How we do Dubai for dirt cheap – £30-a-night rooms, lesser-known airports, £2 meals and free attractions

DUBAI is a bucket list destination for Brits, thanks to its five-star hotels, year-round sunshine and celebrity fans, but all this also makes it harmful on the wallet.
So we've tried and tested some of the best ways to slash the cost of a holiday to the desert city.
11
Editor of The Sun's Fab Daily, Joel Cooper thought Dubai was out of his price range, until he started looking into money saving hacks.
He said: "I always wanted to go, but news stories about luxury hotels, £10,000-a-night suites and the premium bar and restaurant scene put me off.
"However, when I started doing some research, I discovered there is a way to do Dubai on a budget - it's just no one talks about it."
Joel's genius tips start before you've even left the UK.
He said: "Rather than booking flights to Dubai directly, it is often much cheaper to fly to Abu Dhabi instead.
"In fact, my flights were half the price - saving £250 before I'd even left home.
"Most of the hotels in Dubai are located between Dubai airport and Abu Dhabi airport - admittedly they are closer to Dubai but getting from Abu Dhabi is easy.
"There is a coach for around £7 that takes you directly from Abu Dhabi airport to Dubai, dropping off at the Ibn Battuta Mall, which is in the centre of town.
"They run every hour and the journey takes one hour to get to Dubai.
"Before going, I didn't know anything about Abu Dhabi, but it's so close to Dubai, you could be forgiven for thinking it's the same place."
Dubai hotel with world's largest waterpark
11
Stay for less
Accommodation is known for being high-end and pricey in Dubai, but one British chain has been making in-roads with incredibly affordable hotel rooms - Premier Inn.
Writer Scott Campbell told The Sun that the Premier Inn brand in the Emirates has taken things to the next level.
He said: "The hotels are surprisingly cool and I've booked rooms from just £30. They have rooftop pools, 24-hour gyms, shuttle buses to the beach and suave terrace bars.
"The best Premier Inn in Dubai can be found in Barsha Heights.
'"It's around 15 minutes by taxi from the glitz and glamour of Dubai Marina and an even shorter journey to The Palm with its trendy all-inclusive beach clubs."
Similarly, holidaymakers can save hundreds by swapping taxis for the Metro.
Scott said: "The Dubai Metro is very safe and efficient and serves all the main tourist areas in the city.
"Although hailing a cab is quite wallet-friendly, coming in at around £7 for a trip to the Marina from the Premier Inn, the city's Metro line is only ten minutes away on foot.
"Fares start at just 65p for a ride, or £1.20 in the quieter 'gold' carriage — because where else would have a first- class metro carriage other than Dubai?"
If it is too hot outside, there is even a free bus to take guests to the station from the budget hotel.
11
It's also worth checking if the hotel you stay at offers a shuttle bus to the beach.
This can save you money in taxis there and back, especially if you plan on going a few times during your trip.
Scott added: "The Premier Inn hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to Al Sufouh, known as the Secret Beach by locals, due to it being lesser known and less crowded as the famous Kite Beach."
Al Sufouh and Kite Beach are both public beaches and not owned by the exclusive hotel resorts and so they are free to use.
This is perfect for doing Dubai on a budget because pop-up stalls and food trucks line the beach path.
You can pick up homemade empanadas for £7 or an excellent and sizeable burrito for £11 from La Patrona, without the excessive service charges and extras required at a posh hotel.
11
Find a budget brunch
Boozy brunches in Dubai are one of the most popular pastimes for the under 30s.
But, extravagant spots like Burj Al Arab and The Palm can become very pricy indeed, with some starting at £80 before you add alcohol on.
However, budget travelers to Dubai can still indulge in the boozy, boujee pastime with a more cost-effective brunch in a less exclusive location.
Scott said: "The Premier Inn has its own bar, Mr Toad's, where a Saturday 'drunch' offers unlimited drinks for three hours for £25.
'With a pint in Dubai usually costing around £9 on average, after only three drinks you'll easily make back the cost.'
Meanwhile, Finance manager, Kristina Williams used to live in Dubai and has a list of cheap things to do that she shares with family and friends who came to visit.
11
11
She said: "One of the most popular sights in Dubai has to be the fountain show in Downtown Dubai.
"The Dubai Fountain, which is outside the Dubai Mall, is the tallest dancing fountain in the world and totally free to watch, so it's ideal for families.
"The famous Aquarium is also located at the Dubai Mall.
"If you don't want to pay to spend a whole day there, I recommend taking the kids to see the largest part of the aquarium completely free of charge.
"The enormous glass tank actually makes up a huge wall inside the shopping centre."
Not everything in Dubai has to cost money. Kristina says there are lots of beautiful outdoor spaces that are free to use.
She said: " AL Qudra, the desert area, has a free cycling track and running track. It's popular in the early evening when the sun starts to go down.
"You can just go and soak up the atmosphere, spot camels and go bird watching.
11
"There is also a free walking path on the Palm. It's great for a casual stroll, with lots of affordable cafes and shady spots along the way.
"This is my favourite, as it looks out to sea and you can see the famous Atlantis hotel and get the obligatory selfie outside."
Being a former local, Kristina knows where to eat too.
"We always go to the Deira area, which is Dubai's old town, for a cheap dinner - you can get a curry for £2 and they are always so good.
"We spend less there as the area isn't known for its alcohol, so it's always more affordable than the Dubai hotels that cater to tourists."
A VIP liaison's guide to Dubai
Romika Fazeli runs a VIP concierge company called Emirates World Club, providing millionaire clients with everything from luxury hotel bookings to shopping trips or restaurant recommendations.
Here are her top tips.
"When it comes to private beaches, Jumeirah Beach Hotel is pure luxury and there are no crowds, or the beach at Al Qasr Hotel has beach club events most weekends with resident DJs, amazing cuisine and great beach side service.
"The city has some of the best shopping in the world with over 50 malls and even a month long shopping festival.
" The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are the two most popular shopping destinations in the city centre, housing high-street, boutique and luxury designers, from Louis Vuitton to Balenciaga.
"Other great places for shopping are Dubai Festival City Mall, City Walk, Dubai Marina Mall and Dubai Outlet Mall."
Or if you want to be seen with the 'in' crowd, the hottest places in the city right now are Ce La Vi, Lucky Fish, the restaurants at West Palm Beach, and Sal at Burj Al Arab.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

The Guardian

14 minutes ago

• The Guardian

Airlines are changing plans as conflict escalates in the Middle East. How will it affect Australian passengers?

Passengers are facing delays, scheduling changes and even cancellations as airlines recalibrate their plans to avoid a large chunk of Middle Eastern airspace. Since Israel launched missiles at Iran on 13 June, airlines have been taking alternative routes in order to stay away from parts of the region including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Israel and parts of Jordan. The conflict is escalating as many Australians prepare for trips to Europe during the northern hemisphere summer. If you're one of them, how will the airline disruptions affect you? It all depends on the airline you plan to fly with, and which route your flight is taking from Australia to Europe. Aviation expert Prof Rico Merkert says airlines that stop over in the Middle East, such as Qatar, Emirates and Etihad, are likely to be affected. 'For sure there will be quite a bit of delays and possibly the odd cancellation,' Merkert, deputy director of the University of Sydney's Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies, says. 'Getting to the Middle East is probably still OK but once you get there it might be a bit hectic … with the potential for detours and delays. 'And, obviously, flying to Iran at the moment is not possible.' For example, Emirates typically flies from its home airport in Dubai into continental Europe using Iranian airspace, Merkert says, 'so they'll need to detour'. 'It's not just Iranian airspace, it's also Iraq, Syria and part of Jordan as well,' he says. 'Essentially, everything that's between Israel and Iran, because they do keep sending missiles to each other.' Emirates was contacted for comment, but did not respond by deadline. Qantas, which operates flights to London direct from Perth or via Singapore from Australia's east coast, has indicated it is monitoring the situation and says it will alter its flight paths if necessary but has not made changes yet. As Merkert points out in one example, a passenger on the daily QF1 flight from Sydney to London via Singapore would avoid Middle Eastern airspace, as those flights go over central Asia. However, the national carrier only flies from Australia to London. If you book with Qantas and want to go elsewhere in Europe, you're likely to be flying with Emirates, its international partner. Virgin only recently launched international flights, after entering into a codesharing agreement with Qatar, similar to the one between Qantas and Emirates. Qatar is headquartered in Doha, not far from Emirates' base in Dubai. As well as a partial ownership stake for Qatar, the alliance includes a so-called wet lease deal, whereby the Gulf carrier provides planes and crew to the Australian airline to operate weekly services to Doha under the Virgin brand. Virgin on Monday indicated its wet-leased service to Doha remained unaffected but has not ruled out scheduling changes. On Monday, a Qatar Airways spokesperson said the 'evolving situation in the region' would 'require some schedule changes'. The airline did not elaborate on what those changes involved but advised passengers to check its website for the latest information. 'We are continuously monitoring and assessing the situation, and reacting in real-time to ensure we operate under the safest conditions possible at all times,' the spokesperson said. 'We have some of the best people in the business working behind the scenes to keep our network strong and secure, and to ensure we remain the airline you can trust and rely on.' Etihad, another Gulf carrier, has suspended all flights between its base in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv until 15 July. 'This remains a highly dynamic situation, and further changes or disruption, including sudden airspace closures or operational impact, may occur at short notice,' a spokesperson said on Monday. 'Etihad continues to monitor developments closely in coordination with the relevant authorities and is taking all necessary precautions.' Merkert says he expects Turkish Airlines flights to face similar problems, as the carrier typically uses Iranian airspace. The airline, which flies from Sydney to Istanbul and then onwards into Europe – with a stopover in Malaysia – has plans to further expand into the Australian market. The carrier did not respond before deadline to a request for comment. Guardian Australia contacted more than a dozen airlines on Monday asking them what their plans were. Singapore Airlines had cancelled eight flights between Dubai and Singapore, 'following a security assessment of the geopolitical situation in the Middle East'. Thai Airways, which flies from Australia to Europe via Bangkok, said its services were not affected by the conflict. British Airways indicated its flights to Australia were operating as scheduled. While airlines have assured passengers they are making plans to avoid Iranian airspace and other danger zones, Merkert says there are options for people who would prefer not to fly over the Middle East at the moment, pointing to airlines that fly to Europe via Asia without stopping over in a Gulf country. 'My daughter is currently en route to Europe,' he says. 'But she flew with Singapore Airlines and so she flew via Singapore and from there to Frankfurt. That's a route that takes you about an hour north of Iran.' Merkert says another option could be flying to Europe via Japan. 'The problem at the moment though is the Ukrainian airspace is blocked too,' he says. 'It's probably safer, but it also takes additional time.'

The Independent

an hour ago

• The Independent

The best affordable hotels in Dublin, from dorm rooms to boutique stays on a budget

There's no denying that Dublin can be an expensive city to visit. And finding a hotel that fits comfortably within a budget can be a challenge, particularly in high season or at peak times. But don't be discouraged – if you know where to look, you can often snag a (relative) bargain. There are slick hostels that have private rooms, if you're not a fan of sharing, and peaceful townhouses just outside the city that offer a great deal, compared to the more central properties. A word of warning, though – to say that Dublin hotel prices fluctuate is an understatement. When there's a big gig taking place, or demand is simply high, the prices for even the basic hostels can skyrocket. The properties below are usually at the lower end of the scale, but that can't be guaranteed – be prepared to shop around a little, and see who is offering the best price. At a glance 1. The Hendrick hotel In the middle of the hipster neighbourhood of Smithfield, The Hendrick has the best of both worlds – local bars, street art and bistros on its doorstep, but the rest of the city is barely a 20-minute walk away. The rooms are designed in the compact, pod hotel style, but there's plenty of storage under the beds and a decent bathroom. The open-plan bar area is a great hangout spot, and there's loads of cool art throughout the hotel – scan the QR codes to get an audio guide to the pieces. 2. Latroupe Jacobs Inn hotel This hostel has just been taken over from the boutique Latroupe brand, and has all the hallmarks of a cool city crash pad. The restaurant serves creative dishes like crispy chickpea salads and grilled haloumi burgers, and there's often a live DJ in the bar in the evenings, which creates a party atmosphere. The dorm rooms have a unique layout, in that the beds are all in a self-contained pod style, but the private rooms offer great value for money, and have en-suite bathrooms, as well as a boutique design with navy, wood panelled walls, tobacco leather headboards and exposed piping from which you can hang your clothes. Address: 21-28 Talbot Pl, Mountjoy, Dublin 1, D01 W5P8, Ireland 3. Generator Dublin hotel Located next door to the Jameson Distillery in Smithfield, the Generator has a mix of both dorm rooms and privates, the latter being fairly spacious. Some of those private rooms have little balconies overlooking Smithfield Square, too. Downstairs, there's a huge bar and a cool reading nook for a coffee during the day, and they have pool tables and shuffleboard, too. There's often a DJ at night or screenings in their cinema room, and they also own the Skyview Tower, which, for a nominal fee, gets you a fantastic panoramic view of the city and beyond – you just need to climb the 259 steps first. 4. The Marlin hotel Located by the Stephen's Green shops and buzzy bars around Drury and William Street South, The Marlin has 300 cool, compact rooms that are on the smaller side, but a huge groundfloor space that blends a bar, restaurant and cosy hangout nooks. Considering the size of the bar, it never feels jammed, and the menu of pub grub is great if you don't fancy venturing far for dinner. Much of the city centre is right on your doorstep, so you won't need to bother with public transport or taxis, which always makes a difference to a budget stay. Address: 11 Bow Ln E, St Stephen's Green, Dublin, D02 AY81, Ireland 5. Stauntons on the Green hotel Their prices aren't always rock bottom, but when they're at the lower end of the scale, this period property offers fantastic value, particularly for solo travellers, as there's a single room with a twin bed. This Georgian townhouse has a great location on the southern edge of Stephen's Green, but it backs onto the Iveagh Gardens – there's even a secret gate that residents can use, through the pretty hotel garden, which is a lovely spot for a glass of wine in the evenings. If your stay includes breakfast, you'll be in for a treat, with classic Irish dishes served up on pretty crockery in the drawing room. 6. Pembroke Townhouse hotel You wouldn't expect a period property in the bougie neighbourhood of Ballsbridge to have good prices, but you can often find a decent rate in the Pembroke Townhouse. The rooms vary in size, with the Snug a good space for solo travellers, and the common areas downstairs are a nice place to sit with a book. In the shared pantry, there's free tea and Nespresso coffee and a platter of pastries you can help yourself to as well, and there's reasonably priced wine on offer. The city centre is a pleasant 15-minute stroll away. 7. Clink i Lár hotel Right in the middle of the shopping district in the Northside, Clink i Lár is a relatively new and upscale hostel, which has a mixture of dorms (including female-only) and private rooms. The rooms themselves aren't particularly exciting, unless you're on the 10th floor, where you'll be met with some cool city views. But plenty is going on downstairs, particularly for solo travellers – there are social events, movie screenings and karaoke, as well as a fairly lively bar. There's also a kitchen where you can prepare a meal, which helps save the pennies. 8. Ariel House hotel Now, there won't be any bargains found when there's a match on in the Aviva Stadium (which is just a few doors down), but this charming, recently refurbished guesthouse is a great place to stay otherwise. With the bones of an old-fashioned B&B but the style of a boutique hotel, Ariel House is a characterful space in leafy Ballsbridge. Their cosy doubles and single rooms offer the best value, but their family rooms are great if you're bringing kids. Their breakfast is one of the best in the city, with a generous buffet of homemade baked goods and an à la carte menu of exceptional Irish produce. 9. Zanzibar Locke hotel There are often good rates to be found in this aparthotel right on the River Liffey – plus, the rooms are stylish and come fitted out with well-equipped kitchens, so you can eat some meals here to save on cash. There's a cool open-plan space on the ground floor that's a popular co-working spot, but they also offer yoga classes in the courtyard and other events. It's in a great location for exploring the city, with some rooms overlooking the Ha'penny Bridge, and both sides of town are a quick walk away. 10. Trinity College Dublin accommodation Now, these rooms may only be available in the summer holidays, but considering that's when Dublin hotel prices skyrocket, that can only be a good thing. This university student accommodation is turned over to tourists when everyone leaves for their holidays, which means you get to relive your college days and score a bargain to boot. The quality varies, from heritage style with views of the historic courtyard to the more modern setups, but there's a good variety on offer. There are also apartments that can be rented to groups. You're in a prime position to explore the city, and the Book of Kells Experience is right on your doorstep. Why trust us The hotels featured in this list have been carefully selected by The Independent's expert travel writers, each with a deep knowledge of the destinations they cover. Our contributors either live in these locations or visit frequently, ensuring a personal and informed perspective. When picking which hotels to include, they consider their own experience staying in the hotels and evaluate location, facilities, service and all the other details that make for an exceptional stay for all types of traveller. FAQs When is the cheapest time to visit Dublin? Like the rest of Ireland, the best time to visit Dublin for warmer weather, less rainfall, and sunnier days is in the summer months, between June and August. For a trip to the city without the crowds, visit in the shoulder seasons in spring and autumn, when hotel prices are also likely cheaper. Dublin comes alive on one of Ireland's biggest national holidays, St Patrick's Day in March, when parades with colourful floats are held in the streets and arts and culture events are put on in the city to celebrate the annual saint day. Is Dublin expensive? Dublin is considered an expensive city break for tourists, but there are ways of keeping the costs down, such as opting for dorm room accommodation, making use of the fact it is a walkable city and seeking out the budget bars and eateries. What are the best free things to do? There are plenty of free museums to visit in Dublin, such as the Collins Barracks, Chester Beatty, the National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland. Seek out Dublin's talking statues from James Joyce to Oscar Wilde to delve deeper into their role in Ireland's history, or head to the Dublin Portal to wave at people in New York City through a livestream. Areas such as St Stephen's Green, Phoenix Park and the National Botanic Garden offer a free area to chill for an hour or so away from the city centre, or head to the nearby coastline, such as Dollymount Strand or Forty Foot, for a breath of sea air. How much spending money do I need? This depends on how much drinking, eating and shopping you plan to do. The average price of a Guinness is €5.77 (£4.93) in Ireland, but this can cost you much more in popular tourist spots like Temple Bar, so prepare accordingly for how many pints of stout you want to sink.

Wales Online

an hour ago

• Wales Online

'Cursed' ghost town theme park in the hills lies abandoned with chilling explanation

'Cursed' ghost town theme park in the hills lies abandoned with chilling explanation The once-bustling amusement park is now an eerie bastion of faded splendour It drew visitors from far and wide with its unique attractions A chillingly abandoned "ghost town in the sky", which captivated crowds in its heyday, now lies deserted amid the hills of North Carolina, having succumbed to financial woes over ten years ago. Left to decay under the mercy of the weather, the Old West-inspired amusement park, previously a magnet for movie stars and stunt performers, now languishes as a haunting reminder of former grandeur. Yet, there might be a glimmer of hope for its revival. ‌ One particularly daunting rollercoaster rises above desolate saloons at Buck Mountain's summit, at an impressive elevation of 4,650 feet. Local travel outlet Blue Ridge Mountain Life noted that some have dubbed Ghost Town Village as a "cursed amusement park." ‌ The concept of the attraction originally came about when the land was purchased from a townsman known as Uncle Dan Carpenter back in 1960. The narrative has it that R.B. Coburn stumbled upon the tale of Carpenter's sheep being lost in a vast cave on Buck Mountain, as reported by The Sun, reports the Mirror US. This Western-themed park quickly became a beloved destination (Image: Youtube ) Coburn, intrigued, sought out Carpenter who then revealed the location where his sheep had gone missing, sparking the vision for the park. Inspired by his experiences in the ghost towns of the Midwest, Coburn envisaged transforming this site into a time capsule for visitors. Article continues below The construction of the park was a Herculean task that saw the concerted effort of more than two hundred locals come together to erect about 40 constructions at the pinnacle of the mountain to comprise the ethereal township. Approximately 120,000 square feet of construction emerged, utilising 91,000 metres of lumber, 60,000 metres of plywood, and a staggering 9,000 kg of nails. The park threw open its gates in 1961, rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination in Western North Carolina and becoming a hub for TV western stars from series like Laramie and Wagon Train to shoot their scenes. Audiences were particularly captivated by the staged gunfights that took place hourly on the main street, with the unique selling point being the rides darting in and out of the mountain's flanks. ‌ One rollercoaster was called the Red Devil (Image: Youtube ) However, over time, the attraction began to deteriorate, leading to a decline in visitor numbers, akin to falling off a cliff. The park was further beset by infrastructural woes, including issues with water, power and sewage systems. Workers also started airing their concerns regarding unpaid wages, culminating in the park ceasing operations after the 2009 season. ‌ Yet, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon according to the National Amusement Park Historical Association. Despite being dubbed the "cursed amusement park" by Blue Ridge Mountain Life, owing to numerous failed attempts at revival, salvation may be at hand. On May 9, a post on NAPHA's Facebook page disclosed that an interested party from Florida is considering the purchase of the now-defunct theme park. That very post also indicated that the proprietor, Jill McClure, is keen to sell it for use as an entertainment venue rather than to interests with different intentions. Article continues below However, the site has reportedly been earmarked for a housing development instead. The new owner reportedly intends to revamp the area into "a venue featuring country music, rodeos, and festivals, aiming to keep the park family-friendly."