The UAE, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, is portrayed as a luxury destination. The Netflix series Dubai Bling only helps to perpetuate that stereotype. Most visitors spend AED 1,060 (US$289) per day, yet backpackers do it on AED 420 (US$115) a day. Their secret? They visit these cities as if they’re locals, go to neighborhood eateries, and do things everyday Emiratis and expats do. Here are the hidden deals that you may not be aware of.

How and Where to Eat Like a Local

Eat out at most tourist restaurants and your daily budget can be spent in one meal. Instead, do what the locals do and discover some of these well-known, well-established, yet still budget-oriented options.

Eat in Dubai

You can eat in Dubai from as little as AED 1 (US$0.27) per menu item. The most popular restaurants are Pakistani, Indian, and Turkish.

Ravi Restaurant in Satwa has been a Dubai institution since it opened in 1978. It’s famous for its mutton dishes: Peshawari, Nihari, and Karahi. Menu items begin at AED 1 (US$0.27).

Karachi Darbar is a chain of Indo-Pak grill restaurants, with over 20 locations in Dubai. While most customers go for its famous chicken or beef biryani, the breakfast special, Parathas with egg/keema, is only AED 1 (US$0.27).

Al Mallah is a Turkish chain with two branches in Dubai. Its AED 10 (US$2.72) shawarmas are a quick, cheap, and substantial on-the-go meal.

Eat in Abu Dhabi

Middle Eastern cuisine is favored in Abu Dhabi, and it doesn’t need to be expensive if you know where to look for it.

Bait El Khetyar is a chain of Middle Eastern food across Abu Dhabi, known for having the “best shawarma in town,” starting at AED 8 (US$2.18).

Abu Al Fawal Cafeteria, located in the tourist club area of Al Zahiyah, is where you can get four pieces of falafel for AED 2 (US$0.54).

For a local delicacy, hot dog and liver sandwiches, Al Alamain Restaurant in the Al Danah area has been serving this delight for over 43 years, and it’s still only AED 6 (US$1.63).

Soak Up the Sun for Free

The rich and famous of the UAE love to see and be seen at the endless supply of beach clubs that dot the Arabian Gulf. However, at AED 185-370 (US$50-100) for a lounger, why would you pay when you can visit one of the public beaches for free?

Lounge by the Gulf for Free in Dubai

The three most-visited free beaches in Dubai are the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Kite Beach, and Sunset Beach.

JBR is a 1.1-mile stretch of beach with free entry. It has lifeguards on duty during daytime hours and toilets and changing rooms in distinctive paneled pods. Foot washing is available for free, but showers do cost extra.

Kite Beach, named for the popular activities of kite-surfing and sailing, is a family-friendly beach with free entry, including restrooms, changing, and showers. There are lifeguards on duty from 6 am to 7 pm, and you get Burj Al Arab views included. Naturally, watersport activities have a fee.

Sunset Beach is another free-entry beach where the well-maintained toilet and shower facilities also have no charge. The views of the Burj Al Arab are only eclipsed by the epic sunsets, hence the name. Lifeguards work during daylight hours.

Abu Dhabi’s Beach Scene

Abu Dhabi’s beaches aren’t as expansive or widespread as those in Dubai. Instead, there’s a 5–6 mile stretch of sand known as Corniche Beach. As it’s less crowded, it’s actually better maintained. The family section has a fee of AED 10 (US$2.72) for adults and AED 5 (US$1.36) for kids, but if you head to the Al Sahil section through gate 4, there’s no charge. There are toilets, showers, and changing rooms.

There’s More to Transportation Than Taxis

The taxi market in Dubai and Abu Dhabi is huge, and most travel agents will advise tourists to take taxis everywhere. What many don’t even know is that there are excellent public transport options that the locals use, and you can too. All that money you’ll save on skipping taxis can be put into entertainment.

Public Transport in Dubai

Dubai has an extensive bus network that covers most of the city. There are four lines: red, gold, blue, and green. You can buy a Silver Nol card for AED 25 (US$6.80), which comes with AED 19 (US$5.15) credit, and you just top it up whenever you run low. Fares are charged by zone, so if you travel within one zone, it’s only AED 3 (US$0.82). Go two zones, it’s AED 5 (US$1.36). Anything over three zones is AED 7.5 (US$2.05).

Compare that to a taxi, where the flagfall alone costs AED 5 (US$1.36) during the day (higher at night), yet the minimum charge is AED 12 (US$3.25). Catching buses will save you considerably.

Every day, 17,000 people cross Dubai Creek; some wealthy locals do it via a luxury private boat, which they hire for AED 120 (US$32.70) per hour. Then there are the tourist boats, which combine dinner and a show with the crossing for AED 100 (US$27.20) per person. However, if you just want to get from one side to the other and do it like a local, the shared abras operate daily, from 5 am until midnight, 365 days a year, and cost only AED 1 (US$0.27) per crossing.

Getting Around Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi mirrors Dubai’s approach: the Hafilat card, which costs AED 5 (US$1.36) plus stored credit, accesses routes to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Corniche Beach, and all major attractions for around AED 2 (US$0.54) per trip. Regular taxis start at AED 12 (US$3.25) minimum fare, making buses the better budget choice here too.

Entertainment on a Budget

Sure, you could spend $150 to visit the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa, but there are other ways to experience the UAE.

What to See for Free

Walking doesn’t cost anything, and it’s an excellent way to experience the city’s cultural and historical district. In Dubai, you can visit the Gold and Spice Souks and the Al Fahidi Historical District. Head to the Dubai Mall to see the Dubai Fountain shows every 30 minutes from 6 pm until 11 pm.

While in Abu Dhabi, a must-see is the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, and entry is free.

Luxury Entertainment on a Budget Coming soon to the UAE

Dubai residents already know the appeal of integrated entertainment districts—Downtown Dubai’s Souk Al Bahar is a popular choice. It’s the only place in Dubai where alcohol can legally be sold and consumed, and it’s directly opposite the Dubai Mall, where you can watch the Dubai Fountain show while dining at restaurants. However, there’s something new and exciting coming to the UAE that’s going to change the face of entertainment in the region forever.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Entertainment Complex

In 2027, the Wynn Al Marjan complex in Ras Al Khaimah, just 90 minutes from Dubai, is set to open. If Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Las Vegas’ MGM Casino complex had a baby, it would be the Wynn Al Marjan complex. It will feature luxury hotels, a casino, Michelin-star restaurants, a beach, a spa, and entertainment venues.

The best part for budget travelers is that they don’t need to fork out over AED 1500 ($410) a night to stay at the hotel to access the complex. For around AED 110 ($30), a day pass gets you into the beach and pool facility. Travelers to the region in early 2027 should be on the lookout for soft opening promotions, where they’ll get opportunities to experience some of the luxury offerings at a fraction of the regular prices.

This venue will be the first one in the region to offer a land-based casino. Locals and expats unfamiliar with casino games can brush up on their knowledge by checking out casino bonuses for 2026. These online promotions give potential players a cost-effective way to try out online casinos before stepping into a physical resort.

See the UAE as Locals Do

You don’t need to be rich and famous to enjoy what Dubai and Abu Dhabi have to offer. The hidden deals are in plain sight; you just have to approach your holiday as locals do. Skip the expensive tourist restaurants and traps, and catch buses and abras, not taxis. Don’t pay for beach club lounges when there are free beaches. When visiting entertainment complexes, choose budget options like day passes over hotel stays.