UAE Trip Budget
Planner
Pre-filled for a classic 5-night Dubai trip for two — hotel, food, transport, desert safari and Burj Khalifa are already totalled in AED and USD. Tweak anything; the budget updates live.
Your trip
Hotel rates are typical all-in booking prices (taxes and Tourism Dirham included), assuming two travelers per room.
YOUR TRIP BUDGET
Mid-range · 5 nights · 2 travelersTYPICAL 2026 DUBAI PRICES · FLIGHTS OPTIONAL
What a day in Dubai costs
Per person per day — hotel (shared room), food and transport, before attractions
When to go — prices swing 50%
The same hotel can cost half as much in summer
Four ways to cut the bill
Local tricks that save real money
Frequently Asked Questions
What travelers ask when budgeting a UAE trip
How much does a trip to Dubai cost?
For a mid-range traveler, budget roughly AED 700–900 (about USD 190–245) per person per day covering a 4-star hotel (shared room), meals and getting around — excluding flights. A 5-night mid-range trip for two typically lands around AED 8,000–11,000 plus experiences. Budget travelers can manage on AED 300–400 per day; luxury starts around AED 2,000+.
Is Dubai expensive for tourists?
It can be either. Hotels and alcohol are pricey, but the metro is cheap (AED 3–7 per ride), street food and food courts are affordable, beaches are free, and many attractions cost less than their equivalents in London or New York. The travel style you choose changes the daily cost by 5–6x.
What is the cheapest time to visit Dubai?
June to August is by far the cheapest — hotel rates drop 30–50% because of the summer heat (indoor attractions still run at full tilt). The peak season is November to March, when weather is perfect and prices are highest, especially around New Year and school holidays.
How much is a desert safari in Dubai?
A standard evening desert safari with dune bashing, camel rides and a BBQ dinner costs about AED 150–250 per person when booked online. Premium versions with vintage Land Rovers, falconry or overnight camps run AED 400–1,500.
How much spending money do I need per day in Dubai?
On top of your hotel: around AED 150 per day covers casual meals and metro rides on a budget; AED 300–450 per day allows nice restaurants and taxis; AED 800+ per day suits fine dining and beach clubs. Add attraction tickets separately — the big ones average AED 150–350 each.
Do tourists pay tax in Dubai hotels?
Yes — expect roughly 20% on top of quoted room rates: 10% service charge, 7% municipality fee, and a "Tourism Dirham" of AED 7–20 per room per night depending on the hotel category. Our planner's hotel rates are all-in typical booking prices, so these are already reflected.