David Beckham, Joey Essex and Helen Flanagan are among the many stars and influencers that love Dubai.
But so do ordinary Brits looking to escape for some much needed winter sunshine. And who can blame them? The city in the desert is 26C in February, just like a perfect summer’s day here.
Seven hours away on a plane, Dubai boasts dazzling beaches, Michelin star restaurants, incredible architecture, and a host of luxury hotels offering the best service and standards. It’s little wonder that Dubai comes out on top for winter sun.
Brits account for around 12% of Dubai’s visitors and there is a huge ex-pat community there. Once viewed as a rich person’s playground, the destination is becoming more affordable and accessible to other travellers.
Believe it or not budget hotels do exist there! Hostels are available for as little as £20 per night, and affordable chain hotels like Premier Inn or Ibis start from around £30-£60 per night.
For those on a tighter budget, Airbnb is another excellent option, with rooms or apartments available from £40-£80 per night, depending on the location. Staying in neighbourhoods like Deira or Al Barsha offers more affordable rates while still being well-connected by public transport.
Once a remote fishing community backed by a vast expanse of sprawling desert terrain, big business has rapidly transformed Dubai into a futuristic metropolis, a major global transport hub and the biggest city in the United Arab Emirates.
Nestled on the Persian Gulf coast and filled with gleaming modern architecture akin to a science fiction cityscape, the Arab state is an influencer’s dream – little wonder so many of them have chosen it as their overseas home from home.
And while there are plenty of luxury influencer type entertainments to keep you amused you can enjoy yourself without splashing the cash celeb style.
Despite its reputation for luxury, Dubai has plenty of cheap activities that won’t dent your wallet. Here are a few suggestions for budget-friendly fun:
Dubai Fountain: Catch the world’s largest choreographed fountain show for free at the base of the Burj Khalifa. The water dance happens every evening, and it’s one of the best free attractions in the city.
Beaches: Public beaches like JBR Beach and Kite Beach are free to visit, offering sun, sea, and sand without a cost. Perfect for a relaxing day in the sun.
Explore the Souks: Wander through the bustling Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. It’s free to browse, and you can haggle for great deals if you’re looking to shop.
Abra Ride: For just 20p, you can take a traditional wooden boat (abra) across Dubai Creek. It’s one of the best ways to experience the older side of Dubai on a budget.