6 Affordable Activities in Dubai that Won’t Burn a Hole in Your Wallet!

This blog post was updated on December 8, 2021.

Although Dubai is a lavish and pricey destination that not every traveler can afford, there are an endless amount of things to do that could, in fact, make it an affordable travel spot (depending on the activities you choose, of course!). From adventure to exploration and relaxation, your trip to Dubai can certainly be budget-friendly!

Here are just a few of the many low-cost activities for you to add to your itinerary while traveling to Dubai.

Wake Up and Smell the Flowers…

We’re talking 45 million flowers! Stepping foot into the Dubai Miracle Garden will instantly take you to your childhood imaginations of strolling through a vibrant fairytale land because it is exactly that! This whimsical garden is located in Dubailand and costs 30AED for children over 2 years old and 40AED for adults (about $8-$11).

Explore the Etihad Museum

For a small cost of 10AED-25AED (about $2-$6), you can roam the museum and learn about the history and heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Discover interesting facts and history about the life before the seven emirates united. Etihad Museum is located in Jumeirah and also offers a restaurant, learning center, an exhibition hall and a library.

Go on a Safari in the Desert

Take a break from the big city and go on a desert tour! This fun activity should definitely be on your itinerary while in Dubai! The safaris typically include dune driving, camel rides, and a full campsite with food prepared on site. Don’t miss the wild ride through the sandy desert!

Relax on the Beach

Jumeirah Beach Park is a popular spot where both travelers and locals go to take a dip in the crystal blue ocean and catch a tan. Surrounding the beach are palm trees, cafes, barbeque areas, a children’s playground, and of course, the incredible skyline created by Dubai’s finest buildings.

Go Underwater at the Aquarium

With over 33,000 animals and over 140 different species, The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is inarguably unlike any aquarium you’ve seen. It’s located below The Dubai Mall and is the largest suspended aquarium in the world! Feel like you’re underwater as you walk through the glass tunnels or you can take a tour in a glass bottom boat. And if you’re up for an adventure you can even dive with the sharks! Admission prices vary depending on the tours and ticket option you decide to purchase.

Watch a Show at the Dubai Fountain

Dubai’s dancing fountain is one of the world’s tallest fountains that shoots water up to 150 meters in the air. It’s quite similar to the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, however, the Dubai Fountain is larger by 25%. You can catch the show at 6 pm and every half hour up until 8 pm. Watching the dancing waters is cost-free and if you have a clear range of sight you can even see the show from over 200 miles away!

Have you been to Dubai? What cost-friendly activities did you do while you were there? Let us know in the comments below!