Exploring Dubai: What's The Cost Of Traveling There?

Dubai is a city known for its luxurious lifestyle, modern architecture, vibrant nightlife, and world-famous landmarks. As a result, it has a reputation for being an expensive destination. However, the cost of travelling to Dubai depends on several factors, such as the time of year, choice of accommodation, activities, and dining options.

The average cost of a round-trip flight to Dubai from London is around £499, while flights from New York City range from $700 to $1500. Dubai has a range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels and hotels to luxurious resorts and villas. A night in a budget-friendly accommodation can cost between $50 and $150, while a night in a luxury hotel can be upwards of $500.

When it comes to food, Dubai offers a diverse range of cuisines, from traditional Arabic dishes to international options. The cost of meals varies depending on the type of restaurant, with prices in mid-range restaurants ranging from $60 to $120 per person.

Attractions in Dubai include the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Dubai Fountain, and Dubai Museum, with entry fees ranging from free to a few hundred dirhams. Transportation options include taxis, which are relatively inexpensive, and public transport such as the metro, buses, and trams.

Overall, the cost of travelling to Dubai can vary significantly depending on individual preferences and travel styles. A week-long vacation can range from $1500 to $5000 or more.

Flights

The cost of flights to Dubai varies depending on factors such as the time of year, the airline, and the departure city. On average, a round-trip economy class ticket from the US ranges from $700 to $1,500 or more. During peak seasons, flight prices can increase, so it is advisable to compare prices across different airlines and book in advance to secure the best deals.

For example, a round-trip flight from New York City to Dubai can cost around $700, while flights from Los Angeles may start at $1,500. Direct flights are available from some US cities, but others may require layovers or connecting flights, which can affect the overall travel time.

One-Way Flights

Starting from $360

Round-Trip Flights

Starting from $695

One-Way Flights from the UK

Starting from £136

Round-Trip Flights from the UK

Starting from £302

One-Way Flights from Australia

Starting from AUD 379

Round-Trip Flights from Australia

Starting from AUD 639

One-Way Flights from Canada

Starting from CAD 673

Round-Trip Flights from Canada

Starting from CAD 917

One-Way Flights from the UAE

Starting from USD 299

Round-Trip Flights from the UAE

Starting from AED 938

Hotels

Dubai is known for its luxurious hotels, but there are also more affordable options. The cost of hotels in Dubai depends on several factors, including location, amenities, and time of year.

On average, a mid-range hotel in Dubai can cost around $80 to $150 per night, while a luxury hotel can cost upwards of $300 per night. During peak season, such as the Dubai Shopping Festival or Dubai World Cup, prices can be significantly higher.

• 2-star hotels: $50 per night
• 3-star hotels: $100 per night
• 4-star hotels: $150 per night
• 5-star hotels: $300 per night

These prices can vary depending on the hotel's location, meal options, views, and room level.

For those on a tight budget, there are also hostels available, with prices starting at $10 per night and going up to $50.

Dubai also offers short-term rentals, which can be a more affordable option for longer stays. Rates for short-term rentals range from $80 to $700 per night, and some hosts offer discounted rates for extended stays.

To save money on accommodation, consider travelling during the off-peak season and look for budget-friendly options such as hostels or short-term rentals. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is recommended to ensure availability and the best rates.

Hotel Recommendations in Dubai:

• Swissôtel Al Murooj Dubai: Located near the Dubai Mall, this hotel offers a convenient location and superb amenities.
• Knight Castle Hotel: Located in Deira, this hotel features spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and an excellent breakfast buffet.
• Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai: Conveniently attached to a mall, this hotel is ideal for gold and dress shopping. The rooms are spacious, and the staff is friendly.
• Paramount Hotel Dubai: Located in Business Bay, this hotel offers excellent service, a central location, and comfortable rooms.
• JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai: With spacious rooms and excellent dining options, this hotel provides a great experience.
• Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Dubai Deira: Located next to the metro station and within easy reach of major attractions, this hotel offers excellent value for money and friendly service.

Tips for Finding Budget-Friendly Hotels in Dubai:

• Travel during the low season, as accommodation prices are higher during peak season.
• Consider alternative accommodation options such as hostels or short-term rentals.
• Choose a location that is not in the city centre or near popular tourist sites, as these areas tend to be more expensive.
• Share a room or house with others in your travel group to split the cost.

Food

The national dish in Dubai is khuzi, or ghuzi, a roasted lamb or mutton dish with rice, vegetables and nuts. However, as a multicultural city, Dubai offers food inspired by diverse cultures, from traditional Arabic food to international cuisines.

For budget-friendly options, you can find street food and local restaurants with prices ranging from AED 10-20 (USD 14 to USD 41) for a meal. International fast-food chains such as Burger King and McDonald's are also available, with meals costing around AED 20-30.

Mid-range restaurants typically charge AED 30-60 (USD 8-15) for appetisers and desserts, AED 30-80 (USD 8-20) for sandwiches and burgers, and AED 60-100 (USD 15-25) for main dishes. A meal for one person at a mid-range restaurant can cost between AED 50 and AED 150 (USD 14 to USD 41).

For a special dining experience, high-end restaurants in Dubai can charge AED 500-11000 (USD 136 to USD 218) for a meal for two.

When it comes to drinks, soft drinks and smoothies typically cost AED 15-35 (USD 4-9), while a can of coke costs around AED 1.5 in supermarkets but AED 8 or more in restaurants. Alcoholic drinks are more expensive, with a glass of wine or beer costing around AED 35-45 (USD 9-11) in mid-range hotels, and cocktails costing AED 40-60 (USD 10-15).

• AED 30 (USD 8) - vegetarian thali at Old Dubai metro station
• AED 50-100 (USD 14-27) - vegetarian meal at Umm Hurair station
• AED 50-130 (USD 14-35) - Indian Thali
• AED 150 (USD 41) - Mexican food for two
• AED 35-80 (USD 9-22) - Chinese food for two
• AED 200 (USD 54) - Italian food for two
• AED 300 (USD 81) - Japanese food for two
• AED 30-60 (USD 8-16) - breakfast for one at a mid-range restaurant
• AED 200-300 (USD 54-81) - breakfast for two at a high-end restaurant
• AED 40-80 (USD 11-22) - lunch at a casual restaurant
• AED 100-200 (USD 27-54) - lunch at a fancier restaurant
• AED 15 (USD 4) - hamburger menu at fast-food restaurants
• AED 15 (USD 4) - latte at Starbucks
• AED 20-25 (USD 5-7) - chicken meals at Burger King
• AED 40-50 (USD 11-13) - mixed grill for two at a traditional restaurant
• AED 1500-2000 (USD 411-541) - dinner for two at a high-end restaurant

Transport

Dubai has a well-developed transport system, making it easy to get around the city. Here are some of the options available:

• Metro: Dubai has a modern, clean, and efficient metro system with two lines (Red and Green) connecting most major areas of the city. Fares are based on the distance travelled.
• Buses: Dubai's bus network serves most areas of the city. Buses are air-conditioned and comfortable, with fares based on the distance travelled.
• Taxis: Taxis are widely available and can be hailed on the street or booked through an app. Fares are metered and reasonable compared to other major cities.
• Uber and Careem: These ride-sharing services are also available in Dubai and offer a convenient and affordable way to get around.
• Water taxis: Traditional boats called abras connect the old and new parts of the city and offer a unique travel experience.
• Rental cars: Car rentals are available, but heavy traffic and unfamiliar roads can make driving challenging for visitors.
• Walking: Dubai is relatively safe, and many areas are pedestrian-friendly. Exploring the city on foot is a great way to see the sights up close.

The cost of transport in Dubai varies depending on the mode of travel. On average, past travellers have spent around $13 (AED47) per person, per day, on local transportation. Here are some examples of transport costs in Dubai:

• Metro: A one-way metro ticket costs around AED6.
• Buses: Bus fares typically range from AED5 to AED15 depending on the route.
• Taxis: Taxi fares start at AED20-25 for the cab cost, with an additional AED4 per kilometre.
• Rental cars: The cost of renting a car depends on factors such as the type of car, duration of rental, and whether you choose a self-drive or chauffeur-driven option.

Attractions

Dubai is a city of record-breaking venues and iconic landmarks. Here are some attractions to visit during your stay:

Burj Khalifa

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world, with breathtaking views from the top. The building features state-of-the-art architecture and panoramic views from the world's highest observation deck. Tickets for the observation deck cost around $57.

The Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is a mall-adjacent musical fountain display with choreographed water, light, and music shows set against the towering backdrop of the Burj Khalifa. The shows take place every 30 minutes in the evening, and it is completely free to watch.

Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark

The Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark is the largest water park in the world, with a mix of thrilling slides, a lazy river with rapids, and marine encounters, including shark experiences. It is family-friendly, with dedicated toddler areas. Tickets start from $88.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo showcases diverse marine life, including rare species, in a multi-floor aquarium with an underwater tunnel and interactive encounters like fish feedings and penguin meet-and-greets. Tickets start from $54.

Dubai Miracle Garden

The Dubai Miracle Garden is a botanical garden featuring whimsical floral displays, Disney-inspired elements, and a fairytale-like ambiance for a colourful, family-friendly visit. Tickets start from $34.

Global Village

Global Village is a charming place to visit, with many activities, free and paid, as well as food, entertainment, and shopping.

Jumeirah Mosque

The Jumeirah Mosque is nestled near the shore in one of Dubai's older and most picturesque neighbourhoods, Jumeirah 1. Its detailed sand-hued façade mimics the architectural style of the medieval Fatimid period. The mosque is open to non-Muslims, who are invited inside to marvel at the ornate decor. Tickets are priced at $26.

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

The Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is the original heart of Dubai, located along the Dubai Creek. It is a charming little neighbourhood with the popular outdoor café, the Arabian Tea House, and several art galleries. Some of the restored buildings also include wind towers, an early form of air conditioning. The Dubai Museum is also located here.

Expo City Dubai

Even if you missed the World Expo, you can still visit Expo City Dubai, a family-friendly destination with restaurants serving global cuisine and pavilions covering various important topics such as sustainability and women's contributions. Don't miss Al Wasl Plaza, which features the world's largest 360-degree projection surface with light projections starting at sunset.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach in the Umm Suqeim neighbourhood is Dubai's classic beach destination. It offers a blend of excitement and relaxation, with activities such as volleyball, kitesurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, as well as plenty of sandy space to catch some rays.

Gold and Spice Souks

Dubai has a long history as a titan of trade. The Gold Souk, located near Dubai Creek, is one of the most renowned gold jewellery trading centres in the world, with approximately 20-40% of the world's gold passing through this market. The Spice Souk is located nearby, offering a variety of spices and herbs.

Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve

When you've had your fill of the city, escape to the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, the UAE's first national park. The reserve offers activities such as sandboarding, archery, dune driving, camel treks, and horseback riding. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional dinner in Bedu tents or arrange for a private meal.

Frequently asked questions