t have any trouble getting tickets when they become available (usually several weeks prior).

Hit the Public Beach

In Dubai, the weather is definitely summertime. And that means it’s time to hit the public beach and save money on your swimming expenses!

Here are a few tips to help you pack as little of a budget into your trip as possible:

• Bring along some reusable water bottles. Bottled water can be expensive in Dubai, and reusing them will help keep your transportation costs down.

• Pack healthy snacks instead of junk foods. You’ll find that most restaurants in Dubai offer reasonably priced lunch options that include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

• Take advantage of free wi-fi at local cafes or libraries – this is a great way to stay connected while saving on cell phone bills.

• Save money on sunscreen by bringing along an affordable sunscreen lotion instead of buying multiple products during your trip.

Visit some of Dubai’s parks

If you’re looking for a way to get out and enjoy some sunshine while saving money, then you should visit one of Dubai’s parks. Not only will you be able to take in some stunning scenery, but you’ll also be able to save on your expenses by enjoying activities such as swimming and biking without the need for tickets or membership fees.

Here are five of the best parks in Dubai: 

• Al Ghubaiba Park – This park is located on the eastern edge of Dubailand and features beautiful gardens, a lake with swans and other birds, playgrounds, sports fields, and more. It’s open from sunrise to sunset daily except on Islamic holidays. Entry is free for all visitors.

• Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Park – Home to world-famous Jumeirah Golf Estates’ 18-hole golf course as well as several lakeside restaurants & cafes, this expanse of greenery offers plenty of opportunities for fun in both hot weather seasons (summertime onwards) and cold weather months (October till March). 

There are dozens of trails that wind their way throughout the park providing hours upon hours of entertainment whether cycling or walking; moreover there are facilities available such as basketball courts volleyball courts, cricket pitches, etc., making it perfect not just for recreation but also business meetings. 

Look out for free events

Remember to look out for free events in Dubai! Many local businesses and organizations offer free or discounted admission, workshops, or even sales on specific days or weekends. You can also use free event listings websites (like eventbrite) to find upcoming opportunities. By taking advantage of these chances, you can save money while enjoying the city’s attractions.

Keep your eyes peeled! There are always plenty of free and discounted events happening in the city, so you don’t have to miss out on a single opportunity. 

Here are a few recent examples: 

• The Dubai Shopping Festival is currently ongoing and offers discounts on select items at various participating stores across the city. 

• The Emirates Airline’s Doha Sale is now live, offering huge discounts on flights and hotels in Qatar. 

•  And last but not least, Ramadan is almost over – that means Eid al Fitr (the end of fasting) is just around the corner! This year’s edition of the Eid Holiday Freebies program features several exciting deals including 50% off food from many popular restaurants throughout Downtown Dubai. 

So stay tuned for more great opportunities to save money while enjoying all that Dubai has to offer!

Don’t go shopping

If you’re looking to save money while in Dubai, avoid going shopping. Instead, check out local markets and street vendors for unique items that you can’t find at high-end stores.

You may be surprised at how much cheaper (and often better quality) things are when bought this way. Plus, it’s a fun experience to explore different neighborhoods and see all the wonderful sights Dubai has to offer!

Final Words

When it comes to saving some money while traveling, there are tons of great tips that could help you manage your expenses. Just remember not to rush and get everything planned out before you head out. Sometimes, the piecemeal approach works just as well!

Finally, we hope that the tips we gave you in this article helped you save some money while planning your dream Dubai trip.

As if saving some extra dough wasn’t enough, it is also possible to get great deals on shopping, dining, and entertainment in Dubai.