Thinking about heading to Dubai this year? You probably want a quick snapshot of how much everything costs. In 2025 the city stays shiny, but the price tags have shifted. Below you’ll find the most practical numbers for accommodation, food, transport, and the top attractions. Use this guide to budget smarter and avoid any nasty surprises.
Dubai’s hotel market is huge. A mid‑range 4‑star hotel in the Marina or Downtown runs about £120‑£150 per night. If you’re after a budget option, hostels and 3‑star hotels in Deira hover around £45‑£65. Airbnb is legal and popular; a one‑bedroom apartment in a central area usually costs £80‑£110 per night, while a whole place in a quieter suburb can be as low as £55. Remember to check the listing’s location – staying near a metro station saves you time and money on taxis.
Eating out can be as cheap or as pricey as you make it. A street‑food shawarma or a falafel wrap costs roughly £3‑£5. Mid‑range restaurants charge about £15‑£25 for a main course and a drink. Fine‑dining spots in the Palm or Burj Khalifa push the average bill to £70‑£100 per person. Groceries follow the global trend: a litre of milk is about £1, a loaf of bread near £0.90, and a kilogram of chicken around £5. If you’re shopping for a week, expect to spend roughly £60‑£80 on basic staples.
Transportation is straightforward. A single metro ride in zones 1‑2 costs £1.20, while a full‑zone ticket is about £2.30. Taxis start at £2.50, with each kilometre costing roughly £0.60. If you plan to hop around a lot, a Nol card with a weekly cap of £30 can keep costs predictable. Car rentals start at £30‑£35 per day for an economy model, but factor in fuel (≈ £0.12 per kilometre) and parking fees in busy districts.
Top sights have pretty clear price tags. A ticket to the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck (At The Top) is about £30‑£45 depending on the level and time of day. The Dubai Aquarium + Underwater Zoo runs £25, while a desert safari with dinner is typically £45‑£60. If you love theme parks, a day pass to Dubai Parks & Resorts starts at £70.
Nightlife varies. A cocktail at a rooftop bar in Dubai Marina costs around £12‑£18, while entry to most nightclubs is free if you’re on a guest list; otherwise expect a cover charge of £15‑£25.
All these numbers give you a realistic baseline for 2025. Your actual spend will depend on travel style, the districts you choose, and how often you eat out versus cooking. Use this guide to set a daily budget, compare options, and make the most of your Dubai adventure without breaking the bank.
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