Dubai Travel Budget 2025: What You’ll Actually Spend

Planning a trip to Dubai and wondering how much cash you’ll need? You’re not alone. The city’s glossy image makes it hard to guess the real price tag. Below you’ll get straight‑forward numbers for every major cost, plus quick tips to stretch your dirhams.

Where You’ll Sleep – Hotel and Short‑Term Rentals

Dubai’s accommodation ranges from budget studios to ultra‑luxury towers. In 2025 the average nightly rate looks like this:

• Budget hostels / shared rooms: 120‑200 AED
• 3‑star hotels in city centre: 300‑450 AED
• 4‑star hotels on the Palm or Downtown: 550‑850 AED
• 5‑star resort‑style properties: 1,200‑2,500 AED

If you book a week‑long Airbnb, expect a total of 2,500‑4,500 AED for a decent one‑bedroom flat away from the main tourist zones. Splitting a hotel room with a travel buddy can cut the cost in half, and many hotels offer weekend‑only rates that are noticeably cheaper.

Food – Eating Out Without Going Broke

Dubai’s food scene is as varied as its skyline. Here’s a quick cost breakdown:

• Street‑food stalls (shawarma, falafel, sambosa): 10‑25 AED per bite
• Casual cafés and fast‑casual chains: 30‑60 AED per meal
• Mid‑range restaurants (buffet or à la carte): 80‑150 AED per person
• Fine‑dining experiences: 250 AED and up

Tip 1: Look for “meal deals” during Ramadan evenings – many places slash prices after sunset. Tip 2: Grocery stores like Carrefour or Lulu have ready‑made salads and hot meals for 15‑30 AED, perfect for a cheap lunch on the go.

Getting Around – Transport Costs You Can Predict

The Metro is the cheapest way to zip between major attractions. A single ride costs 4‑8 AED, while a day pass is about 20 AED. Taxis start at 12 AED, then 2.5 AED per kilometer – useful for late nights or when the Metro isn’t convenient.

If you love a bit of adventure, rent a scooter for 30‑45 AED a day, or a compact car for roughly 120‑180 AED per day (fuel extra). Car sharing apps like Careem often run promos that shave off 10‑15%.

What to Do – Attraction Fees & Freebies

Big‑ticket experiences like the Burj Khalifa “At The Top” observation deck cost 180‑350 AED depending on the level you choose. A desert safari with dinner is around 250 AED, while a dhow cruise on Dubai Creek runs 120‑200 AED.

Don’t overlook the free stuff: walk the Marina promenade, explore Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, or relax on Jumeirah Beach. Public parks and many museums have zero entry on certain weekdays.

Quick Money‑Saving Hacks

• Book flights and hotels together on bundle sites – you can save up to 15%.
• Use a prepaid travel card to avoid foreign‑exchange fees.
• Pay in cash for street food; many vendors add a small surcharge for card payments.
• Visit malls during “Dubai Shopping Festival” for extra discounts and free entertainment.

Bottom line: A comfortable solo traveler can manage with around 7,000‑9,000 AED for a week, while a couple looking for a bit of luxury should budget 12,000‑15,000 AED. Adjust the numbers to your style, but with these figures you’ll never be caught off guard.