You might think that you need to break the bank to enjoy your time in Dubai. But, you’d be surprised to know that the city offers plenty of experiences under AED 150. From free beaches and heritage neighbourhoods to boat rides, you can still have budget fun in Dubai.
This guide covers the eight budget-friendly things to do in Dubai that you can still enjoy without breaking the bank.
Top Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Dubai
Discover the best budget-friendly things to do in Dubai, from iconic attractions to unique experiences that let you explore the city without stretching your budget.
1. Dhow Cruise Dubai Creek – AED 65
Among our list, the Dhow Cruise Dubai Creek is one of the classic ways to experience the best of Dubai. Going on a 2 hour ride along the Creek on a wooden dhow gives you the best views of Old Dubai. These cruises are mostly conducted in the evening, where you get to explore the old souks of spices and gold, and heritage neighbourhoods of Al Seef and Al Shindagha.
Enjoy the best of Arabian cuisine with buffet dinner while you watch the Tanoura shows and live music by the local artists.
2. Morning Boat Ride – AED 100
Dubai looks different in the early hours with a pleasant climate and calm waters along the Arabian Gulf. Take a peaceful boat ride along Dubai Marina and watch the peaceful cityscape with soft and magical sunshine. You can choose from a 1 to 3-hour boat tour on a yacht or speedboat with breakfast and explore the JBR, Marina towers and Atlantis hotel.
Learn about the city from the live commentary and get photo opportunities while you pass through the unique towers of Dubai Marina.
3. Yellow Boat Ride – AED 99
The Yellow Boat ride is perfect for riders who want speed and excitement rather than a slow ride along Dubai waterways. It is a Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) that is designed with safety for speed boat tours. These boats will take you on sightseeing tours around the famous landmarks in Dubai like Ain Dubai, Burj Al Arab and Atlantis the Palm.
This ride is perfect for all ages and every kind of traveller – whether you’re travelling solo or with your family. You’ll get unobstructed views of the major landmarks from the water.
4. Marina Dhow Cruise
Taking a dhow cruise Dubai Marina is slightly more premium than the Creek cruise but the skyline views are worth every penny. Dubai Marina has an ultra-modern waterfront district where you’ll find the futuristic towers and unique architectural wonders. Go on a 2 hour cruise on a wooden dhow and enjoy your dinner on the lower deck with Arabian cuisine and live performance of Tanoura dancer and music.
Enjoy the sights of Burj Al Arab, Princess Tower, Cayan Tower and more while you relax in the open air upper deck with your family.
5. Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame is almost like a sky portal that lets you enjoy the 360° views of Deira, Bur Dubai, old souks and modern skyscrapers on the other side. You’ll also find Past Gallery before at the ground floor that showcases Dubai’s historical roots. You’ll be taken to the Sky Deck through a high-speed elevator that takes you to the top within 75 seconds. Walk on the transparent glass floors of Sky Deck that almost feel like you’re walking in the sky and give you clear views of the parks below the large frame. On the other side of the frame, you’ll find the Future Gallery, where you can have a glimpse of Dubai in the next 50 years.
6. Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood
Dubai is not all about the glass towers, malls and highways, you’ll also find old neighbourhoods with traditional architecture that date back to the 1800s. Walk past Al Fahidi historical neighbourhood and you’ll find some of the unique architectures of the town that truly show the Emirati architecture.
It is a restored neighbourhood where you’ll find mud houses with barjeel towers. The narrow sikkas (alleys) and coral stone walls take you back in time and tell the tales of lifestyle of the early Emiratis. You can also discover the art galleries, the Coffee House and the Coin Museum that tell the tales of the city’s early history as a trading post.
7. Dubai Fountain
Located at the Burj Khalifa, Dubai fountain is one of the top spots nearby that buzzes with vibrant crowds in the evening. The water show continues in the evening with Arabic and other international songs in the background for every 30 minutes.
You can also take an abra boat ride on Burj Lake or walk along the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk and enjoy the sight of calm water of the lake with dancing jets that can reach up to 153 meters in the air.
8. JBR Beach
JBR Beach is one of the best public beaches in Dubai that has everything to offer – from playing watersports to soaking in the sun and watching the magical silhouette of Burj Al Arab. The beach also has a walking promenade where people go for relaxing walks or jogging during the magical hours and enjoy the view of coastline.
You can also try watersports at the beachfront – parasailing, jet skiing, kayaks, banana boat rides and more. End your day with a warm coffee at a nearby coffee or have a bite of Pan Asia cuisine at the nearby restaurant.
Final Thoughts
While the world sees Dubai as an ultimate luxurious destination, there is another side of Dubai that is surprisingly within the reach for everyday traveller. Wander through the timeless sikkas of Al Fahidi, watch the fountain show at Burj Khalifa Lake or go on a scenic boat ride at the magical hours – these experiences prove that you do not always have to spend hefty amount to enjoy your day in Dubai.