Do you want to go to Dubai but have you heard how expensive it can be for both tourists and business travellers? If that’s what you’ve heard, then whoever told you hasn’t experienced Dubai. Here are some money-saving tips that can cut your Dubai budget in half.
Shopping in Dubai
If shopping is your pleasure, then Dubai is your dream come true. Not only does it have some of the largest shopping malls in the world with major brands, but Dubai, originally being a shopping center between east and west, offers you one of the most fascinating shopping experiences in the world. From the traditional souks (where you can find jewelry and fabrics, among many other things), to the Indian markets of Deira, finding everything from spices to electronics. Ask around the alley shops and you can even find that satellite decoder that opens all the pay channels. Don’t forget to haggle, they never turn a customer away and you’ll know when you’ve reached the lowest price.
Communication
Avoid high hotel room phone rates and get a prepaid phone card that you can use from any phone booth and private lines to call abroad. If you expect to stay for a while, get a prepaid GSM card (WASEL) for 165 dirhams ($45). Limit your outgoing calls and get free incoming calls for a year (learn more [http://www.etisalat.com/cgi-bin/view_article.cgi?ArticleID=48&CategoryID=5]). Tea
The WASEL GSM line must be purchased at an Etisalat office (don’t forget to bring a copy of your passport), but prepaid cards can be purchased at any store, gas station or tobacconist.
food
For cheap eats, it’s hard to beat the Indian restaurants that cater to the city’s largest working population. Try the butter chicken with buttered ‘nan’ bread, and you’ll have cravings for years to come. For a $3 meal, expect to eat with your hands, but you can always politely ask for a fork or spoon. Tea
The occasional foreigner is expected and very well attended.
If you’re on a tight budget, only eat at hotels when they have meal deals, otherwise you’ll pay too much. Find open buffet specials starting at $10 per person, some Friday Brunch deals include use of the pool for the day. You can find great meal deals here [http://www.timeoutdubai.com/specialoffers/list_promotion.php].
to drink
It may surprise you, but Dubai is a party city. With all the long working hours, many people like to go out and relax during the week. For the budget traveler, look out for Ladies Nights and Happy Hours in Dubai. You’re sure to find one for every night of the week. Check out Time Out Dubai [http://www.timeoutdubai.com/events/index.php?d=30] Dubai golden look [http://www.dubailook.com/regularnights.html] before leaving. If you don’t have internet access, you can buy “Time Out Dubai” magazine at any store that carries the full listings for the month.
Sun and sand
Want to spend a day by the pool at one of Jumeirah’s exclusive hotels, but not pay the high room prices? Almost all hotels sell coupons for a day of access to the hotel’s beaches, pools, gym and spa. Sleeping in a cheap hotel, spending the day in pure luxury… nobody will know. Prices start at $10 and can go up to $60 depending on the hotel.
There are many public beaches but only for Dhs. 5 ($1.40) can spend the day at Jumeirah Beach Park on the beach road in Jumeirah. Not only do you have access to the beach with lifeguards, but you also have gardens, playgrounds for children, showers and barbecue areas. Please note that Saturdays are for women
and children only. (Call 04-3492555 for more information)
Transportation
Do you want to save on transportation? Dubai taxis can be expensive for tourists. So until the Dubai Metro is up and running by 2009 for the first line and 2015 for the second line, try buses. Waiting for the bus can take a while, especially since they hardly ever arrive on time. In the summer months, the heat
It can get overwhelming while waiting and most bus stops don’t have a covered waiting area. But taking the bus can be quite an experience, don’t be afraid and make sure you budget time for the trip as it can take 3 times longer to get there than taking a taxi.
Rent a car? Do not use international rental companies. Local companies, especially those in Sharjah, offer much lower rates than the big brands. They will provide delivery and collection in Sharjah and Dubai. But if you are having trouble renting a car from a no-name car rental company, then Budget Car Rental
It is the best choice for Dubai. Book in advance from an online reservation service to guarantee the best prices and availability. And the best part of renting a car in Dubai? Gasoline is cheap!
Entertainment
Dubai Shopping Festival (mid-January to mid-February) and Dubai Summer Surprises (late June to early September) offer free entertainment throughout the month. Hundreds of shows and events in a single month. You and your children, if you accompany them, will not be bored. Fireworks, raffles, flea markets, clowns, monster trucks, are just some of the highlights. Go here for more information.
Horse racing at Nad Al Sheba takes place from October 28 to March 26. Each Race Night hosts 6 or 7 individual races, the first starting at 7pm (or 9pm during the holy month of Ramadan). Public access to the races is free. Don’t forget about the richest horse race in the world, the Dubai World Cup held in March. (www.dubaiworldcup.com). Unless you want to sit in the VIP section, admission to the public venues is also free for this spectacular event.