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Money4 min read · Updated June 2026

Travelling on a Budget

The UAE has a luxury reputation, but it's perfectly possible to visit well without overspending.

Free & cheap things to do

Public beaches, corniches, parks, souks and many heritage sites cost little or nothing. The Dubai Fountain show and wandering old town districts are free crowd-pleasers.

Eat like a local

Skip the hotel restaurants for authentic, inexpensive cafeterias and street food — karak chai, shawarma, biryani and fresh juices cost a fraction of tourist-strip prices.

Save on attractions

Multi-attraction passes, advance online tickets and visiting in summer all cut costs. Public transport is far cheaper than taxis for getting around the cities.

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