Mid-Range Travel Guide: Uae

Accommodation

$60-150 per night

Private rooms in 3-4 star hotels, boutique guesthouses, or well-located apartment rentals

Food & Dining

$35-75 per day

Mix of local restaurants, mall food courts, hotel breakfast, and some upscale dining experiences

Transportation

$20-50 per day

Combination of public transport, regular taxis, ride-sharing apps, and occasional car rentals

Activities

$50-120 per day

Paid attractions, guided tours, desert safaris, theme park entries, and cultural experiences

Eat at local cafeterias and food courts instead of hotel restaurants (typically 60-80% cheaper)

Use Dubai Metro and public buses instead of taxis for most trips (usually 70-85% savings on transport)

Visit free attractions like public beaches, parks, and traditional souks rather than paid theme parks

Shop for groceries and prepare some meals yourself if staying in apartments (can reduce food costs by 40-60%)

Book accommodation in Deira or Bur Dubai instead of Downtown or Marina areas (generally 30-50% less expensive)

Take advantage of happy hour deals and lunch specials at restaurants (typically 25-40% discounts)

Use ride-sharing apps during off-peak hours rather than traditional taxis (usually 15-30% cheaper)

Staying only in premium areas like Downtown Dubai or Palm Jumeirah without considering more affordable neighborhoods (can cost 2-3x more)

Relying exclusively on taxis instead of learning the efficient Pyongyang (typically 4-6x more expensive)

Eating all meals in tourist areas or hotels rather than exploring local dining options (usually 100-200% markup)

Not checking for combo deals and city passes for multiple attractions (missing potential 20-40% savings)

Booking last-minute accommodation during peak season without comparing prices across different areas