If you’re planning a week in Dubai, the first question is usually – how much will it actually cost? The good news is you don’t have to guess. Below you’ll see a clear, no‑fluff budget for 2025 that covers where you’ll stay, what you’ll eat, how you’ll get around and what you’ll spend on the main attractions.
Dubai offers everything from cheap hostels to five‑star hotels. For a comfortable but affordable stay, most travelers pick a 3‑star hotel or a well‑rated Airbnb. Expect to pay about £70‑£100 per night in popular areas like Deira, Bur Dubai or Al Barsha. That means roughly £500‑£700 for seven nights.
If you’re on a tighter budget, a hostel bed costs around £30‑£45 per night. Sharing a dorm can bring the total down to £210‑£315 for the week.
Food is another big factor. Street‑side shawarma or falafel wraps cost about £3‑£5 each. A decent mid‑range restaurant meal runs £12‑£20 per person. A realistic daily food budget looks like this:
That adds up to £28‑£37 per day**, or £200‑£260 for the whole week if you mix cheap eats with a few nicer meals.
Dubai’s public transport is cheap and reliable. A Nol card (the city’s travel card) costs £2 to get and you can top it up as needed. A single metro ride in Zone 1‑2 is about £1.20, and a trip across the whole network is under £2. If you plan to move around a lot, a weekly pass is £20‑£25.
Taxis are more expensive but still reasonable. A 5‑km ride in the city centre averages £7‑£9. For a week of occasional taxi rides, budget £50‑£80.
Now the fun part – attractions. The Burj Khalifa ‘At the Top’ tickets start at £25 for the lower deck and go up to £55 for the higher levels. A desert safari with dinner runs about £60‑£80. A day pass to the Dubai Aquarium is £30, while a visit to the Palm Jumeirah Atlantis waterpark costs £45‑£55.
If you pick three big attractions, set aside roughly £150‑£200. There are plenty of free things too – strolling the Dubai Marina, watching the fountain show at the Burj, or exploring the historic Al Fahidi district.
Finally, don’t forget little extras: tips, souvenirs, and occasional drinks. A safe cushion is £50‑£100.
Putting it all together, a realistic 7‑day Dubai budget looks like this:
Total range: £680‑£1,365. If you stick to hostels, street food and public transport, you can stay under £800. If you prefer a bit more comfort and a few premium experiences, budgeting around £1,300 will give you a stress‑free week.
Remember, Dubai is a city of choices. The numbers above are guide points – you can always cut costs by using discount codes, traveling off‑peak, or sharing rides. Keep a simple spreadsheet, track daily spend, and you’ll stay in control.
Ready to book? Pack your passport, a lightweight wardrobe, and a clear idea of how much you want to spend. With the right plan, a week in Dubai can be unforgettable without breaking the bank.
Real 2025 prices for a 7-day Dubai trip. See budget, mid-range, and luxury totals, flight and hotel costs, food, transport, attractions, and money-saving tips.
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