Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Tia
Hello friends! This article is filled with quick and easy Dubai Tips to help you travel smarter and cheaper. As simple as that!
Packed with answers to questions regarding flights, visas, accommodation, and more, I’m sure you will find more than one useful tip to save some money and travel better!
Table of Contents
Dubai Tips – Best month to visit Dubai
The month in which you choose, to visit a destination can alter your budget dramatically!
More often than not, I visit destinations during their ”off-season” months.
This ensures me fewer crowds, cheaper flights and accommodation, and a generally better travel experience!
So if we are talking about seriously good Dubai tips, let’s start there!
What is the cheapest month to fly to Dubai?
Basically, flying during the off-season will be cheaper overall, both for flights and accommodation.
The low season in Dubai is between the months of June to August. By June, temperatures and humidity begin to soar, and climax in July and August with temperatures that hit the high 40s in the daytime.
Can you handle the HEAT? I live on the scorching hot island of Cyprus so I can! Therefore I visited several countries in the UAE In June, July, AND August too.
The high season is November to January. Europe is in full-on winter mode but Dubai offers clear skies and comfortable temperatures during these months! If you wish to travel during the high season then book your tickets at least 3 weeks In advance
Dubai Tips – How about the best time to visit Dubai?
September, April, and May are great because it is sunny, but not hot and you can literally be out and about all day without any problems!
What is the best airline to fly to Dubai?
Overall, Emirates, Qatar and British Airways are fantastic airlines for Dubai trips. Emirates charges approximately 500 euros for a direct flight from Larnaca to Dubai Airport.
HOWEVER! To save some serious cash, book a direct flight with Wizz Airlines ( from Larnaca) to Abu Dhabi instead. From there grab a taxi to Dubai ( 60 minutes approximately).
My flight cost me 150 euros, and another 50 euros ( that we shared between the two of us) for the taxi.
I just saved my budget 300 euros!
Is Dubai expensive to visit?
Well yes, but no more than other major cities in the world like Singapore, NYC, London, Paris, and so on!
Hotels and excursions can cost A LOT, or be very reasonable – depending on where you go! Don’t forget that Dubai is home for many of the world’s most extravagant and luxurious hotels!
Restaurant prices are comparable to those in Western European cities but you can also find a plethora of local and budget restaurants too!
How much spending money will I need for a week in Dubai?
Here is a breakdown of what a week in Dubai cost me:
- Flight: 150 euros
- Taxi to and from the airport: 50 euros total
- 4 * Hotel: 300 euros – ( per person). I stayed at the DusitD2 Kenz Hotel Dubai
- Food, Activities, Taxis, Metro card and some light shopping
In total, my trip cost me 1100 euros. I am a reasonable traveler. For example, I didn’t stay in Dubai Marina, because to me, it served no purpose.
Personally, I was there to explore, so all I needed was a good central area with good metro connections and close enough to everything!
How About Traveling During Covid?
During these confusing times, these types of questions come first in my list of Dubai Tips to dish out
In July 2021 when I was visiting, Passengers from Cyprus had to get a PCR 72hrs before arrival ( 40 euros cost). Then, we a second PCR upon arrival in Abi Dhabi Airport ( Free of charge).
Then a third PCR 48 hrs before departure ( 30 euros). Once we landed in Cyprus, unvaccinated passengers had to have another PCR test, while vaccinated passengers did not.
Do I Need a Visa To Visit?
Cypriot passport holders do not need a visa to enter, but there are a few other requirements to be aware of, that you can read about here. The highlighted text includes Visa Information for other passport holders too!
How can I go to Dubai on a budget?
Sure you can! If you are a freak of self-control 🙂
In my opinion, the hardest temptation is resisting the urge to shop! There are so many amazing stores everywhere, from all over the world I found it hard to resist!
Then, there are the spice souks and the Gold souk, where cuisine or jewelry lovers will lose their minds in.
The food is pretty easy to budget! Every restaurant under the sun is there – from junk food to the highest gourmet cuisine, so there are always alternatives! For low-cost food, Bur Dubai and Deira are your best bet. There, you will find a number of budget local restaurants.
Is Dubai Marina a good place to stay?
Yes, if you can afford it! BothThe Marina & Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) are fantastic places to stay, but then again so are a lot of other neighborhoods that won’t cost an arm and a leg!
The Marina and JBR are the most Westernized areas in the city and a great walkable part of the new Dubai.
Tia’s Top Dubai Tip: Another great and more budget-friendly area to stay in is the Barsha Heights Area.
This is where I stayed! Barsha Heights offers easy access to Dubai Media City, Dubai World Trade Centre, and prime shopping, business, and cultural attractions.
From Dubai Internet City Metro Station, it is a straight and quick ride to the Mall of the Emirates (3.4 km), Dubai Marina ( 5 km ) Dubai Mall, (16km), and more.
Dubai International Airport is just 28 kilometers away while the new Al Maktoum Airport is 23 kilometers away.
Is all inclusive worth it in Dubai?
Not in my opinion! Dubai literally bursts at the seams with activities, malls, restaurants, waterparks, safaris, beach clubs, and more! An all-inclusive will simply chain you to your hotel all day – and that’s a wasted trip for me!
Having said that, if you are traveling for a long period of time, and have money to spend, an all-inclusive luxury hotel is a faaaaabulous idea for a few days at the end of your holiday.
Are you supposed to tip in Dubai?
Yes, but it isn’t compulsory, so do it when you feel like it! Remember to check your bill though, because most restaurants will include a service charge already!
Do and don’ts in Dubai
This magnificent destination will be best enjoyed by following the rules, respecting the culture, and staying out of trouble with the law.
So I have prepared an article with the things not to do in Dubai, to help you along the way!
Thank you for reading through my top Dubai Tips! Don’t forget to watch my Dubai Vlog here!
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Dubai Tips – Travel Cheaper and Smarter
Dubai Itinerary for 7 days – An all-inclusive list to fall in Love with Dubai
Amazing Things To Do in Dubai With Kids – your kids will love these recommendations!
Where To Stay In Dubai – My hotel recommendation
What Not To Do In Dubai – As a man or a woman
