The United Arab Emirates combines futuristic cities with ancient desert traditions, offering world-class luxury, innovative architecture, and rich cultural heritage. From Dubai's soaring Burj Khalifa to Abu Dhabi's stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the UAE delivers unforgettable experiences for every traveler.
Local currency: UAE Dirham (AED). 1 USD ≈ 3.67 AED (fixed peg since 1997).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in United Arab Emirates.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $20-35 (dorm bed)
- Budget
- $45-80 (budget hotel)
- Midrange
- $100-200 (3-4 star hotel)
- Luxury
- $350-2,000+ (5-star hotel)
Food
- Street
- $3-8 (shawarma, falafel, biryani)
- Local
- $10-20 (budget restaurant, curry house)
- Midrange
- $30-60 (mid-range dining)
- Fine
- $100-300+ (fine dining)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.80-2.70 (RTA bus or metro)
- Taxi
- $8-20 (average city ride)
- Airport
- $4-22 (metro or taxi from DXB)
- Daytrip
- $10-30 (intercity bus to Abu Dhabi)
Activities
- Museum
- $1-27 (range from Dubai Museum to Louvre)
- Sites
- $5-55 (Sheikh Zayed Mosque free, Burj Khalifa $55)
- Tour
- $60-120 (desert safari)
- Excursion
- $80-150 (Abu Dhabi day trip with tour)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to United Arab Emirates costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$350-560/week (budget hotels, street food, metro, free sights)
Midrange traveller
$1,050-2,100/week (3-4 star hotel, restaurant dining, some tours)
Luxury traveller
$3,500-10,500+/week (5-star hotels, fine dining, premium experiences)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Visit Dubai Frame, Burj Khalifa, and top attractions on weekdays - weekend crowds are 30-50% larger and parking more expensive
Buy multi-day or combined attraction passes - Entertainer app offers 2-for-1 deals on hundreds of restaurants and activities
Eat like a local in Karama, Satwa, or Deira for excellent Pakistani, Indian, and Filipino food for AED 15-30
Use the Dubai Metro and RTA buses - far cheaper than Uber and often just as quick during non-rush hours
Book hotels slightly outside tourist centers (Al Barsha, Bur Dubai) for 30-50% savings versus Marina or Downtown
The Noon, Cobone, and Groupon UAE apps have frequent hotel and activity discounts
Abu Dhabi day trip: intercity bus from Ibn Battuta is AED 25 each way - no need for expensive tours
Visit Global Village (October-April) instead of paying individual theme park prices - 75 countries for AED 20 entry
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Dubai Fountain Show
The world's largest choreographed fountain show runs every 30 minutes from 6PM-11PM daily alongside the Burj Khalifa. Best viewed from Souk Al Bahar bridge or lakeside.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visit
The UAE's most spectacular landmark is completely free to visit. Free guided tours run daily except Friday. One of the world's most beautiful religious buildings.
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Dubai's oldest surviving neighbourhood with wind towers, narrow lanes, and courtyard museums. The Dubai Museum costs only AED 3. Great photography and cultural exploration.
Jumeirah Beach
Dubai's most iconic public beach is completely free with views of Burj Al Arab. Facilities include changing rooms, showers, and lifeguards.
Dubai Creek Abra Ride
A traditional wooden boat crossing of Dubai Creek costs just AED 1 ($0.30) and provides an authentic old-Dubai experience. Runs between Deira and Bur Dubai waterfronts.
Alserkal Avenue Art Galleries
Dubai's contemporary arts district in Al Quoz has over 30 galleries, most free to visit. Thursday evening openings are particularly lively.
Kite Beach Sunset
Watch kitesurfers against a backdrop of Burj Al Arab sunset at Dubai's best free beach experience. Food trucks and jogging tracks make it a full afternoon activity.
Dubai Museum of the Future Exterior
While entry costs AED 200, the exterior of this extraordinary torus-shaped building is free to view and photograph from the outside. Best seen illuminated at night.
Abu Dhabi Corniche Beach
A pristine 8km public beach with free access, blue flag certification, and excellent facilities. The corniche promenade is perfect for walking and cycling.
Al Ain Oasis
UNESCO World Heritage Site with 147,000 date palms is completely free to enter. A peaceful escape with ancient falaj irrigation channels still in use.