When you think of traveling to the United Arab Emirates, the first thing you imagine is luxury, gleaming skyscrapers, 5-star hotels, and uncontrolled spending. And while it's true that Dubai and Abu Dhabi can be expensive destinations, it's also possible to explore them on a budget... if you know how to get around.
In this post, I'll tell you all the tips for traveling to the Emirates on a budget: from cheap flights and affordable accommodations to how to get around the country and where to eat without breaking the bank. Because yes, you can enjoy this part of the world without spending a fortune. You just have to know where to look, and I'll tell you about it from my backpacking experience.
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Cheap flights to Emirates
Although it may sound strange, getting to the United Arab Emirates doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, if you're traveling through Europe, you can fly at a great price thanks to low-cost airlines like Wizz Air, which offers direct flights to Abu Dhabi from several European cities, such as Rome.
Prices vary depending on the season, but if you book early (or take advantage of a good deal), you can get round-trip tickets for less than $200. Yes, you read that right. Of course, like any low-cost airline, you'll have to adjust to the included luggage and add extras if you want more comfort.
Another option is to look for flights with long layovers or creative combinations from cities like Istanbul, Cairo, or even Tbilisi, which often have lower fares to the Gulf. The important thing is to compare and be flexible with your dates.
Cheap accommodation in the Emirates
Although the United Arab Emirates is known for its luxury hotels and skyscrapers with infinity pools, there are also more affordable options for those traveling on a budget. Budget accommodations can be found in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, especially if you don't mind sharing a room.
In Dubai, most of the cheap accommodations are located in areas like Bur Dubai or Deira, which are also well connected by metro. There are options with shared kitchens, lockers, and even terraces with great views, for prices starting at $10-$15 per night in a dorm. Although, as I mentioned in detail in my Dubai post, cheap capsule hotels tend to be rubbish, if you stretch your budget a bit further, for $20-$30 per night, you can also find something more decent in a much nicer area like Dubai Marina.
In Abu Dhabi, the options are more limited, but there are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to backpackers or temporary workers. Don't expect boutique hotel design, but if you search on sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com, you can find beds for around $15-$20 per night, which is quite reasonable for the region.
Tip: Book well in advance, especially during peak season, and always check the location to avoid overspending on transportation.
Getting around cheaply: buses in Abu Dhabi and the Dubai metro
One of the best ways to save money in the Emirates is to use public transportation, which is modern, safe, and quite affordable compared to taxis or private transfers.
In Abu Dhabi, although there is no metro, the city bus network covers almost the entire city and is very useful for traveling between tourist spots like the Grand Mosque, the Corniche, or the city center. The service works well, the vehicles are air-conditioned, and the fare is around AED 2 (about USD 0.50). To use them, you need a Hafilat Card, which you can obtain and top up at bus stations or authorized kiosks.
In Dubai, the most convenient option is the metro, which connects the airport, downtown, shopping areas, and many key destinations. It's fast, efficient, and affordable: prices vary depending on the distance, but a short trip can cost as little as 3 AED (less than 1 USD). To get around, you'll need the Nol Card, which also works for buses, trams, and even some water taxis.
Eating on the cheap in the Emirates: local, Indian, and supermarket options
Eating out in the Emirates doesn't have to be expensive, although tourist restaurants or those in luxury hotels might make you think otherwise. If you look hard enough, there are plenty of delicious and affordable options, especially in neighborhoods with a presence of immigrants from the Indian subcontinent.
In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, you'll find small Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi restaurants where you can get a hearty meal for less than 15 AED (about 4 USD). Shawarmas, biryanis, curries, parathas, and full thalis are all bargains. The best part is that the food is homemade, hearty, and full of flavor. Look in areas like Deira or Bur Dubai in Dubai, or near Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi.
Another very practical option is to stop by supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, or Spinneys, which usually have sections with ready-made meals: rice, salads, roast chicken, samosas, and even combos with drinks. Perfect if you want to save money or take something back to your accommodation. You can also buy bread, hummus, fruit, yogurt, and snacks to put together a picnic or a light dinner for less than 10 AED.
I remember a scene in Dubai that made me laugh because of the contrast. I was sitting on a sidewalk, eating a stuffed rice ball I had bought at Carrefour for a few coins. As I devoured it with gusto, I looked toward the marina where several luxury yachts were passing in front of me, with loud music and people dancing on deck as if it were a scene from a music video. It amused me to think about that stark contrast: on one side, someone traveling on a budget; on the other, floating parties that probably cost as much as my entire month of travel. But there I was, happy with my street rice and the best view of the city.
Tip: Avoid restaurants in shopping malls or tourist areas if you want to stay on a budget. Going off the beaten path can save you several dirhams… and give you a much more local experience.
Free attractions in the Emirates: lots to see without paying
Traveling to the Emirates on a budget doesn't mean missing out on the best. In fact, many of the most iconic attractions can be enjoyed for free or simply from the outside, and they're still just as impressive. Here's a list of some of the best things you can do without spending a single dirham:
🕌 En Abu Dhabi:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: the jewel of the city. Admission is completely free, and the tour inside is as impressive as the outside.
- Walking along the Corniche: ideal for relaxing by the sea, watching the sunset, or having a picnic in front of the skyline.
- Heritage Village: A small complex that recreates traditional Emirati life. Free entry and beautiful views of the city skyline.
- Qasr Al Hosn (exterior): If you don't want to pay the entrance fee, it's worth walking around the outside of Abu Dhabi's oldest fort.
🌆 En Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa (from the outside): Seeing the world's tallest building from the base is an experience in itself, especially at night.
- Dubai Mall Fountain Show: right in front of the Burj Khalifa, every half hour starting at dusk. A free and unmissable show.
- Walk along Marina Walk: a spectacular promenade between skyscrapers, yachts, and cafes. Ideal for an evening stroll.
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Although it's a shopping mall, you can stroll through its traditional Arabic-style corridors and enjoy incredible views of the Burj Al Arab.
- Al Seef or the “traditional village”: recreation of an old Emirati village on the banks of the Creek, with free admission.
- Public beaches: such as JBR Beach or Kite Beach, with good facilities and free ocean views.
As you can see, you don't have to break the bank to enjoy the Emirates. With good shoes and a curious spirit, there's plenty to see without spending a dime.
You might be interested in reading about my time in Dubai, an unfiltered post where I tell you about the good and bad things I felt when visiting this eccentric city in the United Arab Emirates
How much was my budget for a two-week backpacking trip to the Emirates?
Budget for 4 days in Abu Dhabi
- 4 Nights in The Villa Hostel – By Lunar: USD 50
- Estimated in Buses in Abu Dhabi: USD 6
- Estimated Food for 4 days: USD 40
Budget for 10 days in Abu Dhabi (without tickets)
- 3 Nights in Capsule Hotel: USD 40
- 7 Nights in Hostel-Style Apartments in Dubai Marina: USD 175
- Estimated Metro for 10 days: USD 20
- Estimated Food for 10 days: USD 100
Total estimated expenses for two weeks in the United Arab Emirates: USD 580
As you'll see, without considering flights and expenses that may be incurred when purchasing tickets for paid attractions, going to observation decks, yacht rides, or even taking any tours, you can spend quite little when traveling in the Emirates. It's just a matter of sacrificing paying for certain attractions and choosing wisely where to sleep and eat.