Dubai is a city known for its extravagance, decadence, and luxury, but there are plenty of affordable activities and attractions to enjoy. Here is a comprehensive list of five must-do wallet-friendly options in Dubai that cost less than 5 AED.

Things To Do Under 5 AED In Dubai

1. Ride In A Traditional Abra

The word “ABARA” in Arabic translates to “to cross.” Crossing the Dubai Creek, a natural 14 Km waterway in Dubai that divides Deira and Bur Dubai is an everyday ritual for the locals. You can enjoy these traditional boat rides for as low as AED 1. The complete information on the fares and frequency are listed here. Maintained by the RTA, the bookings can be done online or after reaching the location.

There are other ferries and water taxi services apart from the Abra rides, across the Canal, Creek, Dubai Marina, and Blue Waters. Water transports here are the cheapest and it is a great way to escape the metropolitan traffic in style.

Also read: Things to do for absolutely FREE of cost in Dubai

2. Visit The Historical Dubai Museum

Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum is well connected by public transport by bus and metro. Built in 1787, this is the oldest building in the city.  It showcases numerous traditional artifacts including the dhow boats, abra, potteries, and ornaments used in wars among several others. The galleries recreate historic Arab houses, mosques, souks, and date farms, while also depicting scenes of desert and marine life.

• Entry fee: 3 AED for adults, 1 AED for children below the age of 6
• Timings: All days from 8 AM – 8 PM

Being one of the main tourist attractions in Dubai, the museum is crowded during weekends and on public holidays.

3. Eat Local

The Regag, while it looks like the Tamilian Dosa or an American pancake, carries a unique taste altogether and is a traditional UAE crepe. This regional favorite is served best at Al Labeeb grocery on Jumeirah Beach Road. The price ranges between AED 5 and 7 with different toppings of cheese, hot sauce, fish sauce, eggs, and notably crispy Oman chips.

The super crowded Al Hara Cafeteria at Al Karama is known for its Disco coffee, Karak chai, and Biryani chai which cost 2.5 AED.

The Meena Bazaar is your best bet for some cheap street food. Do not miss out on some delicious falafel and shawarma while in Dubai.

4. Take A Stroll At The Zabeel Park

Home to the Dubai Frame, the Dubai Garden Glow, the Dinosaur Park, and a flea market, the Zabeel Park being the biggest has 7 entry gates and stretches across an enormous 128-acre patch of land. With a children’s park, numerous playgrounds, and wide green grass, it is an ideal place for family and friends to relax. You can also enjoy boating (AED 40 for a 20-minute ride for 2 persons) and train (AED 2) rides which connect the main attractions of the parks.

If you desire to get a closer look at the Dubai Frame, Zabeel Park is your best bet.

• Timings: 8 AM – 10 PM
• Entry fee: AED 5 for adults, free entry for children below the age of 2 (does not include entry to Dubai Frame & Garden Glow)

5. Do Shopping

As you might be aware, Dubai has many affordable souks meaning markets – spices, gold, and electronics to name a few. You can also buy clothes and other ornaments of surprisingly good quality starting from as low as 1 AED in Dubai. There are also 1 to 10 AED shops where you can buy toys and gifts.

We remember that anyone coming from Arab countries in our family would always do so with a lot of dates, dry fruits, nuts, chocolates, and other distinct spices that are super rich in quality. A few popular spots for such items include Meena Bazaar, Khajoor Market, Bur Dubai, Lulu Hypermarket, and Ukay Ukay thrift shop. Take some of the most unique munchies home to your loved ones at wallet-friendly rates from these shops.

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