7‑Day Dubai Cost: How Much Should You Expect to Spend?

If you’re planning a week in Dubai, the first question on your mind is likely the price tag. You want to know if you can enjoy the city’s glitz without blowing your bank account. Below you’ll find a clear, no‑fluff breakdown of what a 7‑day trip costs in three common budget tiers – budget, mid‑range and luxury – covering flights, accommodation, food, transport and attractions.

1. Flight Prices

In 2025 round‑trip tickets to Dubai vary a lot by departure city and season. From major US hubs you’ll see:

• Budget: $600‑$800 (economy, flexible dates, off‑peak months).
• Mid‑range: $900‑$1,300 (economy, limited stops, better seat selection).
• Luxury: $2,200‑$4,500 (business class, direct flights, premium services).

Book at least two months ahead and sign up for airline alerts to catch flash sales. If you’re flexible with travel dates, Tuesdays and Wednesdays often give the best rates.

2. Accommodation Costs

Dubai’s hotel market is huge, so you have plenty of options:

• Budget: $30‑$70 per night for hostels or 1‑star hotels in Deira or Bur Dubai.
• Mid‑range: $120‑$250 per night for 3‑star hotels or serviced apartments in Jumeirah Beach Residence.
• Luxury: $350‑$1,200+ per night for 5‑star resorts on Palm Jumeirah or the Dubai Marina.

When you add taxes and service charges (usually 10‑15%), the total weekly accommodation cost becomes roughly $210‑$490 for budget, $840‑$1,750 for mid‑range, and $2,450‑$8,400 for luxury stays.

Quick tip: Use the “pay at hotel” option if you’re unsure about exchange rates. Many hotels also waive the city tax for stays longer than 5 nights.

3. Food & Drink

Eating out in Dubai can be cheap or splurge‑heavy. Here’s a realistic daily food budget:

• Budget: $10‑$20 (street food, shawarma stalls, cheap cafeterias).
• Mid‑range: $30‑$55 (mid‑level restaurants, brunch buffets, occasional cafe).
• Luxury: $80‑$200+ (fine‑dining, rooftop bars, gourmet experiences).

Multiply by seven days, and you’re looking at $70‑$140 for a tight budget, $210‑$385 for a comfortable mid‑range trip, and $560‑$1,400 for a high‑end culinary adventure.

4. Getting Around

Transport costs are easy to estimate:

• Public transport (Metro, bus, tram): $2‑$5 per day with a Nol card, so about $14‑$35 weekly.
• Ride‑hailing (Uber, Careem): $15‑$30 per day if you mix short trips with occasional airport rides – roughly $105‑$210 for a week.
• Car rental: $30‑$70 per day for a compact, plus fuel (around $40‑$70 total). Expect $250‑$560 for the whole week.

Choose public transport if you’re staying near a Metro station; otherwise, ride‑hailing offers flexibility without the hassle of parking.

5. Attractions & Extras

Dubai’s main draws – Burj Khalifa, desert safaris, Atlantis water park, and dhow cruises – each have entry fees:

• Burj Khalifa “At The Top” tickets: $35‑$55.
• Desert safari with dinner: $55‑$85.
• Atlantis Aquaventure pass: $80‑$110.
• Dhow dinner cruise: $45‑$70.

Budget travelers can pick one or two experiences and fill the rest with free attractions (Jumeirah Beach, Al Fahidi Historic District). Mid‑range visitors typically enjoy three paid activities, while luxury guests often splurge on all major attractions and a private yacht day.

Putting everything together, a realistic 7‑day Dubai cost looks like this:

• Budget: $1,200‑$1,700 total.
• Mid‑range: $2,600‑$3,900 total.
• Luxury: $6,500‑$12,000+ total.

These figures include flights, hotel, food, transport and a handful of attractions. Adjust the numbers up or down based on personal preferences, travel dates, and any special deals you snag.

Now that you know the numbers, you can decide which tier fits your wallet and start booking with confidence. Happy planning, and enjoy the surprising mix of modern marvels and traditional charm that Dubai offers!