An inspiring city poised to delight and entertain
As one of the most impressive and luxurious destinations in the world, Dubai may seem like an unlikely place to save money, but there are many ways to enjoy this glimmering desert jewel on a budget. Home to the world’s tallest building and a host of architectural and cultural wonders, Dubai is sure to appeal to travelers who venture to its sands.
Tourism is a major industry in Dubai, and big draws for visitors include sporting events like horse racing, a month-long shopping festival, a skyline that commands attention of Dubai’s visitors and fascinating hotels.
For jaded, been-there-done-that travelers, Dubai can throw in camel racing, sand boarding, sand skiing, ice-skating and indoor snow skiing.
Getting around Dubai
The city has made great efforts to ensure that transportation is easy, affordable and convenient. While some visitors opt to hire cars for convenient travel within Dubai (especially in the heat), there are a number of other budget-friendly transportation options.
Metered taxis are fairly inexpensive and cost about 45 dirhams from the Dubai International Airport to the city center (one UAE dirham is about 27 US cents at the May 2010 exchange rate). When using taxis, make sure you have an actual street name for your destination in Dubai. Leaving the address to guesswork can result in higher fares as the cab navigates the city’s crowded streets.
Dubai’s slick new metro system – the first such system in the Middle East – can yield some decent savings. Designed to ease city congestion and reduce journey times, the metro is expected to be fully complete by 2015. So far, a number of stations have opened on the Red Line, which has connections to airport Terminals One and Three.
Passengers must purchase rechargeable metro cards, available from vending machines in every station, and add credit to them. A single-trip red ticket costs 2 dirhams. A basic silver card costs 20 dirhams and includes 14 dirhams of credit for individual fares running from 1.80 dirhams to 5.80 dirhams. More expensive blue and gold tickets offer amenities ranging from personalized cards to access to carpeted cars with leather seats.
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Buses are also available throughout the city, though they may be slower than the metro. A bus operated by the Big Bus Company provides regular routes around the city that can be good for wandering through various districts and hopping off at leisure. Tickets are reasonably priced and are valid for a 24-hour period.
For any trip within or around the city, busy travelers can check out the Web site http://wojhati.rta.ae, which contains a trip-planning tool to help you identify the fastest and least expensive modes of transport.
Dubai’s delicacies on a budget
A center of cultural traditions and flavors from throughout the Middle East, Dubai is home to some of the most incredible restaurants in the world – both those that crown world-class hotels and those found in busy neighborhood districts. The street food in Dubai is a budget traveler’s treat. Try Al Khayal Cafeteria for a bargain Sharwarma at 3.50 dirhams, consisting of grilled meat thinly sliced and layered into a pita with vegetables and condiments.
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For a taste of traditional Middle Eastern fast food, check out the Jabal al Noor chain of restaurants, found throughout the city. There are many small dishes to try, and you can fill yourself to satisfaction at about 10 dirhams per item. Ravi’s Restaurant located on Satwa Road is one of the city’s best kept secrets, with its plastic tables and chairs packed every night. A must-try is the butter chicken at 18 dirhams. |
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Please note that only hotel restaurants are licensed to serve alcohol.
What can you do?
The areas of Deira and Bur Dubai are connected by the picturesque Dubai Creek. One of the least expensive and most scenic ways to cross the Creek is to take a ride on a small passenger boat, called an abra, for 1 dirham. With a bit of negotiating, travelers with free time on their hands can hire an abra for a private tour.
Almost directly across the Creek on the Deira side, you will spot the Burj Nahar, one of three watch towers once used to guard Dubai. Its beautiful gardens are ideal for a stroll and are a great photo stop.
The narrow streets of the old town’s Bastakiya District invite free roaming through architectural treasures punctuated with interesting shops and cafes. The Jumeirah Mosque is one of the few that allow non-Muslims to enter and learn about Islam, and boasts a beautiful exterior.
Dubai’s beaches are a popular destination, and offer all the sun and tranquil waters for which a traveler could ask. If its nightlife you are after, then Dubai has plenty of bars and clubs (mostly based in hotels in order to serve alcohol) attracting a lively and eclectic crowd. Most nightclubs have cover charges, and drinks tend to be pricey. Virtually every bar in town has a resident band and DJ, and there are a few jazz bars and piano lounges with excellent live performers.
Where to shop?
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Dubai’s impressive shopping malls are located all over the city and include plenty of entertainment options suited to all budgets.
In the winter season, check out the Global Village celebration, which brings shopkeepers, artisans, and performers of various ethnic backgrounds together for a massive flea market filled with inexpensive gift items and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. |
Also, visit the spice or perfume souks and haggle your way to some great bargain buys.