Accommodation, Transportation and Budget-Friendly Tips for First-Time UAE Visitors
Every new country for a traveller is a pleasant mystery. Seeing landmarks for the first time is a feeling worth millions, but it doesn’t have to cost this much. In this guide, we are going to explain how you can save costs on your UAE travel despite it being a luxury-centred country.
Finding the Right Accommodation for Your Budget
Money is not a ticket here, and there are options to save money as well. Accommodation is the first thing to save on during trips, because mostly you only come to the hotel to sleep. In contrast, you have to move around the city every day, so spending some money to rent a car in Dubai makes much more sense than splashing out on hotels.
With a rented car, you can choose any affordable hotel or an apartment for a stay, because it’s going to be convenient to get anywhere in the vehicle that feels like your own during the trip.
Many premium hotels offer amenities that lower the costs for attractions. Take advantage of on-site dining, pools, and beach access to make your spending on a top hotel more reasonable.

UAE Transportation Systems
Saving on public transport is the basic advice that’s given for budget-friendly tourists. However, it does not work efficiently in any place. You may save on it in Europe. But in the UAE, it’s not the most useful choice for those who want to make the journey free and all-encompassing.
Relying on public transport, you mostly have to wait for connections and worry about how to align this all with your trip. Most tourists forget that they came to the UAE to explore new places, and a lot of money has already been spent. So it genuinely makes sense not to spend your trip waiting on the bus or taxi.
To truly discover what’s around you, explore the car rental services options. Even with a relatively cheap car, you get a chance to build your schedule however you want it and spend quality time. And if you want to embrace the luxury side of the UAE, Rolls-Royce for rent in Dubai can be an unforgettable way to drive around the city and experience the high-end vibe.
Experiences That Cost Nothing
The UAE can be expensive. Pay only for quality time, like renting a car or a hotel with a lot of on-site amenities that reduce your spending on entertainment. Besides that, you have a lot of memorable experiences that are either free of cost or very little:
- Dubai Marina Walk & JBR seaside promenade
- Public beaches such as Kite Beach and Al Mamzar
- The Dubai Fountain show near the Burj Khalifa
- Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
- Traditional souks, including the Gold Souk and Spice Souk

Practical Money-Saving Tips
It’s possible to save some costs even in the cities where people spend a lot to have a great time. You don’t have to if you follow the tips below:
- Exchange money at the city exchange houses. Airport rates favour the exchange service, not travellers. ATM withdrawals also provide bank exchange rates without airport markup.
- Download Careem and Uber before arrival. These apps sometimes beat metered taxi prices with promotional rates. Compare options for each trip.
- Avoid impulse purchases in high-end malls. Dubai is rich in boutiques, but if you want something specific, decide what to buy before arriving. Then compare prices in different locations.
The UAE rewards travellers who research before booking and make informed choices on the ground. You’ll find experiences matching your budget if you know where to search. Know where spending extra money creates memorable moments and where local alternatives deliver authentic experiences at a lower cost.
