Dubai Trip Price Guide – What to Expect in 2025

Thinking about a Dubai getaway but not sure how much it will set you back? You’re not alone. The city shines with luxury, but you can plan a trip that fits any budget. Below you’ll find a clear breakdown of the main expenses and some tricks to keep the price down.

Major Cost Categories

Flights. A round‑trip ticket from Europe or South Asia typically ranges from 1,500 AED to 3,000 AED in economy. From the US or Australia, expect 2,500 AED to 5,000 AED. Booking a few months ahead or using price alerts can shave off 10‑20%.

Accommodation. Hotels in the Palm or Downtown charge 600‑1,200 AED per night for a decent 4‑star room. Mid‑range 3‑star options sit around 300‑500 AED, while budget hostels or Airbnb rooms can be as low as 150‑250 AED. If you’re looking for a splurge, the ultra‑luxury resorts easily top 2,000 AED nightly.

Food. A meal at a mid‑range restaurant costs 80‑150 AED per person. Street food and food courts bring the price down to 30‑60 AED. If you love fine dining, a three‑course dinner can easily reach 300 AED or more. Budget travelers can survive on a daily food budget of 120‑180 AED.

Transportation. The metro is cheap – a single ride is about 5‑8 AED, and a day pass is 20 AED. Taxis start at 12 AED and add roughly 2 AED per kilometer. For flexibility, consider a car rental at 120‑200 AED per day, but factor in parking fees.

Attractions. The Burj Khalifa “At The Top” ticket costs 150‑300 AED depending on the level. Desert safaris run 250‑400 AED per person. Museums and cultural sites usually charge 30‑70 AED. Many malls and public beaches are free, so you can balance paid experiences with free ones.

How to Save Money in Dubai

Look for combo tickets. Tourist passes bundle a few attractions and cut the total cost by up to 30%.

Travel during the shoulder season – late spring or early autumn – when hotel rates dip and the weather is still pleasant.

Use the metro for most trips. It’s reliable, clean, and far cheaper than taxis.

Eat where locals eat. Al Safa and Al Karama have great eateries for under 50 AED per meal.

Shop at the weekly souks instead of high‑end malls if you’re after souvenirs.

Lastly, set a daily budget and track your spending. Knowing you have a limit keeps impulse purchases in check.

Bottom line: a comfortable 5‑day Dubai trip can be done for around 4,000‑6,000 AED per person if you mix mid‑range hotels, public transport, and a blend of free and paid activities. Luxury lovers should budget 10,000 AED or more for top‑tier hotels, fine dining, and exclusive experiences. Whatever your style, the city offers options that won’t break the bank if you plan wisely.