Dubai is renowned for being brilliantly ostentatious, fantastically opulent and a bona fide purveyor of the belief that, actually, bigger is better. With this in mind it may seem incongruous to suggest such a notoriously flashy destination as a place to visit on a budget. However, thanks to a new route from Turkish airline, Pegasus (which now offers return flights to Dubai via Istanbul from £270), highly affordable public transport, some great hotel deals and plenty of cheap eats, it’s now more possible then ever to ‘do Dubai’ without breaking the bank.
Go during the summer months and you’ll benefit from cheaper hotel deals due to the oppressive heat and humidity putting many tourists off travelling at this time. June to September are the hottest months of the year in Dubai, with mercury levels potentially soaring to a melting 45C. Pack that sun cream!
When it comes to exploring the city, the metro system has made getting around cheaper than ever before. A whole day ticket will only set you back around 13 dirhams. Eating out can be easy on the purse strings too; the local culinary treat Shwarma (delicately seasoned meat and vegetables on a pita with dressing), is seriously tasty, filling and best of all – cheap as chips. Alcohol hikes up the bill in any restaurant, so go dry to save your dosh. Meanwhile, hotels – including some top notch ones (although ditch any ideas about staying in one of Dubai’s seven-star hotels) continue to offer some very attractive discounts. The recently opened five-star Meliã hotel for example has rooms from less than £100 a night. Plus, many affordable hotels pride themselves on offering the utmost in service and luxury – without costing you an arm and a leg.
Where to stay
CityMax Al Barsha
This modern, conveniently located hotel benefits from a great location near the metro and Mall of the Emirates; if you want to be within easy walking distance of the main hub then CityMax Al Barsha is a great choice. The rooms are clean, comfy and well-equipped, and the hotel offers a good range of facilities – although expect decent and basic over plush and luxurious. There is a clean pool with sun loungers and fluffy towels, and a free shuttle service to the beach if you want to swap pool for sea. The buffet breakfast is delicious and the staff are helpful and courteous.
In a nutshell: a simple, good value for money hotel right in the heart of the action.
What to do
Dubai isn’t short of impressive beaches, although many are privately owned by luxury beach resorts. Head to JBR Beach and Mercato Beach, both public beaches, and while away an enjoyable day under the sun – for free. Ghantoot Beach is run by The Golden Tulip Hotel but access to the beach only costs 100 dirhams, which is well worth it considering you’ll then be able to enjoy use of their pool, facilities, bars, cafés and barbeques. You’ll also be able to make the most of volley ball nets and a watersports club run by a friendly team, which offers waterskiing, wake boarding, banana boating and more.
Shopping is tax-free; head to The Mall of Emirates for 223,000 square metres worth of shopping, leisure and entertainment, meanwhile stallholders in the souks are always up for a haggle. Wild Wadi waterpark is a fantastic, affordable family day out, especially if the heat is starting to strain and the only way for everyone to keep their cool is to spend the whole day splashing around in water.
