Dubai is often thought of as a holiday destination for the rich and famous, but I discovered two totally different sides on a short trip to this fascinating city, with activities to suit every budget – from an authentic Emirati brunch that won’t break the bank to an afternoon lounging on a lavish yacht.
When to visit Dubai?
Winter is the prime time to visit this beautiful city, with the temperatures just starting to drop into more bearable territory (a modest 39 degrees at the start of October). Between September and March are a great time to plan your trip, with even the locals finding the temperatures unberable during the peak of summer.
How to visit Dubai on a budget
Dubai conjures up images of towering skyscrapers, luxury beach clubs and busy city life, but on the outskirts of the city I found a much more peaceful, low-key atmosphere. Staying in the Hilton-owned Al Seef Heritage Hotel gave me a totally new perspective on the city I’d previously only seen in films and Instagram posts. The hotel buildings are spread out through a winding maze of small streets along the banks of Dubai Creek, giving you the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time. The rooms combine traditional Middle Eastern decor with ornate but modern furnishings, and you have access to all the usual Hilton facilities, such as a spa, swimming pool and fitness centre.
A gorgeous (and affordable) place to stay is one thing, but could I really make the most of visiting Dubai on a budget? Yes, it turns out. A trip to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) not only gave me the chance to learn about the history of the city and the Emirati culture, but a full brunch spread of traditional food and Arabic tea and coffee was included in the £27 ticket price.
I also headed to the top of the Dubai Frame, an observatory and museum that offers breathtaking views of the whole city, with tickets costing a little over £10. If you want a great view of both old Dubai and new Dubai, this is the place to go, particularly when it comes with such an affordable price tag.
Next I joined Frying Pan Adventures’ Dubai Souks and Creekside Food Walk, which took me through some of the oldest parts of the city. It costs around £90 and is a great way to explore the traditional souks and try some local delicacies. Not all the food will be for everyone – there are a lot of traditional flavours, such as rose ice cream. But one stop delivered some of the nicest food I’ve ever eaten – an Afghan-owned bakery called Al Shaiba presented us with cheese-stuffed and honey-covered breads, and I’ve thought about them at least once a week since returning home!
How to do a luxury holiday in Dubai
It was then time to experience the more extravagant side of the city, staying at the stunning Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort. It’s located on one of the iconic palm-shaped islands on Dubai’s coastline, and the luxurious rooms give you direct access to the pool from your private terrace. The staff can’t do enough for you here, even providing me with fruit and pastries for my early morning drive to the airport at 3am.
There are two slightly more pricey activities that I can’t recommend enough in Dubai. The first is a desert safari in a colourful 1950s Land Rover, which also includes a camel ride, falconry show, stargazing and a lavish six-course dinner in a sumptuous Bedouin camp cooked by traditional methods. It costs £145 per person but is worth every penny.
The other must-do is a yacht trip around the Dubai coastline with Xclusive Yachts, which took us out at sunset and gave us a superb view of the city skyline. With the friendly staff offering drinks and fruit platters, I felt like I was starring in an episode of Below Deck. Hiring a private yacht is a huge expense, but you can also take to the water on a shared group tour or speedboat trip. If you want to feel like part of the A-list, this is definitely the experience to choose.
I spent a relaxing afternoon at DRIFT Beach Club, which serves some of the best seafood I’ve ever had and gives you a chance to sun yourself by the pool and wade into the warm sea off the private beach. At The Guild restaurant, the food was incredible – there was caviar and lobster on the menu and all the dishes were beautifully presented. And I got a taste of the nightlife at rooftop bar Attiko, where the music had everyone up dancing, the bar food was fantastic and the views were breathtaking. So whether you’re travelling on a tight budget or planning the trip of a lifetime, there’s no doubt this is a city you’ll be talking about for years to come.
My recommendation? A little bit of both is the perfect way to experience Dubai in all its glory.
How to book
Rooms at Al Seef Heritage Hotel start from £176 a night - to book, visit here.
Rooms at Anantara The Palm Dubai Resort start from £480 a night - to book, visit here.
For more information on the activities mentioned and more, go to visitdubai.com.
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