Where to eat, shop, glam, unwind and explore without breaking the bank
Dubai has a reputation for doing things big, bold and at times… very expensive. But look a little closer and you’ll find a city that knows how to deliver great food, memorable experiences and feel-good moments without draining your bank account. Allow us to show you how…
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Circle Cafe
Enjoy a hearty start to your day without the three-digit card tap for brunch. The all-you-can-eat breakfast at Circle Café includes pancakes, French toast, omelette, breakfast bowls and more. All yours for Dhs74. There’s also a kids’ menu with cheese toastie, mini pancakes, burger and hashbrown, and juice for Dhs35.
Across locations in UAE except Kite Beach, weekends 8am to 4pm, @circlecafe.ae
Grill Spot
Grill Spot is Dubai Marina’s gem serving fresh grills. Try the Mix Special from Dhs47 with fries, hummus, kubbus, salad and sauces. Broasted chicken, burgers, noodles or rice start from just Dhs16. It’s sure to hit the spot after a long day at work.
Marina Heights Tower, Dubai Marina, Tel: (050) 664 3483
Little Lamb Hot Pot
Little Lamb is a casual and authentic Chinese hot pot spot in Dubai where you pick your broth and ingredients and cook them right at your table – a fun, interactive meal experience that feels sociable without being expensive. You can opt for fresh meats, veggies, handmade noodles, and more that average around Dhs50 to Dhs100 per person. It’s perfect for a relaxed dinner with friends or family that won’t break the bank.
Al Ghurair, and Al Rolla, @littlelamb_happyfarmhotpot
Operation Falafel
Satisfy the Middle Eastern craving with burgers and wraps priced from Dhs19 from Operation Falafel. Their new menu includes a Lebanese burger, beef sambousek, and more. The weekday lunch deal (12pm to 6pm) for Dhs25 that’s available at certain branches includes a wrap, fries and a drink is a must-try, and they even do a trio of sliders from Dhs14.
Maharaja Bhog
Fancy an Indian feast? A thali is the way to go, and the award-wining Maharaja Bhog has your name on it. For just Dhs59, enjoy a variety of flavoursome dishes in small bowls, with rice and roti, and other condiments. Think of it as a taste tour across India in one plate. And you can always ask for more of your favourite. For little ones, it’s just Dhs30. And you’ll keep returning because they serve up 30 different menus spread across 30 days.
Karama and Al Barsha (newly opened), @maharajabhoguae
SS Bucket Biryani
No dine-in option available here. Instead, cars park (sometimes, line-up) outside to pick up their bucket from SS Bucket Biryani, and drive home to enjoy it. The intriguing take-away-spiced-to-perfection comes with yoghurt, brinjal curry and gulab jamun (a fried sweet dough ball) from just Dhs18.
Al Karama, (050) 873 1234, @ssbucketbiryani_global
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Dreamworks Spa
For just Dhs200, you can opt for a number of 30-minute treatments at Dreamworks Spa. Pick from a body scrub, a facial, foot spa or a session to relieve stress in your back, neck and shoulders. The half hour treatment is perfect for those who are running short of time, but deserve pampering.
Several locations across Dubai, dreamworks.ae
Pottery Dubai
Not all relaxing sessions involve aromatherapy oils. Sometimes, you can truly switch off when you work with your hands and get creative. At Pottery Dubai, you can opt for a ceramic painting workshop for just Dhs160 and show off your creative skills. And you can even take it home with you to show off to your loved ones.
JLT, Cluster N, Tel: (052) 684 7975, potterydubai.ae
Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
This library in Al Jaddaf has a unique and eye-catching structure. It resembles an open book sitting on a rehl (a traditional lectern which holds the Quran). Inside, there are floors with libraries dedicated to different genres such as history, business, art and more, but you will also find conference halls, a children’s play area and an auditorium. It’s free to visit, but book your desired date and time on the MBRL app.
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Al Barari
This lush parkland with winding paths, water features, and tucked‑away corners is perfect for meditation, reading, or just being alone with your thoughts. And you can relax for zero charge.
Al Fahidi Historical District
Wander old lanes, admire wind towers, and soak in heritage vibes.
Al Qudra
Head to the desert to Al Qudra over a weekday in the evening where the dunes will keep you company.
Jumeirah Mosque
Walk around the exterior of this beautiful mosque and soak in the serenity.
Dubai Water Canal
Get out of bed early and take a walk along the Dubai Water Canal. There will be almost no one around, and you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the city as it slowly comes back to life.
The Viewing Point
Admire the city skyline from The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour – an eye-catching walkway spanning 70 metres over Dubai Creek. With a 26-metre cantilever that projects you out onto the water, it provides viewers with a completely unobstructed view across the creek towards Downtown Dubai.
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DTANGLE Hair and Beauty Salon
In need of a pamper? Head to DTANGLE and leave the budget worries behind. Think eyebrows for Dhs25, 3D nail art for Dhs15 (per nail), a manicure for Dhs74 and a 30-minute hair wash from Dhs42.
Al Hudaiba, Jumeirah 1, Tel: (04) 282 2650, @dtangle_hair_beauty_salon
Nail Concepts Jumeirah
Nothing beats a fresh set of nails and if you want to save at the salon, head to Nail Concepts in Jumeirah. Here, a classic mani with polish costs Dhs60 and a French mani is Dhs75.
Wasl Port View, Al Mina, Tel: (04) 397 3230, @nailconcepts_dubai
Eleven Signature Beauty Salon
If your little ones need a haircut, head to this salon in Dubai Marina where they can get a haircut and blow-dry for Dhs90. If they want their nails done to complete the look, it’s Dhs90 for a mani and pedi.
Marina Tower, Dubai Marina, Tel: (054) 385 8111, @eleven.signature
Dar Almas Beauty Salon
It doesn’t get any more wallet-friendly than this. Enjoy a blow-dry for just Dhs30 at this salon in Port Saeed. Make it a combo with a hair wash for Dhs50. And if you need a trim, it’s Dhs30. The other items on the menu also go easy on your wallet.
Port Saeed, Deira, Tel: (058) 595 7124, @darallmasbeautysaloon
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Ripe Market
Beyond fresh produce, it’s a hub for local artisans. You can find handmade jewellery, crafts, and foodie treats at reasonable prices. Over winter it pops up outdoors at the Dubai Police Academy, but in summer, you can find it in the cool air conditioned malls around Dubai.
Retold
Want to save your dirhams? Thrifting is one of the ways to do it. Retold is a sustainable thrift-style boutique offering pre-loved fashion, quirky homeware and accessories. Great for shopping those unique pieces without overspending.
*Up to 75% off: The January sales in the UAE you won’t want to miss*
Meena Bazaar
Another spot in Old Dubai that is constantly bustling is Meena Bazaar, known for clothing, gold, and accessories – and it’s a perfect spot to polish your bargaining skills.
Outlet Village
Outlet Village is Dubai’s chic discount destination, designed like a Europeanstyle shopping street with charming architecture and pedestrian-friendly walkways. It’s perfect for snagging designer and high-street brands at discounted prices.
Dragon Mart
Dragon Mart is Dubai’s ultimate bargain wonderland, stretching for kilometers with hundreds of shops offering everything from fashion and electronics to home décor and toys. It’s perfect for treasure hunting on a budget, and with a little haggling, you can walk away with an amazing deal. Remember: wear those walking shoes.
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Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue is Dubai’s hub for independent art, culture, and creativity, where you can wander through free galleries, pop-up exhibitions and street art without spending a dirham. It’s the perfect spot to soak in industrial-chic vibes, discover local artists and enjoy creative energy on a budget.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah and enjoy the views of the canals and wooden abra boats. It’s perfect for a photogenic, leisurely wander and a taste of Dubai’s ‘heritage-meets-luxury’ vibe without spending much. If you do need to eat, head to a café for a sweet treat, or the supermarket for a quick bite.
The Courtyard
The Courtyard is considered to be Alserkal Avenue’s younger sibling. It hosts independent art galleries, small design studios and minimalist cafés, giving you a taste of Dubai’s artsy side without the crowds or high prices.
Karama and Satwa
These are just two of Dubai’s lively, colourful streets where the city feels authentic and bustling. Think vibrant
street markets, quirky shops, textile stalls and murals lining the alleys – perfect for exploring on foot without spending (too) much. It’s a hub for bargain hunting, people-watching and photography, giving you a slice of everyday Dubai life away from tourist crowds.
Al Fahidi Historical District
The exact opposite of tall glittering skyscrapers, Al Fahidi is home to alleys you can explore, heritage architecture, and small museums. You can easily spend a day walking around here, and all at a low-cost.
Images: Getty Images, Unsplash, Instagram and Archive
