Is it cheap for Americans to visit Dubai?
I'd say that the average cost of a trip to Dubai, for a week, per person, in 2023, ranges between £650 – 970 (US$795 – 1,186) for budget travellers. For a mid-range budget, expect to spend around £1,300 – 1,950 (US$1,590 – 2,385), and for a luxury holiday anything from £3,800 (US$4,650) upwards.
The most favorable price for a 500 mL can of regular Coca-Cola in Dubai, UAE is AED 5 and can be purchased at Supermart with the added bonus of free shipping and same-day delivery. Supermart also offers the product for up to AED 5. See also Where Can You Buy Dubai Cake?
| Dubai Packages for 6 Nights 7 Days | Day/Night | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai - Wild Wadi Special Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹48,658 |
| Budget-Friendly Dubai Holiday Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹46,883 |
| Indulgence in Dubai & Abu Dhabi Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹52,063 |
| The Middle Eastern Duo Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹1,26,548 |
A family of four estimated monthly costs are 3,493.2$ (12,828.3AED) without rent. A single person estimated monthly costs are 1,011.8$ (3,715.7AED) without rent. Dubai is 35.3% less expensive than New York (without rent). Rent in Dubai is, on average, 51.3% lower than in New York.
Exercise increased caution in the United Arab Emirates due to the threat of missile or drone attacks and terrorism. Country Summary: The possibility of attacks affecting U.S. citizens and interests in the Gulf and Arabian Peninsula remains an ongoing, serious concern.
Dubai is an amazing travel destination full of exciting attractions and unique experiences that you won't find anywhere else in the world. Though neighboring Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE, Dubai is the largest city in the country. It has a larger population and a larger airport.
The price of Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) in Dubai is Dirham 30. This average is based on 17 price points. It can be considered reliable and accurate. Latest update: May 08, 2023.
However, there are still affordable options available, such as budget hotels and street food. A week-long vacation in Dubai can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on your preferences and travel style.
Generally, the legal age for drinking alcohol is 18 in Abu Dhabi, but a Ministry of Tourism by-law prevents hotels from serving alcohol to those under the age of 21. In Dubai and all other emirates besides Sharjah, the drinking age is 21. Drinking alcohol in Sharjah is illegal.
While travelling to Dubai, you can carry AED and other currencies up to the limit of $3000. The general limit for an individual under Liberalised Remittance plan for Resident Individuals is $2,50,000 per financial year.
How many days are enough for Dubai?
If interested in planning a Dubai itinerary, then a stay of about 5 days is the best amount of time to squeeze all of the tourism juices out of this illustrious middle eastern gem.
| Type of Apartment | Cost of rent per month |
|---|---|
| Apartment (1 bedroom) Outside of Centre | AED 3,281.72 (USD 893.47) |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) in City Centre | AED 9,766.53 (USD 2 659.01) |
| Apartment (3 bedrooms) Outside of Centre | AED 6,792.74 (USD 1 849.38) |
Absolutely. English is the most commonly spoken language in Dubai. With a high number of expats, most of whom speak English as a native or second language, you'll find it easy to make your way around. From road signs and menus to phone directories and public transport, English is always an option.
- Dubai Marina - luxury apartments with waterfront views.
- Arabian Ranches - a gated family-oriented villa community in a quiet suburb.
- Downtown Dubai - luxury apartments in the center of Dubai near various attractions.
The UAE/Dubai government and people are not as politically/religiously charged as some other countries in the Gulf, and so there is a high degree of tolerance and co-existenence with the many nationalities that reside here. If you are planning a trip here- come with no worries - its a great place to visit and enjoy.
Anything too short or revealing is not accepted. What to wear in Dubai during summer? Tourists can wear anything they wish as long as they abide by the general dress code of covering the shoulders and knees. Since it is very hot, cotton, linen, or breathable material is preferred for clothes.
The UAE Federal Labour Law doesn't have provisions for minimum wage. This means that, unlike most cities, the Emirate of Dubai doesn't have a fixed base salary for employees.
Dubai is often said to be a very car-focused city but much of it is extremely walkable, helped by the fact that the city is almost completely flat.
“Dubai offers lifestyle choices. You have the freedom to practise religion or not to practise religion. We have a relatively secure and safe environment, and lots of great infrastructure, health care and schools.”
Most public places in Dubai will accommodate decent ripped jeans. For example, you can wear them in the desert, old Dubai, public transport, and shopping malls. However, if they are extremely ripped, avoid wearing the jeans in such places. Wear such in hotels, party brunches, beach clubs, and bars.
Can you eat pork in Dubai?
Pork is considered haram (forbidden) in Muslim culture but there are places in Dubai that have a license to sell them. Pork counters are marked with “Pork Section: For Non-Muslims”. You can buy pork sausages, bellies, loins, ribs, chops, bacon, etc.
Alcohol prices are notoriously high in Dubai, with pints costing around 45 AED (€11) in many hotel bars.
You will need cash in Dubai quite rarely. Try not to use it for big purchases. Book accommodation and pay for it online, we normally use Agoda for Asia as they are reliable specialists for the region. It's annoying to have to find a bank and withdraw cash when you're travelling, so use your card where you can.
If you plan on visiting either, remember to wear loose-fitting and conservative clothing, so avoid shorts and keep ankles covered. Women should also cover their head and arms before entering. You can bring a shawl of your own, but some mosques also let visitors borrow abayas.
Generally, a mid-range meal for one person at a restaurant in Dubai can cost around AED 50-100 (USD 14-27), while a high-end restaurant can charge upwards of AED 300 (USD 82) per person.
You can wear shorts in Dubai and even skirts, if they are at knee length and not shorter than that. Just be mindful of the fact that there are a lot of families and children there.
One of the most frequently asked questions and confusing areas of Islamic Law and local customs that visitors to Dubai need to be aware of is around whether it is legal to drink alcohol in Dubai. The short answer – for non-Muslims – is YES, you can drink alcohol in Dubai.
Tourists are permitted to drink in licensed restaurants, hotels and bars attached to licensed hotels. It is unacceptable and punishable to drink in public places—even beaches. Dubai is incredibly strict about public drunkenness and has zero tolerance for drinking and driving.
It's pretty uncommon to pay for goods and services in Dubai with any currency other than the Dirham. However, International credit and debit cards, such as Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted at retailers. ATMs are situated nearly everywhere, and foreign debit cards can usually be used in order to take out cash.
In line with international criteria and global best practices, when entering or exiting the UAE, you are required to declare cash, or any other financial instrument exceeding AED 60,000. There is no restriction on the amount of cash that you may carry. The declaration is for monitoring and statistical purposes.
Is it better to carry cash or card in Dubai?
Credit cards oil the wheels of daily life in Dubai and can be used at all malls and major restaurants. Cash comes in for smaller purchases like coffee, taxi rides, and inexpensive items in the tourist souks. Try to always carry some smaller bills, as nobody ever seems to have change.
Comparing it to the price that I'd pay in the US and ultimately pay upon conversion, it's still cheaper. Gucci is also similar in the price saving.
- Luqaimat. These hot dumplings have a similar taste and texture to doughnuts. ...
- Knafeh. Originally from Palestine, this pastry dish has become a firm favourite with locals in the UAE. ...
- Camel. ...
- Turkish co*cktails. ...
- Samboosa. ...
- Arabic coffee and dates. ...
- Margoogat. ...
- Chebab.
Louis Vuitton bags 16% more expensive in UAE compared to France. Handbags by French luxury brand Louis Vuitton are 16 percent more expensive in the UAE compared to France, where the fashion house is based, according to new research.
If you want to “see it all” and explore more of the UAE and the Arabian Peninsula, no, it's not enough; we'd recommend two weeks to thoroughly cover the United Arab Emirates. 7 days will be a good sample though of everything the country has to offer but with plenty left to enjoy on future trips to Dubai.
| Dubai Packages for 4 Nights 5 Days | Day/Night | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Explorer Family Package Package | 5 Days/4 Nights | ₹59,250 |
| Dubai Holiday 4N - Super Saver Package | 5 Days/4 Nights | ₹57,548 |
| Wonderful Dubai Holiday Package | 5 Days/4 Nights | ₹48,736 |
| Dubai - The Best of Dubai Package | 5 Days/4 Nights | ₹49,988 |
1 USD = 3.672145 AED May 21, 2023 07:20 UTC
Check the currency rates against all the world currencies here. The currency converter below is easy to use and the currency rates are updated frequently.
Hello / Goodbye
While in Dubai, the most common greetings visitors will come across are marhaba (hello) and maasalaamah (goodbye or with peace).
What is Dubai crime rate?
| Major Crimes | 2016 | 2017 |
|---|---|---|
| Aggravated Assault | 1.9 | 1.2 |
| Rape | 0.2 | 0.2 |
| Robbery | 2.7 | 2.1 |
| Theft | 13.7 | 12.6 |
Absence of taxation
There is currently no personal income tax in the United Arab Emirates. As such, there are no individual tax registration or reporting obligations.
UAE Tax Filing Not Required
As an American in the UAE, you'll only need to file taxes on the U.S. side as the UAE doesn't tax income. You may be able lower your U.S. bill using the foreign earned income exclusion. This provision allows you to exclude your wages from your U.S. taxes.
When moving to Dubai from the US you would have to obtain an UAE visa to live in the city of Dubai. However, it is fairly simple to apply for one and you can check out which type of visa you will need by visiting the UAE immigration website.
Dubai is, in fact, one of the safest Middle Eastern cities for tourists. Its stricter laws mean that crime is kept to a minimum, and many tourists feel much safer in Dubai than they do in other parts of the globe. The crime rate in Dubai is much lower than comparable countries in other regions in the world.
Despite its expensive reputation, Dubai's cost of living is 35% less expensive than New York City. According to Numbeo, rent in Dubai is 51.4% lower on average than in the Big Apple. To maintain a standard of living in New York City that costs $8,190 to $10,010 per month, you would need $4,684 to $5,725 in Dubai.
The average cost of food in Dubai is AED150 per day per person. The food cost in Dubai per month can vary depending on individual preferences and eating habits. However, as a rough estimate, one can expect to spend around 100–150 AED per day on food in Dubai.
| Dubai Packages | Day/Night | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai - The Best of Dubai Package | 5 Days/4 Nights | ₹49,988 |
| Dubai - Super Saver Package | 4 Days/3 Nights | ₹40,192 |
| Super Deal - Dubai Package | 6 Days/5 Nights | ₹47,224 |
| Indulgence in Dubai & Abu Dhabi Package | 7 Days/6 Nights | ₹52,657 |
| Visa Type | Visa Cost (AED) | Visa Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Visa | 350 | 95 |
| Urgent Visa | 500 | 135 |
| 90 Days Visa | 800 | 220 |
| 60 Days Visa | 900 | 245 |
It's always a good idea to have some cash on you. In Dubai taxis should all have the equipment necessary to take electronic payments. However, these can sometimes be out of order, so a cash backup is essential.
Are there a lot of Americans in Dubai?
Many Americans are also making the move permanently (or at least longer-term), with over 40,000 already living in Dubai. It can be daunting to move, especially if you're going halfway across the world, many time zones away from family and friends.
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Sightseeing and activities | $100 to $300 USD per person |
| Travel insurance | $50 to $200 USD per person |
| Souvenirs and miscellaneous expenses | $50 to $100 USD per person |
| Total | $1,110 to $2,500 USD per person |
The price of Combo meal in fast food restaurant (Big Mac Meal or similar) in Dubai is Dirham 30. This average is based on 17 price points. It can be considered reliable and accurate. Latest update: May 08, 2023.
The average price of a 7-day trip to Dubai is $1,498 for a solo traveler, $2,690 for a couple, and $5,044 for a family of 4. Dubai hotels range from $35 to $107 per night with an average of $46, while most vacation rentals will cost $210 to $530 per night for the entire home.
In Dubai, you don't have to tip, as a service charge is built into the prices (especially with restaurants). It won't be considered rude if you don't leave the staff any dirhams. With that said, remember that the service charge goes to the business—not directly to the staff that served you.
November to February is considered to be the best time to visit this emirate, as temperatures are pleasant and there's a buzz in the air with a range of events and activities from the Dubai Shopping and Food Festivals to the Dubai World Cup.
The visa is a multiple-entry visa, valid for five (5) years, with a maximum stay of (180) days each entry. If you change your passport to the same type, please carry the old passport that containing a valid visa with the recent passport and no need to apply for a new visa.
- A colour passport photograph.
- A colour copy of your passport (must be valid for six months)
- A copy of your Emirates flight ticket, or your flight ticket from our codeshare partner.
- The visa application form.
Yes. US Citizens need a visa to enter Dubai and can apply for a UAE visa on arrival. US green card holders, like Indian passport holders with green cards, can also apply for a UAE visa on arrival.
