How Much Money Should We Take to Dubai? A Complete Travel Budgeting Guide

How much money should we take to Dubai? A budget trip of 4 to 5 days requires at least 7,500 to 11,000 AED, while a luxury trip can easily cost 32,000 AED or more. The largest portion of travel expenses in Dubai is usually dedicated to accommodation. Therefore, without knowing these figures, you won’t have an accurate estimate of your travel costs.

Various Travel Expenses for Dubai

The costs of traveling to Dubai vary widely depending on the time of travel, accommodation style, type of activities, and mode of transportation. Understanding these items will help you plan a precise and realistic budget before your trip.

Visa Costs

For Iranian passport holders, obtaining a visa is mandatory. The cost varies based on validity, number of entries, and the traveler’s age. The issuance process takes between 1 to 7 business days, and your passport must be valid for at least 6 months before applying.

Adult visa prices start from approximately 160 AED and can exceed 450 AED for long-term multi-entry visas. Costs for individuals under 18 are significantly lower, making family trips more affordable.

Round-Trip Flight Tickets

Airfare is one of the primary factors in answering the question, “How much money should we take to Dubai?” Prices are directly affected by the time of travel, airline type, and flight class.

• Iranian Airlines (Economy): Usually start from around 120 AED.
• Emirati Airlines (e.g., FlyDubai): Can reach 300 AED or more.

Factors Influencing Ticket Prices

1. Travel Season: Winter, Nowruz holidays, and Christmas are the most expensive due to high demand. Summer offers more economical options.
2. Flight Class: Economy is the most logical choice for most, while Business Class can multiply your travel costs. It is recommended to check prices about 6 weeks before departure.

Exit Fees (For Iranian Citizens)

Exit fees are unavoidable and must be paid before the flight. While not as high as tickets or hotels, ignoring them can cause issues at the airport.

• 1st Exit of the year: ~16 AED
• 2nd Exit: ~23 AED
• 3rd Exit onwards: ~32 AED

Accommodation Costs in Dubai

Accommodation is the most critical item to consider. The range is vast—from budget hostels to ultra-luxury beachfront hotels:

• Budget (2 & 3 Stars): Areas like Deira and Al Rigga. Prices: 147 to 367 AED per night.
• Mid-range (4 Stars): Near metro stations or commercial centers. Prices: 550 to 3,670 AED per night.
• Luxury (5 Stars): Located in Marina, Jumeirah, and Palm. Prices start from 1,100 AED, reaching over 7,340 AED at iconic hotels like Burj Al Arab.
• Apartments/Airbnb: Ideal for families or long stays. Monthly costs: 3,500 to 6,000 AED.
• Hostels: For solo budget travelers. Prices: 70 to 150 AED per night.

Transportation Costs

Dubai has a diverse transport system ranging from highly economical to fast and luxury options.

Metro, Bus, and Tram

This is the cheapest way to move around, using the Nol Card. Each trip costs between 3 to 7.5 AED.

City Taxi

Comfortable but expensive. The flag fall is usually 12 AED, with an additional 2 to 2.5 AED per kilometer.

Ride-Hailing (Careem and Uber)

Careem is the most common. It is generally more expensive than regular taxis but offers more comfort and transparency. Uber is also active but often pricier.

Marine Transport

Water buses and Abras (water taxis) are attractive and cheap, starting from 1 to 20 AED.

Shopping and Souvenirs

If you visit luxury malls like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, expect high prices (budget at least 5,000 AED). For budget-friendly experiences, visit Dubai Outlet Mall or The Outlet Village, where you can find reasonable deals starting around 370 AED.

Car Rental Costs

Renting a car is often more cost-effective than taking taxis. Prices start from 20 USD or 85 AED per day.

• Mitsubishi Attrage: 85 AED
• Nissan Sunny: 99 AED
• Suzuki Baleno: 115 AED
• Toyota Yaris: 129 AED
• Toyota Corolla/Raize: 137 AED
• Hyundai Creta: 157 AED
• Toyota Cross: 159 AED

Cost of Activities and Entertainment

Water Parks and Theme Parks

• Wild Wadi: 245 – 299 AED
• Atlantis Aquaventure: 320 – 365 AED
• Legoland: From 330 AED

Urban and Cultural Attractions

• Burj Khalifa: From 159 AED
• Museum of the Future: 159 AED
• Miracle Garden: 100 AED
• Global Village: 30 AED

Adventure and Special Experiences

• Desert Safari: From 130 AED
• Sky Views: ~80 AED
• Lotus Cruise / Skydiving: 199+ AED

Traveling with a Tour

For a hassle-free and economical trip, booking a tour is often better than traveling independently. Tours help keep a large portion of costs predictable and controlled.

Food and Dining Costs

• Street Food: 10 – 20 AED
• Fast Food/Food Courts: 25 – 40 AED per meal
• Casual Restaurants: 60 – 120 AED per meal
• Luxury Dining: 200+ AED per person
• Groceries/Cooking: 150 – 250 AED per week

SIM Card and Internet

Major operators are Etisalat and Du. Tourist packages start from 50 AED and increase based on data volume.

Conclusion: How Much Money to Take?

Depending on your style, a 4-5 day budget trip costs around 80-120 million Tomans, while a luxury trip starts from 350 million Tomans. Dubiview, by comparing over 745,000 properties in Dubai, helps you plan financially for investment or housing.

FAQ

Best season for a budget trip?

Summer and low-demand months.

Are international credit cards accepted?

Yes, Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.

Can I drive with an Iranian license?

Yes, with an International Driving Permit or official translation.

Is there a shopping tax?

Yes, a 5% VAT is added to most goods and services.

Best way for mobile internet?

Buying a tourist SIM at the airport.