Dubai is undoubtedly one of the top and most attractive destinations for travelers from all over the world. From the delightful shopping experience of the world’s most luxurious malls to the exciting adventures in the desert, everything is very tempting for a wonderful 10-day trip. However, the main question, especially for those interested in traveling to Dubai for the first time, is how much will this 10-day trip cost? Of course, traveling these days depends on various factors, including your travel style, preferences, and budget. Some are interested in budget travel and believe that they can enjoy the trip by avoiding unnecessary expenses, but others prefer to save money for months so that they have no problem enjoying the luxurious and indescribable attractions of Dubai.
Dubai is truly an exceptional city, catering to a wide range of interests and exciting pastimes. This blog post tries to break down all expected expenses, including accommodation, transportation, attractions, shopping, leisure, and more. We will explore tips to save money and even try to provide a detailed sample 10-day budget plan in order to prepare you wisely for this adventure, and answer the key question of How much money do you need for a 10-day trip to Dubai? We have covered all aspects of traveling to Dubai for 10 days to reach the answer of why this trip is worth every dirham you’ll spend.
Why a 10-Day Dubai Trip Is Worth Every Dirham
If you’ve been leaving behind stressful workdays by looking forward to a relaxing trip, you may be wondering if ten days is enough to make the most of this dream trip. In reality, it’s the perfect amount of time to enjoy both aspects of the city: its lavish luxury modernity and deep-rooted traditions. As nothing can help you enjoy and make the most of your trip like a free and open mind, while Dubai can be expensive if you go all-out, it delivers value for every dirham, especially when you plan smartly. A 10-day stay allows you to explore Dubai’s attractions at your own pace and without any worries.
Here are just some experiences that make it all worth it:
Iconic Attractions
- Burj Khalifa Observation Deck: Popularly known as the tallest building in the world, it is one of the best places to visit in Dubai. The architectural brilliance of this iconic structure is a must-see sight. The view of the city and the skyline from the outdoor observation deck, called “At the Top” in Burj Khalifa, is also phenomenal.
- The Dubai Mall: Dubai Mall is the ultimate family entertainment destination with The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, children’s ‘edutainment’ concept Kidzania, and a massive indoor cinema complex – just some of the ways to keep everyone busy.
- Palm Jumeirah: Palm Jumeirah is shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above. The unique island is home to some of Dubai’s top luxury resorts, including Atlantis, The Palm, FIVE Palm Jumeirah Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, One&Only The Palm, and many more.
- Dubai Fountain Show: An overwhelmingly considered a ‘must-see’ attraction. It offers free public viewing of its mesmerising performances. Located at Dubai Mall promenade, spectators can enjoy the fountain shows without any admission fee.
Cultural Adventures
Dubai’s attractions are not limited to visiting the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Palm Jumeirah, but can also captivate any art and culture enthusiast. You can visit Dubai at any time of the year and witness unique cultural events such as spectacular art exhibitions, expos, and various museums. Here are three cultural adventure suggestions:
- Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and explore Dubai Museum.
- Take a traditional abra ride across Dubai Creek.
- Experience camel rides and desert safaris.
Unparalleled Food Celebration
You have to accept the fact that you are traveling to a city that allows you to taste every food you have ever dreamed of trying, from delicious dishes with Arabic-Emirati flavors and aromas to a variety of Western dishes made with the freshest ingredients and cooked by the most experienced chefs in the world. So welcome to the food celebration, where you can find food with a variety of tastes from all over the world. Even if food isn’t your top priority when traveling, Dubai can still appeal to any traveler by offering a delicious array of street food, sometimes including East Asian Street food. In short, you’ll never go hungry at this festival of flavors.
Money-Saving Tips for Dubai
It must have happened to you that the memory of an unforeseen or unplanned expense has not left your mind for a long time after the trip. Within the right strategy, you can enjoy a full 10-day trip without breaking the bank. Here are some of the most effective money-saving tips to stretch your travel budget:
Use Public Transport
You cannot imagine how reliable, clean, and affordable the Dubai Metro is. Taxis are more expensive (not only in Dubai but all over the world), so use the metro and buses whenever possible. You can also learn how to navigate the metro system using this comprehensive Dubai Metro Guide.
Affordable Accommodation
Make the best decision regarding accommodation based on your budget, whether you are single or with family. Skip hotels because they are mostly expensive. Better to consider whether to rent shared or monthly rentals, even if you stay only 10 days, monthly deals can be cheaper overall. Also, you can explore budget-friendly Monthly Room Rentals in Dubai for short-term stays.
Eat Like a Local
The glamour of Dubai’s luxury restaurants certainly tempts every traveler to dine, but try local restaurants or eat at mall food courts where meals cost less than 50 AED. Avoid touristy dining spots, especially in hotels or luxury neighborhoods. They’re usually overpriced.
Book in Advance
Avoid the common mistake of most visitors and wait in long lines to buy tickets and enter attractions. Many attractions offer discounts if you book online. Combo passes for Burj Khalifa + Aquarium can save you up to 30%.
Free Attractions
Contrary to popular belief that all tourist attractions in Dubai cost money, Dubai has numerous free attractions that are open to the public. Dubai also occasionally hosts free seasonal festivals with various themes for the public to visit. Here are some of these free attractions:
- Dubai Fountain shows
- Jumeirah Beach Walks
- Al Seef Historical Area
- Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Use Discount Cards
At first glance, getting discount cards may seem a bit difficult and time-consuming, but the reality is that getting these cards can save you money on this 10-day trip. The “Go Dubai Card” or “Dubai Pass” gives access to multiple attractions at a lower price.
Sample 10-Day Budget Plans
Certainly, careful and systematic planning before starting the trip is the key to enjoying your trip and avoiding overspending. Since an individual 10-day budget plan cannot be recommended to all travelers, in this section, we will try to present three sample budget plans for a 10-day trip by dividing travelers into three groups with three different budget ranges: Budget, Mid-Range, and Luxury. All prices are in AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham).
Budget Traveler (Approx. 2500–3500 AED)
This economic travel plan is especially suitable for backpackers, students, and solo travelers who are looking to evaluate immigration and permanent living conditions in Dubai and want to avoid spending too much money on their first trip.
| Category | Estimated Daily Cost | Total (10 Days) |
| Accommodation | 100 AED | 1000 AED |
| Meals | 50 AED | 500 AED |
| Transport | 20 AED | 200 AED |
| Attractions | 50 AED | 500 AED |
| Misc. | 80 AED | 800 AED |
| Total | 3,000 AED | |
Mid-Range Traveler (Approx. 6000–10,000 AED)
It’s perfect if you’re planning to travel to Dubai with your family or as a couple and want to avoid unnecessary spending while enjoying a comfortable trip.
| Category | Estimated Daily Cost | Total (10 Days) |
| Accommodation | 250 AED | 2500 AED |
| Meals | 250 AED | 2500 AED |
| Transport | 40 AED | 400 AED |
| Attractions | 100 AED | 1000 AED |
| Misc. | 300 AED | 3000 AED |
| Total | 9,400 AED | |
Luxury Traveler (Approx. 10,000+ AED)
For those who are seeking high-end experiences, Dubai is the dream destination. If you’re thinking of an approximate budget, here is a luxury sample of a 10-Days trip to Dubai.
| Category | Estimated Daily Cost | Total (10 Days) |
| Accommodation | 500 AED | 5000 AED |
| Meals | 400 AED | 4000 AED |
| Transport | 100 AED | 1000 AED |
| Attractions | 200 AED | 2000 AED |
| Misc. | 1000 AED | 10000 AED |
| Total | 22,000+ AED | |
Entertainment and Activities Costs
As mentioned earlier, travelers travel to Dubai for different tourism purposes. But for most travelers planning a ten-day leisure trip to Dubai for themselves or their family, the cost of activities or entertainment in Dubai can be a concern. Especially since Dubai is a city full of enchanting entertainment. Not only ten days, but perhaps a month is not enough to enjoy most of them. Entertainment that sometimes includes multiple items and sometimes dinner, and its cost increases. If you’re visiting as a family or group, bundle offers and group passes can significantly reduce prices per person. Also, don’t forget hidden costs like bottled water, SIM cards, and souvenirs. Always budget 10–15% extra for surprises or last-minute splurges. Let’s break down some average costs so you can prioritize based on your interests.
Top Attractions and Their Costs (in AED Per Person)
It’s true that some of Dubai’s top attractions may be expensive, but don’t doubt that some of them are worth trying once and won’t make you regret not trying them later. Here is a brief overview of the cost of some of Dubai’s top attractions. (It should be noted that the entrance price of some of these attractions may have changed by the time you read this article, so it is recommended to inquire about their exact price on their website.)
- Burj Khalifa (Level 124 & 125): 169 AED
- Dubai Aquarium + Underwater Zoo: 120 AED
- Desert Safari with BBQ dinner: 180–300 AED
- Dubai Frame: 50 AED
- Dhow Cruise with Dinner: 150 AED
- Ski Dubai (Snow Classic Pass): 230 AED
- Museum of the Future: 145 AED
- Ain Dubai (Ferris wheel): 130 AED
Free or Low-Cost Experiences:
As we’ve already discussed, you don’t have to spend money to enjoy your trip, as Dubai is a city that has something for everyone. It won’t let any traveler return home regretting their choice. Here are some of the free attractions or cheap experiences in Dubai.
- The Dubai Mall & Fountain Show: Free
- JBR Walk & Beach: Free
- Al Fahidi Neighborhood: Free
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah: Free to enter
- Global Village: 20 AED entry (seasonal)
Conclusion
So, how much money do you need for a 10-day trip to Dubai? The short answer: It really depends on several factors and how you prefer to experience this ten-day trip. Some people consider traveling to be a huge expense, but many take it easy and consider other aspects of travel as the criteria for their enjoyment. You could spend as little as 3,000 AED but still enjoy delicious local cuisine and visit many free or cheap tourist attractions with public transportation. Or you could treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind luxury vacation that will cost you around 25,000 dirhams. It all depends on you and your preferences and priorities.
Regardless of your budget, Dubai offers a top-class experience for every type of traveler—from hitchhike backpackers to luxury travelers. A smart plan will always help you face the unexpected with more peace of mind while traveling. Whether you are a solo traveler, traveling as a couple, or with your family, it is very important to make the best decision and plan carefully. You can also make your ten-day dream vacation in Dubai memorable and affordable by using tools like the Dubai Metro Guide and staying in affordable places like monthly room rentals in Dubai.
