Visit Dubai on a Shoestring Budget!
Every time you think of Dubai, I am sure you think of something that is larger than life. And why not, it is a city of superlatives. World’s largest, tallest and grandest all come together in Dubai. No other city can beat its grandeur and luxury. The biggest of brands, the most luxurious cars, world’s one of the few 7-star hotels - I am sure any average person would be mesmerized and feel lost in Dubai. However, Dubai has another side to it which is more modest and down-to-earth. The richest man and an average person can both enjoy Dubai in their own different ways. Below is a list of things that you can do in Dubai if you are on a budget trip.
1. Enjoy views of Burj Khalifa
Anywhere you go in Dubai, the first thing you notice is the Burj Khalifa - standing tall and visible from approximately 100 KM on a clear day. Thus, you can literally click the tallest structure of the world from anywhere in Dubai - cabs, metros, roads and bridges which have a clear view. And obviously getting these shots is absolutely free. Some of my captures from different locations.
Tip: Laser light show on the Burj Khalifa, a new addition from September 2019, is played every 30 min in the evenings between 7 and 11. Use this time to get the best of both, light shows and well lit Burj Khalifa. It is also a fun thing to watch with kids of all ages.
2. Dubai Fountain Show
This should be another highlight of your Dubai visit. Anyone who visits Dubai should never miss a chance to watch the fountain show. It is the world’s largest choreographed fountain show. This is my observation and opinion that the fountain-moves look the best on a Bollywood or an Arabic song.
Tip: Very few people know, including the locals, that the fountain show is also scheduled in the afternoons at 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. If you watch an afternoon show on a weekday, then 1) there is no crowd at all and 2) you can actually sit in one of the restaurants and enjoy the show while eating.
Enjoying Mezze Platter and Smoothie Bowl with uninterrupted views of the fountain in the background
3. Views of Atlantis, The Palm
Beautiful hotel that can translate into a spectacular backdrops for any picture is the Atlantis, The Palm. The best way to enjoy this beauty is 1) Travel via the monorail OR 2) Visit The Pointe on Palm Islands for beautiful views and some Instagram worthy pictures. You can sit on the beach and gaze at the hotel or just sit in a restaurant with direct views of the Atlantis. We were at A Cappella and we loved the Indian food there. Do not forget to try the Amritsari Kulchas. And thank me later.
Tip: People generally crowd towards the beach area of The Pointe. I would rather suggest to go towards the restaurants (especially towards A Cappella) to skip the crowds and to click pictures peacefully.
A Cappella
Views from the non-crowded side.
Ignore my sleepy eyes. This was clicked on the day we landed in Dubai.
View of Atlantis, The Palm from the monorail
4. JBR
Jumeriah Beach Residences is another area where you can stroll and take-in the Dubai Beach Views for free. This area is almost a 2 KM waterfront stretch that is lined with restaurants and pubs on one side and clear blue waters on the other. You can also get good views of Burj Al Arab from this area. Stroll, swim, sunbathe, play beach sports, eat, shop - JBR has everything for all age groups.
5. Abra Tour
Water Taxis are called Abras in UAE. Abra rides happen at multiple places across Dubai and surprisingly at such varied prices. But the cheapest one is at the Dubai Creek which is just for AED 1. Abra ride at the creek is also used by locals as it is the cheapest and fastest way between Deira and Bur Dubai. Also, this is the cheapest way to see the Dubai Creek.
Image used from dubai-online.com site. This is not my image.
6. Global Village
Well, Global Village is not entirely free. Entry fee for an adult would cost you AED 15. However, I have added it to this list is because the ROI achieved is greater than the price you pay. You could easily spend half a day roaming the village, taking in the sights from across the world, eating different cuisines, smelling different aromas, trying clothes from different countries and amusement park for kids. It is also one stop shop destination for souvenirs from different countries.
Tip: Avoid weekends as you could end up in a swarm of people. FYI - The weekend in Dubai is Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Also try and reach there around their opening time of 4 PM to avoid the rush.
7. Dubai Frame
This is a new addition to Dubai’s sight seeing list. And trust me, this structure is also visible from almost all the major roads. We did end up going to the top of the frame. However, what I realized is that it was not worth it. You could easily enjoy the views of the frame from within the campus. In fact, I even went to a foot bridge nearby thinking I would get good views. But it was an illusion and I realized I had wasted my time and energy for nothing. Rather, you could just try different angles while you are at the frame’s foot and you will be surprised at the pictures.
Dubai Frame is so strategically placed in a way that it divides Dubai into 2 parts - Old Dubai with old architecture, low houses and buildings and New Dubai with modern architecture and sky rises. This difference will only be obvious once you go at the top.
Tip: Only go up the frame if the weather is clear and if you want to view the Dubai skyline.
Clicked from the entrance of Dubai Frame
New Dubai from the top of Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame
Clicked from the foot bridge nearby. If you notice, this angle gives a very dull and bland look to the picture as compared to the one clicked near the frame
8. Dandelions
This is a permanent art installation by Mirek Struzik at the Burj Park. These are giant dandelions but have the same delicate look as a real dandelion. And installed next to the world’s tallest structure, they DO look tiny yet impeccable.
9. Wings of Mexico
This is another permanent art installation at the Burj Park by Jorge Marín. Wings of Mexico art is installed in many other famous cities of the world like Mexico City, Singapore, Madrid and Berlin to name a few. This art represents and celebrates victory, dreams and human potential. When standing in the center of the wings, Burj Khalifa will translate into your spine. Only if I could fly!
10. Madinat Jumeirah
The premises of this resort is spread across 100 ares of land and is one of the largest resorts in the Emirates. While staying at this boutique hotel is definitely out of bounds for most of us, the limited premises are free to visit for all. These limited premises include restaurants and the souk. On a good weather day, walking along the water body is one of the best things you can do. Also, the souk inside has some fairly priced goods and I even ended up buying a Pashmina for myself. This place also gives you good views of the Burj Al Arab. The resort is designed to look like an ancient Arabian city giving you a glimpse into Arabic history.
11. Use Public Transport
Yes, you heard it right. Public Transport in Dubai! Well, it is not as efficient and fast when compared with EU’s public transport but it definitely saves a lot of money. In case you have to use the taxis, avoid Uber. Always go for the local taxis (Hala taxi) - as they turn out to be cheaper. Purchase and load your Nol card once and use it for all modes of public transport.
Tip: A trick that we followed during our trip was to spend some 5-10 minutes comparing the time and money for different modes of transport. And we would finally select the best in terms of both. Surprisingly, many a times taxi was the winner because buses/metros would turn out to be expensive.
12. Stroll thru the Souks
Dubai is all about Souks. Spice markets, vegetable markets, gold markets - these are a treat to watch. When I entered the Gold market, I had transformed into a kid who excitingly jumps around everywhere. Not that I wanted to purchase anything, but I had never ever seen so much gold on display at once. And gold markets free of any security guards was something astonishing as well.
13. Bluewaters Island
Partially available for public access (as on May 2020), this is a boulevard just across the JBR. This is a commercial property with shops, cafes and restaurants in abundance. The main attraction on this island is the Ain Dubai (or Dubai Eye) which will give a panoramic view of the city once operational.
Bluewaters Island and Ain Dubai in the background
I, personally, had a lot of fun exploring these places and these tiny little Instagram worthy spots. Also, a disclaimer that my trip was not a budget trip as it was my husband’s birthday and we DID splurge. However, all of the above places mentioned, I had spent only on transport and nothing else. Thus, someone who is really tight on budget can easily go sightseeing around Dubai with limited money in his pockets.
If you have been to Dubai and did something apart from the list mentioned, do leave a comment. Would love to read about it. If you wish to follow my itinerary or have followed it please feel free to connect with me.
