Budget Friendly Dubai Trip: Complete Guide For First Timers!

Your first Dubai trip can be both exciting and memorable! Know for its lavishness, Dubai can also be enjoyed on a budget without compromising your experience. If you are planning on visiting in 2024 then look no further. Numerous ways will maximize the benefit of your visit without breaking the bank - this blog about Dubai Budget Trip offers practical tips to make planning an affordable Dubai holiday possible! Stay tuned as we share insightful advice to ensure an unforgettable and cost-efficient journey.

Apply Dubai Visit Visa

Dubai, an increasingly popular travel destination, requires visitors to have a valid Dubai visit visa. There are different types of Dubai visas that you can apply for, these visas are broadly categorised based on the duration of the stay and the purpose of the visit. 

Types Of Dubai Visa

Dubai provides various visas for visitors with specific travel needs:

• 96 Hours Transit Visa: Perfect for short layovers, priced at USD 120 
• 14-Days Dubai Tourist Visa: Allows a single entry within two weeks at USD 165
• 30-days Dubai Tourist Visa: This visa option includes Single Entry at USD 185 and Multiple Entries for USD 355
• 90-Day Dubai Tourist Visa: Allows a stay of up to 90 Days, priced at  USD 365 for a single entry & Multiple Entries of USD 700 
• 60-Days Dubai Tourist Visa: Comes with both single and multiple entry options priced at USD 300 and USD 580 respectively

Step-By-Step Guide To Apply For A Dubai Visa

Applying for a Dubai visa is an easy task, you can directly apply Dubai visit visa online using your mobile phone or PC with edubaivisa.com. It has a user-friendly interface that helps visa applicants navigate through the visa application process easily. Follow these steps to apply for a Dubai visa:

1. Visit edubaivisa.com on your phone or PC’s browser
2. Choose the country you are a citizen of and the country that you are planning to travel to Dubai from
3. Look for the type of visa you need, make sure that it resonates well with your requirements and click on the “Apply Now” button over it
4. Fill out the Dubai visa application, make sure that all the entries are correct and in order
5. Upload your passport, photographs and additional documents as per your nationality’s visa requirements 
6. Submit the visa application fee to complete your visa application 

Note: If you are a citizen of Iraq, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan; make sure to submit your national IDs along with all the important documents. 

Once your application is submitted, you will get a confirmation email notification with an application reference number on your registered e-mail ID.

How To Track Your Visa Application?

You can track your Dubai visa status using your application reference that you must have received with confirmation mail on your registered e-mail ID. Follow the steps Dubai Visa Tracking:-

1. Head to edubaivisa.com
2. Look for the track option at the bottom and click on it
3. Enter your application reference number and hit the “Submit” button

Your Dubai visa application status will appear as either- Approved, Pending, In Process or Rejected.

Planning Your Dubai Trip On A Budget

Travelling to Dubai with budget constraints might seem tricky, here is how you can save some money during your trip to Dubai:

Finding Affordable Flights

For the best airfare prices, book in advance or shop around on airline websites and travel platforms to secure deals that offer lower fares to Dubai. Be flexible with the dates to grab a good deal. Adaptability with travel dates can also help secure lower fares; budget airlines typically have competitive prices. Find out the best time to fly to Dubai and budget airlines flying to Dubai to plan your trip accordingly. 

Budget-Friendly Stays In Dubai

Apart from the luxury hotels, explore affordable hotels in Dubai, hostels, and vacation rentals located within neighbourhoods like Deira or Bur Dubai which are considered to be the best areas to stay in Dubai on a budget to save money on accommodation. Check out online hotel booking platforms for special offers or deals. Consider staying at hotels that suit your budget rather than overspending on luxury hotels. 

Travelling Dubai on a Budget

Utilize Affordable public transportation Dubai services like the Dubai Metro, buses and trams to move around affordably within Dubai. For discounted fares on public transport use Nol cards to save money when possible on fare costs; go for shared rides or taxis only when necessary to save maximum on transportation costs.

How To Enjoy Dubai On A Budget?

Planning and making smart choices are the keys to successfully enjoying Dubai on a budget. You can enjoy free activities in Dubai such as visiting the Burj Khalifa, walking along the beachside, or exploring souks such as Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Mixing free attractions with affordable options you can maximize your trip without exceeding your budget.

Free Activities In Dubai

Dubai known for its extravagant lifestyle also provides many free activities for visitors to enjoy. These free things to do in Dubai offer the ideal way to explore Dubai's culture and scenery without breaking the bank:-

• Dubai Fountain: Dubai Fountain is an amazing attraction located near to the Burj Khalifa shooting water up to 500 feet into the air while synced to music and lights - every 30 minutes between 6:00 PM and 11:00 PM
• Dubai Mall and the Mall Of Emirates: You can visit Malls in Dubai, these malls offer numerous attractions such as aquariums, skis, Gaming arenas, etc.
• Dubai Marina: Take a peaceful walk along Dubai Marina to enjoy watching amazing views of the yachts and towering skyscrapers, or opt for a boat tour for an up-close view of this incredible destination
• Kite Beach: Enjoy this popular beach, perfect for relaxing, swimming and taking kitesurfing lessons. Enjoy delicious beachside restaurants and cafes for refreshments while you unwind.
• Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Enjoy the lively atmosphere of a traditional souk as you shop through the markets offering souvenirs ranging from carpets and spices to jewellery and even Emirati cuisine! There are numerous eateries located within this souk as well

Budget-Friendly Activities In Dubai

Affordable activities provide rich experiences that allow you to discover Dubai on a tight budget without compromising enjoyment and discovery. Here are some best budget-friendly activities in Dubai:

• Discover Dubai Creek by Abra: Sail across Dubai Creek on an authentic wooden Abra boat and enjoy the years-old traditional boats. It only costs around AED 2 for one person making it affordable for tourists or visitors on a tight budget
• Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood: For just 3 AED, explore Dubai Museum located within Al Fahidi Fort - Dubai's oldest building! Also, take a walk through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood to experience the traditional Emirati culture
• Visit Dubai Opera: Experience world-renowned opera performances as well as concerts at Downtown Dubai’s Dubai Opera for affordable ticket deals depending on show type and seating
• Dhow Cruise: Take part in the amazing Dhow cruise complete with buffet dinner and live entertainment for approximately 100 AED per person
• Visit Dubai Frame: Witness breathtaking city views at Dubai Frame with an entrance fee of 50 AED per adult
• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Visit the Dubai aquarium to witness marine life wonders at one of the world's largest aquariums starting at just 169 AED per adult ticket and experience watching aquatic life from close 

Finding Affordable Food In Dubai

Dubai’s food scene is as diverse and mesmerising as the city itself. It offers a broad array of flavours that cater to every palate and budget. Here is an in-depth overview of how to enjoy affordable yet delectable meals across the city:

Street Food Dubai

Dubai’s streets are lined with food carts and stalls serving up quick bites and great flavours. You can enjoy dishes like the iconic Falafel Sandwich to the aromatic Shawarma wraps, street food prices typically range from AED 10 to AED 15, making it a pocket-friendly option for a satisfying meal on the go. Don’t miss out on the Samosa Chaat topped with tangy chutneys all for under AED 10.

Local Cafeterias

Step into local Emirati cafeterias to try out Emirati dishes that won't strain your budget. Try delicious Machboos, in which tenderly cooked meat is added to fragrant saffron-infused rice, all for under AED 20. End your meal on a sweet note with Luqaimat – deep-fried dumplings drenched in date syrup or honey – priced at around AED 10 per serving.

Budget-Friendly Restaurant Gems

Dubai has numerous budget restaurants Dubai that offer delicious meals and dishes for everyone. You can try out Satwa and Karama which offers South Indian vegetarian dishes such as dosas and idlis for under AED 20 per meal. If you want to try something Arabic, you can visit Deira and try their Yemeni and Arabic dishes like Mandi and grilled meats costing around AED 30. You can even check out great South Asian budget-friendly restaurants near Jumeirah Lake Towers and savour Vietnamese pho or Thai curries at prices averaging under AED 30. 

Pro Tips For Budget Travelers In Dubai

• Dress Light: For optimal comfort, wear light clothing made with linen or cotton to beat the desert heat
• Sun Protection: When travelling through direct sunlight conditions, pack along a wide-brim hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and refillable water bottle as protection measures against its intense sunlight
• Modesty Matters: Be respectful of local customs when visiting religious sites or markets in Dubai 
• Timing Your Trip: For milder weather, visit during shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October). Winter (November-March) temperatures tend to be much colder with occasional rain showers
• Respect Cultural Etiquette: Practice modesty when in public places and refrain from displays of affection. Bargaining should always be done ethically and responsibly at souks 
• Weekend Awareness: Weekend in Dubai takes place between Friday and Saturday and has an effect on business operating hours
• Be Beach Ready: For beach visits in Dubai, pack swimwear and cover-up for public beaches that feature designated swimming areas as well as exclusive beach clubs
• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Exploring Dubai by foot requires sturdy walking shoes offering good arch support to make sightseeing comfortable

FAQs

Que: What Is A Dubai Visit Visa?

Ans : A visit visa issued by Dubai allows visitors from foreign nations to enter Dubai for tourism, business or transit purposes.

Que: How many different kinds of Dubai visas are there? 

Ans : There are various kinds of Dubai visas such as 96 Hours Transit Visas, 14 Day Tourist Visas, 30-day (Single/Multiple Entry), 60-day and 90-day Tourist visas.

Que: What documents are needed to apply for a Dubai visit visa? 

Ans: You generally need your valid passport and two recent passport-sized photographs of yourself.

Que: How can I apply for a Dubai Visit Visa?

Ans: You can apply for a Dubai visit visa through edubaivisa.com.

Que: Can I check the status of my Dubai visa application online? 

Ans: Yes, you can check the status of your visa application online through edubaivisa.com .

Que: What is the time frame for Processing a Visit Visa in Dubai?

Ans: Standard visa processing takes 24-72 hours to be processed whereas the express or urgent Dubai visa processing takes just 4 hours to process your visa.

Conclusion 

Planning your first Dubai trip in 2024-25 can be both thrilling and fulfilling. By considering the money-saving tips and tricks that we outlined in this blog post, you can explore this vibrant city without breaking the bank. Dubai has great affordable accommodations and wallet-friendly dining options, Dubai provides something suitable for every traveller's wallet. By following the advice in this post, you can enjoy an exciting Dubai budget trip experience every moment as you discover its delights without financial concerns weighing down on you!