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Dubai travel budget: how much does it really cost?

Updated on 25 October 2026 · Reading time: 6 min

"How much should I plan for Dubai?" is the question we get most. The honest answer: it all depends on the season, the hotel and what you want to do. So we don't give a figure for what we don't sell, but we detail the activities part precisely, with the prices shown on our website.

What makes up the budget

• Flight: it depends on the departure date and when you book; compare several dates before fixing your days.
• Accommodation: generally the first item. Prices drop in summer, when the heat keeps part of the travelers away; see our article When to go to Dubai?.
• Activities: the item you control best, detailed below.
• Meals and getting around: variable depending on your habits; the metro is cheap along the main line, and private transfers are available for the airport and excursions.
• Unforeseen expenses: keep a margin for a last-minute outing or a gift.

Activity prices are in dirhams (AED). This currency is pegged to the US dollar (about 3.67 AED per US$), which makes comparing easy.

Our activity prices ("from" rates)

Here are the starting prices shown on the site as of 25 October 2026. The exact price depends on the date, the package and the travelers' ages; it is confirmed on each activity page at the time of booking.

• Dubai Frame: from 30 AED
• Dubai Safari Park: from 50 AED
• Sky Views Observatory: from 69 AED
• The View at The Palm: from 75 AED
• One-hour yacht tour: from 85 AED
• Speedboat Palm Tour: from 95 AED
• Marina dhow cruise: from 110 AED
• Burj Khalifa 124 & 125: from 145 AED
• Discovery Safari: from 150 AED
• Premium Safari: from 180 AED
• Shared dinner cruise: from 200 AED
• Aquaventure Waterpark: from 295 AED
• Burj Khalifa + Aquarium: from 315 AED
• Helicopter: from 670 AED

For all activities with photos and prices, open our online catalog.

Two sample activity budgets

The essential program: 435 AED

Burj Khalifa 124 & 125 (145), Discovery Safari (150), Marina dhow cruise (110) and Dubai Frame (30): four must-sees covering the city, the desert and the sea.

The full program: 990 AED

Burj Khalifa + Aquarium (315), Premium Safari (180), shared dinner cruise (200) and Aquaventure (295): for those who want a water park and a dinner at sea. Add the airport transfer (private, from 200 AED) if you prefer to avoid the queues.

These totals add up the starting prices for one person. For a family, check the child rates shown on each activity page.

How to save money without giving anything up

• Choose shared options: the shared yacht costs significantly less than a private yacht charter (from 600 AED per hour) if you don't need privacy.
• Take packages with transfer included: our safaris include hotel pickup and return, which saves a taxi.
• Alternate paid and free: a walk along the waterfront or the Dubai Mall fountain show cost nothing and fit between two outings.
• Take advantage of free child entry: on most of our yacht packages, children under 3 travel free.
• Travel outside peaks: school holidays and end-of-year festivities concentrate the demand.
• Book early: some activities are offered for a limited date range or in limited quantities in high season.

Frequently asked questions