How to Spend Less and Have a Great Time in Dubai
by: Christine Petrosa
So you want to go to Dubai but have heard how expensive it can
be for both vacationers and business travelers alike? If that's
what you've heard, then whoever told you hasn't experienced
Dubai. Here are some money saving tips that can cut your Dubai
budget in half.
Shopping in Dubai
If shopping is your pleasure, then Dubai is your dreams come
true. Not only do you have some of the biggest malls in the world
with all the major brands, but Dubai, being originally a trading
hub between the east and west offers you one of the most
fascinating shopping experiences on the globe. From traditional
souks (where you can find jewelry and cloth, among many others
things), to the Indian markets in Deira, finding everything from
spices to electronics. Ask around in the back-alley stores and you
can even find that satellite decoder that opens all the paid
channels. Don't forget to haggle, they never turn away a customer,
and you'll know when you've hit the lowest price.
Communication in Dubai
Avoid high phone charges in the hotel room and get a pre-paid
calling card which you can use from any phone booth and private
lines to call international. If you are expecting to stay for a while,
get a pre-paid GSM card (WASEL) for Dhs.165 ($45). Limit your
outgoing calls and get free incoming calls for a year ( more info ).
The WASEL GSM line must be purchased from an Etisalat office
(don't forget to bring a passport copy), but pre-paid cards can be
purchased from any convenient store, gas stations or tobacco
store.
Food in Dubai
For cheap eats, it's hard to beat the Indian restaurants serving the
city's largest working population. Try the buttered chicken with
buttered ‘nan' bread, and you'll have cravings for it for years to
come. For a $3 meal, expect to eat with your hands, but you can
always politely ask for a fork or spoon. The occasional foreigner
is expected and well-cared for.
If you're on a tight budget, only eat at hotels when they have meal
deals, otherwise, you'll be paying too much. Find Open Buffet
specials starting at $10 per person, some Friday Brunch offers
include use of the swimming pool for the day. You can find
excellent Meal Deals here .
Drink in Dubai
It might come as a surprise to you, but Dubai is a Party Town.
With all the long hours at work, many people like to go out and
chill during the week. For the budget traveler, look for Ladies
Nights and Happy Hours happening in Dubai. Guaranteed you'll
find one for every night of the week. Check out Time Out Dubai or
Dubai Look before going out. If you don't have access to the
internet, you can buy the “Time Out Dubai” Magazine from any
store which includes the full listings for the month.
Sun and Sand
Want to spend a day by the pool at one of the exclusive hotels in
Jumeirah, but not pay the high prices of the rooms? Almost all the
hotels sell vouchers for a day's access to the hotel's beaches,
pools, health club and spa. Sleep in a cheap hotel, spend the day
in pure luxury... no one will know. Prices start at $10 and can go
up to $60 depending on the hotel.
There are many public beaches, but for only Dhs. 5 ($1.40) you
can spend the day at Jumeirah Beach Park on the beach road in
Jumeirah. Not only do you have access to the beach with life
guards, but you also have gardens, play areas for children,
showers and barbecue areas. Note that Saturdays are for women
and children only. (Call 04-3492555 for more information)
Transportation in Dubai
Want to save on transportation? Dubai cabs can be costly for
tourists. So, until the Dubai metro gets up and running by year
2009 for the first line and 2015 for the second line, try the buses.
Waiting for the bus can take a while, especially since they are
hardly on schedule. In the summer months, the heat can become
unbearable during the wait and most bus stops don't have a
covered waiting area. But taking the bus can turn out to be quite
an experience, don't be afraid and make sure you budget the time
for the trip as it can take 3 times the amount to get there over
taking a taxi.
Renting a car? Don't use the international rental companies.
Local companies, especially ones in Sharjah give you rates
much less than the big brand names. They will provide drop off
and pick up in Sharjah and Dubai. But if you do have problems
with renting a car from a no-name car rental, then Budget Car
Rental is the best choice for Dubai. Book early from an online
booking service to guarantee the best prices and availability. And
the best part of renting a car in Dubai? Gas is Cheap!
Entertainment in Dubai
Dubai Shopping Festival (mid January to mid February) and
Dubai Summer Surprises (end of June to beginning of
September) hosts free entertainment all month long. Hundreds of
shows and events all crammed into one month. You and your
kids, if they are tagging along, will not get bored. Fireworks, raffle,
street markets, clowns, monster trucks, are just some of the
highlights. Go here for more information.
Horse Racing at Nad Al Sheba is held from 28th of October until
the 26th of March. Each Race Night stages 6 or 7 individual
races, the first starting at 7pm (or 9pm during the Holy Month of
Ramadan). Public access to the races is free. Don't forget the
world's richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup held in March.
(www.dubaiworldcup.com). Unless you want to sit in the VIP
section, entrance to the public enclosures is also free for this
spectacular event.
About The Author
Christine Petrosa is a Dubai resident, business professional and
a contributing writer for Business in Dubai which contains
information on setting up a business in dubai, real estate news,
business travel, new projects, jobs in dubai, web links, telephone
and addresses directory and a business forum.
by: Christine Petrosa
So you want to go to Dubai but have heard how expensive it can
be for both vacationers and business travelers alike? If that's
what you've heard, then whoever told you hasn't experienced
Dubai. Here are some money saving tips that can cut your Dubai
budget in half.
Shopping in Dubai
If shopping is your pleasure, then Dubai is your dreams come
true. Not only do you have some of the biggest malls in the world
with all the major brands, but Dubai, being originally a trading
hub between the east and west offers you one of the most
fascinating shopping experiences on the globe. From traditional
souks (where you can find jewelry and cloth, among many others
things), to the Indian markets in Deira, finding everything from
spices to electronics. Ask around in the back-alley stores and you
can even find that satellite decoder that opens all the paid
channels. Don't forget to haggle, they never turn away a customer,
and you'll know when you've hit the lowest price.
Communication in Dubai
Avoid high phone charges in the hotel room and get a pre-paid
calling card which you can use from any phone booth and private
lines to call international. If you are expecting to stay for a while,
get a pre-paid GSM card (WASEL) for Dhs.165 ($45). Limit your
outgoing calls and get free incoming calls for a year ( more info ).
The WASEL GSM line must be purchased from an Etisalat office
(don't forget to bring a passport copy), but pre-paid cards can be
purchased from any convenient store, gas stations or tobacco
store.
Food in Dubai
For cheap eats, it's hard to beat the Indian restaurants serving the
city's largest working population. Try the buttered chicken with
buttered ‘nan' bread, and you'll have cravings for it for years to
come. For a $3 meal, expect to eat with your hands, but you can
always politely ask for a fork or spoon. The occasional foreigner
is expected and well-cared for.
If you're on a tight budget, only eat at hotels when they have meal
deals, otherwise, you'll be paying too much. Find Open Buffet
specials starting at $10 per person, some Friday Brunch offers
include use of the swimming pool for the day. You can find
excellent Meal Deals here .
Drink in Dubai
It might come as a surprise to you, but Dubai is a Party Town.
With all the long hours at work, many people like to go out and
chill during the week. For the budget traveler, look for Ladies
Nights and Happy Hours happening in Dubai. Guaranteed you'll
find one for every night of the week. Check out Time Out Dubai or
Dubai Look before going out. If you don't have access to the
internet, you can buy the “Time Out Dubai” Magazine from any
store which includes the full listings for the month.
Sun and Sand
Want to spend a day by the pool at one of the exclusive hotels in
Jumeirah, but not pay the high prices of the rooms? Almost all the
hotels sell vouchers for a day's access to the hotel's beaches,
pools, health club and spa. Sleep in a cheap hotel, spend the day
in pure luxury... no one will know. Prices start at $10 and can go
up to $60 depending on the hotel.
There are many public beaches, but for only Dhs. 5 ($1.40) you
can spend the day at Jumeirah Beach Park on the beach road in
Jumeirah. Not only do you have access to the beach with life
guards, but you also have gardens, play areas for children,
showers and barbecue areas. Note that Saturdays are for women
and children only. (Call 04-3492555 for more information)
Transportation in Dubai
Want to save on transportation? Dubai cabs can be costly for
tourists. So, until the Dubai metro gets up and running by year
2009 for the first line and 2015 for the second line, try the buses.
Waiting for the bus can take a while, especially since they are
hardly on schedule. In the summer months, the heat can become
unbearable during the wait and most bus stops don't have a
covered waiting area. But taking the bus can turn out to be quite
an experience, don't be afraid and make sure you budget the time
for the trip as it can take 3 times the amount to get there over
taking a taxi.
Renting a car? Don't use the international rental companies.
Local companies, especially ones in Sharjah give you rates
much less than the big brand names. They will provide drop off
and pick up in Sharjah and Dubai. But if you do have problems
with renting a car from a no-name car rental, then Budget Car
Rental is the best choice for Dubai. Book early from an online
booking service to guarantee the best prices and availability. And
the best part of renting a car in Dubai? Gas is Cheap!
Entertainment in Dubai
Dubai Shopping Festival (mid January to mid February) and
Dubai Summer Surprises (end of June to beginning of
September) hosts free entertainment all month long. Hundreds of
shows and events all crammed into one month. You and your
kids, if they are tagging along, will not get bored. Fireworks, raffle,
street markets, clowns, monster trucks, are just some of the
highlights. Go here for more information.
Horse Racing at Nad Al Sheba is held from 28th of October until
the 26th of March. Each Race Night stages 6 or 7 individual
races, the first starting at 7pm (or 9pm during the Holy Month of
Ramadan). Public access to the races is free. Don't forget the
world's richest horse race, the Dubai World Cup held in March.
(www.dubaiworldcup.com). Unless you want to sit in the VIP
section, entrance to the public enclosures is also free for this
spectacular event.
About The Author
Christine Petrosa is a Dubai resident, business professional and
a contributing writer for Business in Dubai which contains
information on setting up a business in dubai, real estate news,
business travel, new projects, jobs in dubai, web links, telephone
and addresses directory and a business forum.
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