Bargain hunters, assemble
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but also one of the most expensive.
January’s bank statements often make for grim reading on the back of the annual December splurge, which is why we’re determined to help you enjoy this great city of ours without feeling the pinch post-festive season.
Here are 30 cracking things to do for under Dhs30. You and your bank manager can thank us later.
Be inspired by the ultra-cool Alserkal Avenue
We’re yet to find a patch cooler than Alserkal Avenue. The hipster hub is home to some of Dubai’s most revered indie outlets across fashion, art and food, with exhibitions and screenings happening all year round. It’s a veritable hive out activity, which always produces the honey. There’s plenty of choice, but we’re mega fans of Nightjar. Poached eggs on toast at Dhs30 will help you start any day on the right foot but, truth be told, you can throw a bouncy ball in this part of town, follow it, and still end up in a swish café. Get here, be inspired.
Cost: From Dhs30
Al Quoz, alserkalavenue.ae (04 333 3464).
Click your photo at The Wings of Mexico statue
This place has cult status in the world of Instagram, and for good reason. The now iconic pair of wings, set against a backdrop of the world’s tallest tower, make for a stunning photo op, and though it won’t cost a thing, a snap here is worth its weight in gold when it comes to its value on the ‘gram. If this particular frame isn’t on your grid yet, get yourself in gear, now.
Cost: Free
Open 24 hours. Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai.
Conquer the high scores at Brass Monkey’s awesome arcade
Brass Monkey’s main draw may be skittling pins out on the bowling lanes, but upstairs there are high scores waiting to have your three initials punched in beside them. From jumbo Pacman to old school 2D fighter games and jump in the saddle lean-to-steer racers, this is a little slice of bliss for fans of retro games. Ready to flex you pixel prowess?
Cost: From Dhs5 per game
Open Sun-Tue 4pm-1am, Thu-Fri noon-3am, Sat noon-1am. Bluewaters Dubai, brassmonkeysocial.com (04 582 7277).
Escape the city and head for the colossal Big Red
Out on the fringes of Abu Dhabi and facing out into the vast Empty Quarter is the world’s largest sand dune. If that’s not an ideal target for a road trip destination then there’s no pleasing you. For many a year it was a remote spot without much to enjoy (other than stunning natural beauty, jaw-dropping vistas and a sense of eternal wonder), but now there is the stunning Qasr Al Sarab Hotel. That means you can find activities such as camel-treks, dune hikes, fatbiking, sand boarding and dune driving.
Cost: Dhs30 per person for the road trip
Co-ordinates 22.900569723117655, 54.33604943971902.
Don you captain’s hat and climb aboard Dubai Ferry
Fancy seeing the high seas without the hefty fees? Well a cruise around the Palm on Dubai Ferry is a fine choice if you ask us. And because it’s a public transport service you can be sure it won’t cost you the earth. It’s one of the more unusual ways to see the sights, granted, but if you are on a budget and want to hit the waves, this should be on your radar. Ready to set sail? It’s time to hit the high seas.
Cost: Varies depending on the length of your voyage
Dubai Marina Mall to Al Seef.
Feed your appetite for excellence at Time Out Market Dubai
Time Out Market Dubai is one of the hottest places to be in 2022 (as it was in 2021, probably will be in 2023). Free DJ nights every Thursday and top-drawer live musical talent every Tuesday are completely free, while the plates on offer from 18 incredible vendors are among the best in the business. Pitfire’s garlic knots come in at Dhs29, too, so you can even feed yourself for less than our Dhs30 limit. Good luck stopping there, though.
Cost: Free (until you can’t resist the rockstar plates)
Open Sat-Wed noon-midnight, Thu-Fri noon-1am. Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai. timeoutmarket.com/dubai.
Feel like a big kid at Fabyland Dubai Festival City
Okay, so strictly speaking this one should be for the kids, but if your tots are too small to operate a bumper car or hold themselves up on the swings, then surely you get a pass to ride, right? Between the arcade rides and flashing lights, a trip to Fabyland sounds absolutely fab. You’ll need to top up a card to take the rides for a spin, but at around Dhs10 a go, there is plenty of bang (and fun) to be had for your buck.
Cost: From around Dhs10 per ride
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Dubai Festival City Mall, Dubai Festival City, fabyland.ae (04 288 1490).
Find some inspiration for your next adventure at Aventura Park
The fun and games at Aventura Park may be outside your budget, but entry to the park certainly isn’t, and it’s a great excuse to get some fresh air into your lungs while also previewing some of the awesome adventures that await at the all-action arena. White category access permits access to the park, and lets you watch on as bold explorers grapple with climbing nets, ropes and tree-top shenanigans. Of course you could do it.
Cost: Dhs10
Mushrif Park, aventuraparks.com (052 178 7616).
Get up close and personal with The Dubai Fountain
Up there are one of Dubai’s most iconic sights, The Dubai Fountain lays on a daily H20 choreography display that you won’t want to miss. Luckily, it doesn’t cost a thing, but if you happen to have a spare Dhs20 in your back pocket, we’d advise make a step towards The Dubai Fountain Boardwalk. This floating bridge will out your right under the plumes of water as they gush skyward, just watch your step so you don’t end up in the drink.
Cost: Dhs20
Downtown Dubai, tickets.atthetop.ae.
Hit the road and feel the rain in Sharjah
Yes, we did just say the ‘R’ word. Rain in these parts is often avoided, but its once of the biggest draws at Sharjah Art Foundation. Entry to The Rain Room comes in at Dhs25, and gives you an opportunity to splash about without getting drenched. It’s a unique installation, and one that is well worth seeing as you plot your UAE bucket list for 2022. Plus, there’s loads of other free-to-see exhibitions at the foundation, making trip over the border all the more worthwhile.
Cost: Dhs25
Open Sat-Thu 9am-9pm, Fri 4pm-11pm. Sharjah Art Foundation, rainroom.sharjahart.org (06 561 0095).
Hop in the saddle and pedal around Dubai Marina
There are myriad ways to take in the Dubai skyline, and we reckon from the saddle of a Careem bike is a top choice. For Dhs20 a day, riders can jump on to one of the unmissable green two-wheelers and whizz around Dubai Marina. It’s an ideal place to people watch and the views are super by day or night. Throw into the equation the health benefits and you’re flying.
Cost: Dhs20
Dubai Marina.
Jump into another world at VR Park at The Dubai Mall
We’d all like to leave the real world behind sometimes. And in Dubai you actually can. The absolutely electric VR Park at The Dubai Mall is home to a plethora of adrenaline-pumping rides. From helicopter malfunctions and skyscraper plunges to paragliding, epic dune bashing out in the desert and gunning down robo zombies, you really can experience it all at this futuristic amusement park.
Cost: From Dhs10 per ride
Open daily 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, vrparkdubai.com.
Kickstart a healthier 2022 with a road trip and climb up Jebel Hafeet
Al Ain may be known as the Garden City, but it’s the rugged good looks of the nearby Jebel Hafeet mountain range we are interested in. It will take four hours to move from base-camp to more suitable vantage points, where hikers can gaze out over the vast open desert, as well as Al Ain below. One for the more advanced hikers, don’t forget to wear in those walking shoes before taking the first steps – lest you incur some serious blisters. The best views are at the top, but you’ll need serious stamina to reach the summit, so we recommend sticking those headphones in and drifting away with a good podcast.
Cost: Free
Jebel Hafeet.
Lose yourself on Al Noor Island in Sharjah
An arts and culture destination, observation platform, quiet place for contemplation. However you utilise Al Noor Island you won’t be disappointed. Throw into the mix the neighbouring butterfly house and there’s added reason to hang around and revel in the stillness of the destination. Definitely one of the best new additions to Sharjah’s cultural scene, and worth checking out.
Cost: Dhs15
Al Noor Island, Al Sharjah, alnoorisland.ae.
Place a fat smile on your face with a tasty bite from the Bagel Yard
Food is always a sure-fire way to put a toothy grin on our face, and the bites at the Bagel Yard do it in record time. Amazingly, we’re also still smiling when it’s time to settle up, and that’s because the whole thing comes over the counter with plenty of change. We’re huge fans of the smoked salmon and cream cheese number.
Cost: Dhs22
Open daily 8am-5pm. Al Wasl Road, bagelyard.com (04 349 5404).
Put your best foot forward with Dubai Creek Striders
Doing stuff in groups is usually a costly affair, but not at Dubai Creek Striders. The thriving running club is open to runners of all levels, and has a nominal weekly contribution fee to help keep the lights on. Regular inter-club 10ks, half marathons and marathons are in the diary for those who are extremely keen on beating their PBs, while casual runs have a social and fitness aspect that will keep you and your bank balance in rude health.
Cost: Dhs10 weekly contribution
dubaicreekstriders.com.
Reach for your tote bag and get ready to shop at Ripe by the Bay
As if we have to tell you about Ripe by the Bay. Wander through the hugely popular market to find fresh organic produce, merchandise by talented local artisans, and a warm community spirit – all the hallmarks of a great farmer’s market. It’s the perfect place to hang out, especially as the weather cools off and everyone heads back outside. As the sun sets, Ripe will transform Festival Bay into a world of lights, alfresco dining, shopping, entertainment, and live music.
Cost: Free
Festival Bay. ripeme.com/ripemarket (055 543 1282).
Round up the pals and take a swing at Topgolf
Splitting the cost is always a sure-fire way to get bang for your buck. And chipping on Dhs22 with five other pals means the Dhs130 price for a bay at Topgolf becomes small change. Your bay hire will include unlimited balls and the use of clubs, so you can have as many goes as you like to get it right. Trackers keep tabs on your score, with those landing closest to the flag rewarded extra points, and bonuses if you sink it into a flag further from the tee. A rip-snorting good time, if we say so ourselves.
Cost: Dhs22 (based on six splitting a Dhs130 bay).
Emirates Golf Club, Sheikh Zayed Road, topgolfdubai.ae.
Set sail on a traditional abra across Dubai Creek
You might think a boat ride is out of your budget, and you’d be right. Partying on a yacht is going to set you back a bit, but not this one. Hop aboard an abra across Dubai Creek and not only will you get to take in the sights, smells and sounds of Old Dubai, it’s pocket-friendly too. For just Dhs2 you can cross the Creek and explore both sides of the water, from the souks to the museums.
Cost: Dhs2
Deira / Bur Dubai.
Sink your teeth into a tasty bun at Pappa Roti
We like big buns and we cannot lie (no, not you’re thinking). Papp Roti has a knack for baking dough that we can’t resist, and we reckon you’ll be hooked once you’ve take a bite, too. The Malaysian-inspired sweet treats come topped with your choose of sauce, and beneath a crispy exterior is a buttery centre that we could munch all day long.
Cost: Dhs12.75
papparoti.ae (04 552 0186).
Skip to all corners of the world at Global Village
The world is at your fingertips at Global Village, and for Dhs30 you can get entry for you and your favourite travel chum. Some 78 countries are represented at this stunningly popular destination, and between the free fireworks, endless fairground games, monster culinary menu spanning nearly every continent and daily shows, there is plenty to feast on.
Cost: Dhs15
Global Village, Exit 37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, globalvillage.ae (04 3624114).
Spend absolutely nothing window shopping at The Dubai Mall
We know a trip to the mall is probably very low on the agenda this month, but rocking up doesn’t mean losing yourself in an avalanche of shopping bags. Window browsing can be just as fun, and provide suitable inspo for when you are back in the black. You’d also be really unfortunate to drop in on a day when there wasn’t some sort of event, art showcase or sculpture in situ to check out either, so keep your eyes peeled for a photo op. Failing all that, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is always worth checking out.
Cost: Free
The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com.
Taste the famed delights of Magnolia Bakery
Banana pudding with a worldwide reputation awaits at Magnolia Bakery, and trust us when we say it is deserving of the huge acclaim. The fluffy treat is right up there with the very best sweet conclusions in the city, and if you are in the market for a whistle-stop tour of Dubai’s best budget delicacies, this should be your first (and second and third) stop.
Cost: Dhs28
instagram.com/magnoliabakeryua.
Transform your view at Off Centre/On Stage at Jameel Arts Centre
Wonder what Dubai looked like before its dazzling skyscrapers and urban developments? The Off Centre/On Stage exhibition at Jameel Arts Centre will take transport people all the way to ’70s Dubai, showcasing 60 never-seen-before photographs along with archival references collected by architects Stephen Finch and Mark Harris during explorations of Dubai’s construction sites.
Until Feb 19 10am-8pm. Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org (04 8739 800).
Travel down to Abu Dhabi to see the incredible Salt Lake
Distinct rock formations make this area of natural beauty a real hotpot for Insta fiends, but it certainly warrants the attention. Found alongside the Al Ain highway, close to Al Bihouth, the Al Wathba Long Salt Lake is characterised by mushroom-esque pillars strong enough to stand on and delicate flakes of salt that give the illusion of snow. Magical.
Cost: Dhs30 per person for the road trip
Co-ordinates 24.1589, 54.5025.
Unlock the work of 11 artists at The Distance from Here exhibition
Some 11 artists have come coming together at the Jameel Arts Centre to walk visitors through a journey of art showcasing their personal experiences with pieces focusing on the body, specifically how it carries language, movement and memory. Participating artists at the exhibition include Yto Barrada, Hrair Sarkissian, Shilpa Gupta, Sreshta Rit Premnath, Do Ho Suh, Anup Mathew Thomas, Mona Ayyash, Jason Dodge, Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige and Hicham Benohoud.
Until Jan 22 10am-8pm. Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org (04 8739 800).
Visit the Etihad Museum to lose yourself in the rich history of the UAE
In the Year of the 50th it’d be rude not to brush up on your local history. Set across 25,000 sqm, Etihad Museum can be found at the same spot as Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971, so the very venue itself is steeped in history. Inside you can watch a documentary about the pivotal moments of the country’s history, see an interactive map and learn more about the founding fathers of the UAE.
Cost: Dhs25
Open daily 10am-8pm. Jumeirah, etihadmuseum.dubaiculture.gov.ae (800 33222).
Walk down memory lane at Al Fahidi historical Neighbourhood
Take a wander round the historic neighbourhood to get an idea of what the city was like when it first set up. Right next to the Creek it used to be the city’s commercial hub, and you’ll feel a world away from the skyscrapers. Dubai Museum is housed in the Al Fahidi Fort, built in 1787, and costs just Dhs3 to get in, which is a steal when you think of the amount of facts you’re going to learn.
Cost: Dhs3
Bur Dubai, dubaiculture.gov.ae.
Wander around and try to avoid neck ache at Zabeel Park
Wrapped around the base of Dubai’s most defined architectural feats 9which itself is no small feat) Zabeel Park serves up some tasty views of Dubai Frame. But it’s not just the gilded window that can be spied from the park. The Downtown skyline is so close you could almost reach out and touch it, and that makes the green gardens such a desirable spot for a stroll or picnic. Entry is just Dhs5, so we’ll let you do the sums to work out how many of the crew can get in for Dhs30.
Cost: Dhs5
Open Thu-Sat 8am-11pm, Sun-Wed 8am-10pm. Near Al Jafiliya Metro Station (050 725 2994).
Watch the boarders shred at Dubai Skatepark
Love yourself some varials? Catch some of Dubai’s sickest shredders in action at this slick skating arena. For an extra Dhs20 you can jump on your own board and throw out some tricks, but if you are in the mood to just take in the atmosphere and gain some inspiration for your return, this is a sweet spot to do it.
Cost: Dhs25
Open Sun-Thu 2.30pm-5.30pm and 6pm-9.30pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11.30am, 2.30pm-5.30pm and 6pm-9.30pm. Kite Beach, xdubai.com/skatepark.
