Exploring Dubai on a student budget

Dubai has a reputation for being luxurious and expensive, which can make it feel intimidating for students, especially if you’re an international student thinking about moving here.

While I felt the same way earlier on, living here for 10 years has shown me tips and tricks which will help you spend your money smartly.

Low-cost activities to enjoy in Dubai

There are many different spots and activities you can do for free or at a low cost in Dubai.

Free attractions

Old Dubai

Old Souk, Al Seef and similar parts of Dubai are a great way to experience the local culture while getting your steps in. While some activities nearby might be paid (usually cheap), the places themselves are totally free to visit

Beaches

There are many beach locations, such as JBR and Kite Beach, which offer stunning beaches and views which are free to visit

Parks

Public parks are one of my favourite places to go to on weekends with friends, since they mainly have free entry and are a great spot to have a picnic or just relax. One of my favourite options is the park in Silicon Oasis, which is close to the University

Malls

Popular malls, such as Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall, are nice to explore. They’re also easily and cheaply accessible through the metro (between AED 5-15 from most stations)

Low-cost attractions

Global Village

The iconic Global Village is a multicultural attraction, well known in Dubai for being a great spot to see different cultures and try out good food. The entry fee is AED 25-30, depending on the day, making it a cheap base attraction to visit

Pop-ups

Winter pop-ups are common in Dubai and are one of Dubai’s hidden gems. One of my favourite pop-up spots so far this year has been Marsa Boulevard, which is free to walk around and has viral eateries

Food: places to go without overspending

On the University of Birmingham Dubai campus, the Food Atrium is a good choice to get lunch in between lectures without being too expensive. One new feature is the recent addition of the cost-effective noodle bar, where noodles are only AED 10.

In terms of food chains, food courts at malls often have a range of options you can pick from – while there are some pricy options, you are guaranteed to find cheap options as well. I especially prefer food courts in group settings, as it’s a cheap place to eat with friends without worrying about overspending.

You can often also find some of these options available for delivery, which is a perfect choice when staying home. Plus, many online delivery apps often hold promotions or discounts on certain restaurants, which makes it much easier to try food from new cuisines or places without wasting your money.

And for healthier options, which don’t include eating out, shopping for groceries in some economic retail supermarkets, such as Lulu Hypermarket and Union Co-op, typically sell groceries and common goods for a much lower price than in other places, which we know can be expensive.

General money-saving tips for students

From my personal struggles of being a student in Dubai, here are some final general tips to save money.

Use public transport when possible. Although Dubai isn’t fully connected by public transport, many malls and common areas are connected by bus or metro. I would fully recommend you get a NOL card, as it can save you tons of money from getting taxis.

Also, places like cinemas, museums, and attractions often offer student discounts, even if they’re not advertised. Student Nol cards, certain bank cards, membership cards and many other options might have discounts, so make sure to check if you’re eligible.

Conclusion

Living in Dubai might have its expensive and glamorous parts, but it also has an accessible side which is friendly to student budgets. Once you learn what spots and tricks work for you, spending will feel less intimidating and much more manageable.