Discovering Dubai on a Limited Budget
Dubai is a destination of extremes, from the simple Bedouin desert villages to the opulent gold markets and “seven star” Dubai hotels. How you experience Dubai really does depend on your lifestyle and the size of your budget; however, either end of the spectrum offers plenty of scope for fascinating things to see and do. Here’s how to explore Dubai on a limited budget.
You don’t have to be wealthy to explore the cultural riches of Dubai; just head to the some of the older, historic sights. One must-see attraction is the Dubai Museum, housed within the ancient Al Fahidi Fort. For a nominal fee you can learn about the city’s history, discover its roots in trade, oil and pearl diving, and view artefacts which date as far back as 3000 BC. The museum is located within the pedestrian-only Bastakiya quarter, which is a great place to spend some time strolling around. Here you’ll find are several galleries showcasing local art, as well as the distinctive wind-tower houses for which the quarter is known.
From there you can take a water-taxi across to the local souks to do some bargain shopping – be prepared to haggle for the best price. Even travellers on a small budget should not be afraid to browse the famous gold souk. Gold, platinum and diamond products are sold at very reasonable prices, and the government’s strict controls ensure all items sold are authentic. Of course, if you’re not in the market for jewellery there are souks selling everything from spices to perfumes. At the very least, it costs absolutely nothing to take in the incredible atmosphere.
One aspect of Dubai which can be enjoyed well on any budget is the cuisine. You don’t have to opt for fine dining to experience some phenomenal local dishes. Al Dhiyafah Road is the best spot for cheap eats, and it’s also ideal for people watching. Get your fill of tasty grilled lamb and seafood, or fresh, spicy salads. There are also some incredible curry houses here which should not be overlooked.
The laws dictate that restaurants are forbidden to serve alcohol; the only venues permitted to are hotels. So if you do fancy a drink, look for cheap hotels that come with a decent bar. A good option is Ramada Chelsea Hotels Al Barsha, which despite its four-star status has rooms for less than £80 a night. The hotel has both an in-house sports bar and a dining bar where you can order your favourite tipple.
It’s easy to daydream about experiencing Dubai at the luxury end of the spectrum, but the plushest Dubai hotels don’t come cheap. One example is the famous Burj Al Arab, Dubai’s most iconic building, and one of the tallest – and most luxurious – hotels in the world. Technically a five-star hotel, Burj Al Arab’s extreme opulence has earned it a mythical “seven-star” status, and rooms will set you back more than £1000 per night. The good news is you can still drink at the bar if you’re not a guest. Non-guests pay an entrance fee to the hotel, and you’ll have to book ahead to visit the Sky Bar on the 27th floor but the views are absolutely priceless.
