Dubai has a reputation for gold-plated everything, but locals know the city rewards budget travellers better than almost anywhere. Here are experiences under AED 100 that feel like a million dirhams.
Practically free (under AED 10)
Ride a wooden abra across Dubai Creek for AED 1 — the city's best-value "cruise". Watch the Dubai Fountain show at Burj Khalifa lake (free, every 30 minutes in the evening). Walk the Al Fahidi historical district and its free galleries. Swim at Kite Beach or JBR public beach. Wander the Gold and Spice Souks in Deira.
Under AED 50
Dubai Frame entry is around AED 55 for adults — book ahead. The Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Museum and Coffee Museum all cost less than a coffee at a mall. Take the metro to the last stop and back for the cheapest skyline tour in town.
Under AED 100
An evening desert safari deal with dune bashing and BBQ dinner can be found from AED 99 — genuinely the best value experience in the UAE. Dubai Miracle Garden (seasonal, around AED 95) is a must for families. La Mer and Madinat Jumeirah cost nothing to stroll and are two of the most photogenic corners of the city.