For this edition of The Thursday Times’ “New to the UAE?” series, we explore how to live affordably in this luxury city. From budget-friendly housing options and smart public transport tips to affordable dining and free entertainment, discover how to experience Dubai’s vibrant lifestyle without emptying your wallet. Whether you’re a resident or newcomer, our guide will show you how to make the most of Dubai on a budget.
DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Dubai is often seen as a city where luxury knows no bounds—sky-high rents, glittering malls, and five-star restaurants at every corner. But if you’re new to Dubai and hoping to enjoy its vibrant lifestyle without draining your bank account, don’t worry! You don’t need a high-end salary to live comfortably here. With a little planning and the right know-how, you can navigate life in this incredible city on a budget. Whether you’re a tourist, expat, or resident, this guide will show you how to stretch your dirhams while still enjoying the best of what Dubai has to offer.
For accommodation, hidden gems often have flexibility
Housing can be the single largest expense in Dubai, but there are plenty of strategies to bring that cost down without compromising on comfort.
Shared accommodation
If you’re new to the city, shared accommodation is one of the best ways to keep housing costs low. Areas like Al Barsha, Deira, and Bur Dubai offer affordable shared flats or villa rooms, often ranging between AED 2,000 – AED 4,000 per month. It’s also a great way to quickly connect with others in a new city.
Negotiable rents
Landlords in Dubai often expect a year’s rent to be paid upfront. However, you can negotiate for quarterly or monthly payments, and during market downturns, ask for rent-free periods (a common practice). Use platforms like Dubizzle or local Facebook groups to find tenants leaving their leases early, who often offer rent at a discount to sublease quickly.
Older, yet quality, areas
Rather than focusing on the glitz of Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai, explore more affordable areas like Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), International City, or Al Nahda, where rental costs are far lower but the amenities are still modern. You could pay as little as AED 25,000 per year for a studio apartment in these locations.
All-inclusive deals
Some landlords or co-living setups in Silicon Oasis or JLT (Jumeirah Lakes Towers) offer all-inclusive packages covering rent, utilities, and internet in one payment. These can offer great value if you’re trying to manage on a budget, with fewer surprises on your bills.
To get around, become a guru of public transport
Dubai’s public transportation system is efficient, affordable, and connects the major parts of the city. Whether you’re commuting to work or heading out to explore, here’s how to make the most of it:
The Metro is your best friend
With a Nol Card, you can travel across the city at rates as low as AED 3 per trip on the Dubai Metro. Monthly passes start at AED 300, and you can zip through key areas like Business Bay, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, and Deira City Centre without battling traffic or paying high taxi fares.
Careem Bike for short distances
For trips within central areas like JBR, Downtown, or Dubai Marina, consider renting Careem Bikes. A day pass costs AED 20, while monthly memberships are only AED 75. This eco-friendly option is a great alternative to taxis or Uber for short distances.
RTA’s Hala Taxi service
Need a ride but don’t want to pay the premium taxi rate? Use RTA’s Hala service via the Careem app for discounted rides. Hala taxis are generally cheaper than regular ones and offer a more flexible payment method (including ride-sharing, which lowers costs even more).
Carpool or rent-by-the-minute
Car-sharing apps like Udrive and Ekar let you rent a car by the minute, hour, or day. This is a great way to reduce costs for occasional car usage without the long-term expenses of car ownership, which comes with fuel, parking, and insurance costs.
For food, try local favourites and hidden deals
Dubai’s culinary scene is world-famous, but you don’t need to dine at Michelin-starred restaurants to experience its diversity. Here’s how to eat well without splurging:
Get to your nearest local eatery!
Skip the tourist hotspots and head to areas like Al Karama, Al Rigga, or Al Quoz for some of the best street food and local dishes. Places like Ravi Restaurant and Al Ustad Special Kabab serve hearty, authentic meals for under AED 20. You’ll find a range of Indian, Pakistani, and Arabic cuisine that’s both flavorful and budget-friendly.
Hypermarket-ready meals
Supermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, and Union Coop offer great value in their hot food sections. You can grab ready-made meals or affordable cooked items like rotisserie chicken or biryani for under AED 15—perfect for a quick, inexpensive dinner.
Meal-subscription services
If you’re staying for a while, consider subscribing to meal plans like Kcal or Right Bite. These services deliver healthy meals starting from AED 30 per meal. They’re a convenient way to maintain a balanced diet without spending too much on dining out daily.
Brunch on a budget
Dubai’s brunches are legendary, but many of the well-known spots can set you back hundreds of dirhams. Instead, try more budget-friendly brunches at places like The Irish Village or Fibber Magee’s, where weekend brunches start as low as AED 150 with drinks included. Also, use The Entertainer app for 2-for-1 brunch offers at top venues.
For entertainment, have fun for free
Dubai is full of glitzy, high-end entertainment, but it also offers a range of free or low-cost activities to enjoy your free time without the hefty price tag.
Visit Dubai’s free beaches
Many tourists flock to private beach clubs, but Kite Beach and La Mer are free to access, offering beautiful views and plenty of amenities. Pack your own snacks, and you’ve got a great day out without spending a dirham.
Outdoor adventures and camping
Get off the beaten track with a self-organized desert camping trip to Al Qudra Lakes. This area, a short drive from the city, allows you to camp for free. You’ll enjoy stunning sunsets, wildlife sightings, and quiet starry nights—no pricey desert safari needed.
Meet people through free community events!
Follow community event boards or join Facebook groups for expat meetups, free fitness classes, or cultural exhibitions. Art Dubai often hosts free galleries, and the Dubai Opera sometimes holds free outdoor performances. During Dubai Fitness Challenge, many gyms and fitness clubs also offer free classes and workouts.
Shop smart, not hard: save on big purchases
Shopping is a big part of life in Dubai, but you don’t have to spend a fortune on luxury brands. Here’s how to shop smart and save big:
Thrift stores and pre-loved shops
Dubai is home to a growing number of secondhand stores, offering everything from clothes to electronics. Check out Thrift for Good in Palm Jumeirah or The Luxury Closet for pre-loved designer goods at a fraction of their original price. You can also browse online platforms like Dubizzle for furniture, electronics, and household goods at bargain rates.
Dubai Outlet Mall
A trip to the Dubai Outlet Mall is worth it if you’re after discounted designer brands, often with prices marked down by 50-70%. The Outlet Village in Jebel Ali offers similar deals on luxury brands and is less crowded than the mainstream malls.
Off-season sales
Plan your shopping around Dubai Shopping Festival in January or Dubai Summer Surprises in July. These periods are known for massive discounts across all malls, and you’ll find amazing deals on everything from electronics to clothing.
Manage your utilities effectively
Small daily costs can add up, but there are ways to keep utility and miscellaneous expenses in check:
Conserve energy for lower DEWA bills
Dubai’s DEWA (water and electricity) bills can be high, especially during the summer months when AC use spikes. Use energy-efficient appliances and avoid running them during peak hours (12 p.m. – 6 p.m.) to save on your bills. Try setting your AC at 24°C or higher to conserve electricity.
Prepaid plans for your phone
Instead of getting locked into postpaid contracts, opt for prepaid SIM cards from Etisalat or du, starting at AED 50 per month. Many plans include free Botim calling and plenty of data for your browsing needs.
Free gyms
Skip expensive gyms by taking advantage of free outdoor gyms at parks like Zabeel Park or Al Barsha Pond Park, or use free fitness apps. Many local communities offer free yoga and fitness sessions, so check expat boards and apps like Meetup for schedules.
