Updated November 2026
The UAE can be as expensive or as affordable as you make it. The same city has seven-star hotels and simple guesthouses, fine dining and cafeterias where a filling meal costs very little. Your biggest decisions are when you travel and where you stay.
Money basics
- The currency is the UAE dirham (AED, also written Dhs). It is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.67 dirhams to one dollar, so the rate stays stable.
- Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including taxis. Carry some cash for souks, abras and small shops.
- Prices in restaurants and hotels usually include VAT, but some add service and municipality fees on top. Check the small print.
- Tipping is appreciated but not required. Around 10 percent in restaurants is common if service is not included.
What drives the cost
Season
Hotel prices can double or more between summer and the peak winter weeks, especially around the New Year. If heat does not bother you, or you plan to spend your days indoors, summer is the cheapest time to come.
Where you stay
Beachfront and Downtown Dubai hotels are the priciest. You can save a lot by staying in areas like Deira or Bur Dubai, in Sharjah or Ajman, or near a Metro station a little further out.
Attractions
Big-ticket attractions such as observation decks, theme parks and desert safaris add up fast. Book online, look for combo tickets and compare prices before you buy.
Free and almost free
- Walking the lanes of Al Fahidi and the souks of Deira
- Crossing the Creek by abra for a few dirhams
- The Dubai Fountain shows at the foot of the Burj Khalifa
- Public beaches across the emirates
- Free guided cultural tours at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
- The drive up Jebel Hafeet at sunset
- Walking the Al Ain Oasis
Easy ways to save
- Use the Metro and buses in the cities rather than taxis everywhere.
- Eat where residents eat. Small cafeterias and family restaurants serve excellent food at a fraction of hotel prices.
- Buy water and snacks from supermarkets, not hotel minibars.
- Plan days by area to avoid long taxi rides back and forth.
We avoid quoting exact prices for hotels and attractions because they change often. Always check current rates when you book.
Sources
Rules and prices change. If you spot something out of date, tell us and we will fix it.