Dubai is a city of contrasts, and there are plenty of things to do at both ends of the budget – from an affordable Emirati brunch to a luxury yacht trip around the coastline
Dubai is often seen as a playground for the rich and famous, but I found two completely different sides to this captivating city during a short trip. There are activities to suit every budget – from an authentic Emirati brunch that won’t break the bank to an afternoon spent lounging on a luxurious yacht.
When’s the best time to visit Dubai?
Winter is the ideal time to explore this stunning city, with temperatures just beginning to dip into more manageable territory (a modest 39 degrees at the start of October). Between September and March is the perfect time to plan your trip, even the locals find the heat unbearable during the peak of summer.
How to visit Dubai on a budget
Dubai may be synonymous with towering skyscrapers, luxury beach clubs and bustling city life, but on the outskirts of the city, I discovered a much more tranquil, low-key atmosphere. My stay at the Hilton-owned Al Seef Heritage Hotel offered me a completely new perspective on a city I’d only previously seen in films and Instagram posts.
The hotel buildings are scattered through a winding labyrinth of small streets along the banks of Dubai Creek, giving you the feeling that you’ve travelled back in time. The rooms blend traditional Middle Eastern decor with ornate yet modern furnishings, and you have access to all the usual Hilton facilities, such as a spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.
Even with a budget-friendly hotel, could Dubai really be enjoyed without breaking the bank? The answer is a resounding yes. A visit to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) not only offered me an insight into the city’s history and Emirati culture, but also included a full brunch of traditional food and Arabic tea and coffee, all for a mere £27.
I also ascended the Dubai Frame, an observatory and museum that offers stunning views of the entire city, with tickets costing just over £10. If you’re after a spectacular view of both old and new Dubai, this is your spot, especially considering its affordable price tag.
Next, I embarked on Frying Pan Adventures’ Dubai Souks and Creekside Food Walk, which led me through some of the city’s oldest areas. Priced around £90, it’s a fantastic way to explore the traditional souks and sample local delicacies.
Not every dish will be to everyone’s taste – there are plenty of traditional flavours, like rose ice cream. But one stop served up some of the best food I’ve ever tasted – at an Afghan-owned bakery called Al Shaiba, we were treated to cheese-stuffed and honey-covered breads, which I’ve found myself craving at least once a week since returning home!
How to plan a luxury holiday in Dubai
Next, it was time to indulge in the city’s opulence, with a stay at the breathtaking Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. Nestled on one of Dubai’s iconic palm-shaped islands, this resort offers luxury rooms with direct pool access from your private terrace. The staff go above and beyond here, even supplying me with fruit and pastries for my early morning airport run at 3am.
I enjoyed a tranquil afternoon at DRIFT Beach Club, which boasts some of the finest seafood I’ve ever tasted and offers the opportunity to bask by the pool and dip into the warm sea off the private beach. The Guild restaurant served up phenomenal food – with caviar and lobster on the menu, all dishes were exquisitely presented.
Two slightly pricier activities that I highly recommend in Dubai are a desert safari in a vibrant 1950s Land Rover, which also includes a camel ride, falconry show, stargazing and a lavish six-course dinner in a plush Bedouin camp cooked by traditional methods. It’ll set you back £145 per person but is worth every penny.
Another must-try is a yacht trip around the Dubai coastline with Xclusive Yachts, which took us out at sunset and provided an incredible view of the city skyline. With the friendly crew serving drinks and fruit platters, I felt like I was featuring in an episode of Below Deck. Hiring a private yacht can be costly, but there are also shared group tours or speedboat trips available. If you’re looking to live the A-list lifestyle, this is definitely the experience to opt for.
I also sampled the nightlife at rooftop bar Attiko, where the music had everyone dancing, the bar snacks were superb and the views were simply stunning. So, whether you’re travelling on a shoestring or planning the holiday of a lifetime, this is a city that will be the topic of conversation for years to come.
My advice? A mix of both is the ideal way to experience Dubai in all its splendour, reports OK!.
How to book
Rooms at Al Seef Heritage Hotel start from £176 a night – to book, click here.
Rooms at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort start from £480 a night – to book, click here.
For more details on the activities mentioned and more, head to visitdubai.com.