How much spending money do you need in Dubai? (UK visitor edition)

Dubai has become one of the most popular holiday destinations for people from the United Kingdom. With its glittering skyscrapers, world-class shopping malls, pristine beaches, and a mix of modern luxury with cultural traditions, the city attracts millions of tourists every year. But for many planning their first trip, a key question arises: how much spending money do you need in Dubai?

This guide is written specifically with UK visitors in mind. It covers everything from dining and attractions to transport and shopping, so you can create a realistic budget before boarding your flight. Whether you are planning a luxury escape, a mid-range family holiday, or a budget-friendly break, this article will help you estimate the right amount of money to bring.

Understanding Dubai’s Currency and Exchange Rates

Before we dive into actual costs, let’s look at the basics. Dubai uses the UAE dirham (AED) as its currency. As of recent exchange rates, one British pound (£1) is worth approximately 4.5 to 4.7 AED. This rate fluctuates, so it is worth checking closer to your travel dates.

For UK tourists, there are several convenient options for handling money in Dubai. You can exchange cash in the UK before travelling, withdraw money directly from ATMs in Dubai, or use a prepaid travel card. Contactless card payments are accepted almost everywhere, from coffee shops to luxury boutiques. ATMs are widely available and safe to use, so you will never be short of access to your funds.

If you are also thinking about staying connected during your trip, see more about how to use your UK SIM or get a UAE SIM in Dubai.

Flights and Accommodation: The Costs Before You Land

When planning Dubai travel for UK tourists, it is important to separate the pre-trip expenses from daily spending money. Flights and accommodation usually take up the biggest chunk of your budget before you even set foot in the UAE.

Direct flights from London to Dubai with airlines like Emirates, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic typically cost between £350 and £650 for a return ticket in economy class. Prices fluctuate depending on the season, with peak travel times such as Christmas, Easter, and October half-term costing more. For more details on carriers and deals, keep reading about the best airlines flying from the UK to Dubai. If you’re hunting for bargains, see our tips for booking cheap flights from London, Manchester, or Birmingham to Dubai.

Accommodation costs vary just as widely. Budget travellers can find hostels or budget hotels starting at £30 per night, while those seeking luxury can stay at iconic properties like the Burj Al Arab for £1,000 or more per night. Most UK tourists opt for mid-range 4-star or 5-star hotels, which usually range from £100 to £200 per night for a double room.

Daily Spending Money for UK Visitors in Dubai

Your daily spending money depends heavily on your personal travel style. To help you prepare, here are the main areas where UK tourists typically spend their money in Dubai.

Food and Drink in Dubai

Food is one of the biggest variables when calculating how much spending money you need in Dubai. The city offers everything from street food to Michelin-starred fine dining.

• Budget meals such as shawarma, falafel, or local curries: £5 to £10 per person
• Mid-range restaurants in malls or hotel cafes: £20 to £40 per person
• Fine dining restaurants: £80 and upwards per person

Alcohol is expensive in Dubai since it is only available in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and private clubs. Expect to pay around £10 for a pint of beer and £15 to £20 for a cocktail. A bottle of house wine can easily cost £40 to £60 in restaurants.

On average, UK tourists spend between £40 and £70 per day on food and drink, although this can go higher if you dine in luxury restaurants regularly. Curious about unique dining experiences? Explore where to find afternoon tea with a view in Dubai.

Transport Options and Costs

Dubai is a sprawling city but has excellent transport options for visitors.

The Dubai Metro is clean, efficient, and affordable, with fares ranging between £1 and £2 per journey. Taxis are more expensive than the metro but are still cheaper than in London. A short trip costs around £5 to £15, while a ride from Dubai International Airport to Downtown Dubai usually costs £25 to £35.

For those who prefer more flexibility, car rentals are an option at around £30 to £40 per day. Petrol prices are significantly lower than in the UK, which makes driving a good value for those planning to explore outside the city.

For most UK visitors, budgeting £10 to £20 per day for transport is realistic, unless you are relying on taxis for every journey. For more practical guidance, learn more about how to get around Dubai including metro, taxis, Uber, and car rental.

Attractions and Activities

Dubai is packed with attractions, and these can quickly become the most expensive part of your spending money.

Here is a breakdown of popular activities and their approximate costs:

Some activities are free, including strolling along JBR Beach, exploring local souks, or watching the Dubai Fountain show outside the Burj Khalifa. If you plan two to three paid attractions per day, expect to spend around £60 to £100 daily.

Want to dive deeper? See our Dubai desert safari guide to know what to expect and the best providers. If you are comparing landmarks, [explore Dubai Frame vs Burj Khalifa to decide which to visit. Families travelling with children should [keep reading about the best Dubai theme parks for kids like Legoland, IMG, and Motiongate] and [see our list of family-friendly attractions in Dubai for UK visitors.

For cultural immersion, explore Dubai Creek, Old Dubai, and Souks. If you have extra days, see more about day trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Hatta, and Al Ain.

Shopping in Dubai

No discussion about Dubai travel for UK tourists would be complete without covering shopping. Dubai is one of the best shopping destinations in the world, home to massive malls and traditional markets.

• Souvenirs such as magnets, scarves, or spices: £5 to £20 each
• Gold and jewellery from souks: prices vary depending on market rates
• Luxury shopping at malls like Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates: £200 to several thousand pounds

If you are planning to shop, your spending money can easily double. Many UK tourists budget at least £100 to £300 for shopping during their trip, while others set aside thousands for luxury purchases. For choosing where to stay near shopping areas, see our guide on JBR vs Dubai Marina vs Downtown.

Suggested Daily Budgets for Different Traveller Types

To make budgeting easier, here are suggested daily amounts based on travel style:

• Budget traveller: £50 to £80 per day
• Mid-range traveller: £120 to £200 per day
• Luxury traveller: £300 or more per day

These estimates include food, transport, and activities but not flights or accommodation.

Total Costs for a One-Week Stay in Dubai

Let’s combine everything to give a realistic picture of how much spending money you need in Dubai for a one-week trip:

• Budget holiday: £400 to £600 per person
• Mid-range holiday: £800 to £1,400 per person
• Luxury holiday: £2,000 or more per person

This range will cover dining, activities, transport, and a little shopping.

Tips for UK Tourists to Save Money in Dubai

Dubai does not have to be an expensive destination if you plan wisely. Here are some money-saving tips for UK travellers:

• Book tickets for attractions online in advance to get discounts.
• Use the metro for most journeys and only take taxis when necessary.
• Eat at local restaurants away from hotels to save on food costs.
• Explore free attractions such as beaches, markets, and fountain shows.
• Travel during off-peak months for cheaper hotels.

Before you pack your bags, keep reading about what to pack for Dubai as a UK traveller and see the best travel insurance options for UK residents visiting Dubai.

Cultural Etiquette and Practical Advice

While Dubai is modern and cosmopolitan, visitors from the UK should be aware of local customs. Dressing modestly in public areas is advised, alcohol is only available in licensed venues, and public behaviour should be respectful. These cultural practices do not affect your budget directly but they enhance your overall travel experience.

Example 7-Day Itinerary for UK Visitors

Here is an example of how a mid-range UK traveller might spend one week in Dubai, including activities and estimated costs:

• Day 1: Arrival, explore Dubai Mall, watch fountain show (£40)
• Day 2: Visit Burj Khalifa, desert safari with dinner (£100)
• Day 3: Relax at JBR Beach, explore souks, dine locally (£50)
• Day 4: Spend the day at Atlantis Water Park and Marina Walk (£90)
• Day 5: Day trip to Abu Dhabi including mosque visit (£120)
• Day 6: Shopping at Dubai Mall and cultural tour (£80)
• Day 7: Relax at hotel and enjoy farewell dinner (£70)

This itinerary brings the total to around £550 to £600 for food and activities, not including hotels. For even more ideas, [keep reading about the best things to do in Dubai for first-time visitors].

Ready to Plan Your Dubai Adventure?

Now that you know exactly how much spending money you need in Dubai, you can start planning your dream trip with confidence. Whether you are a budget traveller wanting to explore the city on a modest allowance or a luxury visitor ready to indulge in fine dining and high-end shopping, Dubai offers something for everyone.

To prepare even better, explore our Dubai airport guide to know what UK travellers should expect, see tips for booking cheap flights from London, Manchester, or Birmingham, and keep reading about day trips from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Hatta, and Al Ain. Sports fans can also explore where to play golf in Dubai and discover the top courses for UK travellers.