You’re planning a 7-day trip to Dubai. You’ve got your flights booked, your visa sorted, and your suitcase half-packed. But here’s the real question: how much money to take to Dubai for 7 days? Not the vague "it’s expensive" answer. Not the Instagram-perfect influencer fantasy. The real, honest, no-fluff number that lets you eat like a local, sleep comfortably, and still have cash left for that desert sunset dune bashing.
Let’s cut through the noise. Dubai isn’t just luxury hotels and gold-plated ATMs. It’s also street food stalls serving shawarma for $2, public buses that cost less than your coffee, and free beaches where you can watch the sunset without paying a dime. The trick isn’t avoiding spending-it’s spending smart.
How Much You’ll Actually Need (The Real Number)
If you’re traveling solo on a moderate budget, plan for about $1,200-$1,600 for 7 days. That covers food, lodging, transport, and a few splurges. If you’re flying business class and staying at a Burj Khalifa-view hotel? Add another $1,000-$2,000. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to. Most travelers who say "Dubai broke me" didn’t run out of money-they spent it on the wrong things.
Let’s break it down. This isn’t a guess. This is based on real spending data from 2025 travelers who tracked every dirham. The average daily spend for a mid-range traveler? Around $180. That includes:
- $50-$70 for a decent hotel (not a palace, but clean, safe, and close to metro)
- $30-$50 for food (mix of local eats and one nice meal)
- $10-$15 for transport (Metro, taxis, and occasional Uber)
- $20-$40 for attractions (Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, desert safari)
- $20-$30 for shopping, souvenirs, and random treats
That’s it. No magic. No hidden fees. Just smart choices.
Where Your Money Really Goes (And Where to Save)
Most people assume Dubai’s cost comes from hotels. Wrong. The biggest money drain? Food. Not because it’s expensive-but because you’re eating at the wrong places.
Walk into any tourist-heavy area like Dubai Mall or Downtown, and you’ll see restaurants charging $30 for a burger. Same burger? $5 at a food court in Deira. Same quality. Same portion. Just no view of the fountain.
Here’s how to eat well without emptying your wallet:
- Try Al Mallah in Al Garhoud for authentic shawarma-$3, packed with flavor, no lines.
- Hit Al Sabkha Market for fresh dates, grilled fish, and Arabic coffee-$10 for a full meal.
- Grab a shawarma wrap from any local joint-$2-$4. Seriously. It’s better than most fast food chains.
- Drink tap water. Dubai’s water is safe. Bottled water costs $1.50. Buy a reusable bottle and refill at hotels or malls.
Hotels? Skip the 5-star resorts unless you’re celebrating. Stay in Deira, Bur Dubai, or Jumeirah Beach Residence. You’ll get a clean room, AC, free Wi-Fi, and a 10-minute Metro ride to everything. Rooms start at $45/night in off-season.
Transport? The Dubai Metro is clean, air-conditioned, and goes to 90% of tourist spots. A single ride is $0.80. Buy a Nol Card-$2 for the card, then load it with credit. No need for taxis unless you’re going late at night or to the desert.
Attractions: Pay for the Right Ones
Dubai has more attractions than you can do in a week. But you don’t need to pay for all of them.
Here’s what’s worth it:
- Burj Khalifa (At the Top, Level 124) - $42. It’s iconic. Do it early to avoid crowds.
- Dubai Mall Aquarium - $20. The tunnel walk is unforgettable.
- Dubai Frame - $15. Great photos and city views without the crowds.
- Desert Safari (Evening) - $40-$60. Includes dune bashing, camel ride, BBQ dinner. Book with a local operator, not a hotel tour desk.
What to skip:
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo combo - You already pay for the aquarium. Skip the zoo part.
- Indoor skydiving - $150. Fun? Maybe. Worth it? Not on a budget.
- Indoor theme parks - IMG Worlds of Adventure or Ferrari World. $80+ per person. Save this for kids or repeat visits.
Free stuff? Don’t miss it. The Dubai Fountain show is free. The Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood is free. The Beach at JBR is free. Walk the Marina Promenade at sunset-free and unforgettable.
Food in Dubai: Where to Eat Without Breaking the Bank
You asked about restaurants. Let’s be clear: Dubai’s top 10 restaurants are not where you should eat every night. They’re for special occasions. And they’re not cheap. A meal at Zuma or La Petite Maison can easily hit $150 per person.
But here’s the secret: Dubai’s food scene is built on immigrant communities. That’s where the real flavor is.
Try these budget-friendly spots:
- Al Ustad Special Kabab (Deira) - Famous for kebabs. $8 for a full plate with rice and salad.
- Al Mallah (Al Garhoud) - Best shawarma in the city. Lines out the door? Worth it.
- Al Sabkha Market - Fresh seafood, grilled meats, Arabic sweets. All under $10.
- Food courts in City Centre Mirdif or Ibn Battuta Mall - 10+ global cuisines, $5-$10 per meal.
- Street vendors near Burjuman Mall - Fresh juice, falafel, kunafa. $2-$4.
And yes-you can get a full, filling meal in Dubai for under $5. You just have to know where to look.
What You Shouldn’t Spend On
Let’s talk about the traps.
Gold souks - Yes, it’s cool to see the gold. But buying a gold bracelet as a souvenir? You’ll pay 30% more than market value. Skip it unless you’re an expert.
Designer shopping - Dubai has sales, but not always better than home. If you’re buying a Louis Vuitton bag, check prices online first. You might save more by buying it in Paris or New York.
Tourist traps - The "Dubai Miracle Garden"? $20. Beautiful? Yes. Worth $20? Only if you’re a flower fanatic. Skip it unless you’re visiting in January.
Water parks - Aquaventure or Wild Wadi? $70+. You’re paying for a day of waiting in lines. Save your money and hit the beach instead.
Comparison: Budget vs. Luxury Dubai Trip
| Category | Moderate Budget ($1,400) | Luxury Budget ($3,500+) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | $315 (7 nights @ $45) | $1,400 (7 nights @ $200+) |
| Food | $280 (mix of street food + 2 nice meals) | $700 (daily fine dining + premium bars) |
| Transport | $80 (Metro + occasional taxi) | $350 (private drivers, daily Uber) |
| Attractions | $140 (4 key paid spots) | $400 (all major attractions + VIP access) |
| Shopping & Extras | $180 (souvenirs, snacks, local crafts) | $900 (designer shopping, luxury spas) |
| Total | $1,400 | $3,750+ |
You don’t need to spend $3,750 to have an amazing week in Dubai. You just need to know where to spend-and where to save.
FAQ: Your Dubai Budget Questions Answered
Is $1,000 enough for 7 days in Dubai?
$1,000 is tight but possible if you’re ultra-budget-conscious. Stay in hostels or budget hotels ($30/night), eat only street food ($3-$5/meal), use the Metro, and skip paid attractions. You’ll miss out on some experiences, but you’ll still see the Burj Khalifa, walk the Marina, and taste real Emirati food. It’s doable, but you’ll be exhausted from saving every dirham.
Should I bring cash or use cards in Dubai?
Use cards everywhere. Dubai is one of the most card-friendly cities in the world. Even street vendors take Apple Pay. But keep $100-$200 in cash for small vendors, taxis without card readers, or tips. ATMs are everywhere, and most banks don’t charge fees for international withdrawals.
Are there hidden fees I should watch out for?
Yes. Some hotels charge a $5-$10 daily "service fee" or "resort fee." Always check the fine print. Restaurants add 10% service charge and 5-10% VAT-so your bill will be higher than the menu price. Taxis have a $1-$2 booking fee. These aren’t scams-they’re standard. Just know they’re coming.
Can I drink alcohol in Dubai on a budget?
You can, but it’s expensive. A beer at a bar costs $12-$18. At a hotel lounge? $20+. Skip the bars. Buy alcohol at licensed liquor stores (like African & Asian or MMI) - a bottle of wine costs $15-$25. Drink it in your hotel room. It’s the only way to enjoy alcohol without paying a 200% markup.
What’s the best way to save money on food?
Eat like a local. Skip the malls. Head to Deira, Bur Dubai, or Al Quoz. Look for places full of expats and locals-not tourists. Use Google Maps and sort by "top-rated" and "low price." Stick to shawarma, falafel, grilled fish, and rice bowls. You’ll eat better, cheaper, and more authentically.
Final Tip: Don’t Stress About the Budget
Dubai isn’t a city you need to break the bank to enjoy. It’s a city that rewards smart travelers. You don’t need to ride the world’s fastest elevator or sip champagne on a yacht to feel the magic. Walk the beach at sunset. Eat a $3 shawarma with your fingers. Ride the Metro and watch the skyline glow. That’s the real Dubai.
Take $1,400. Pack light. Bring curiosity. And leave with stories-not receipts.
