Overview of United Arab Emirates
Is United Arab Emirates an expensive country to visit? We’ve listed average prices of hotels, food, tours and groceries in Dubai to give you an idea of what a daily travel cost might be.
Capital
Abu Dhabi
Currency
UAE dirham (AED)
Population
9 890 402
GDP
$772 billion
GDP PER CAPITA, PPP
$41,500
Language
Arabic
Big Mac Index
4.01 (2021)
Inflation Index
-1.93%
Country Facts
Is United Arab Emirates safe?
Country ranks #41 out of 163 according to Global Peace Index 2021 produced by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP)
Overall best countries in the world index
#22 in Best Countries Overall 2020; #23 out of 80 in 2019 by USnews&world report
Is tap water in United Arab Emirates safe to drink?
Yes, Dubai tap water is completely safe to drink according to DEWA-Dubai Electricity and Water Authorities reports.
Dubai
[duːˈbaɪ]
| Population | 3.33 million |
| Time zone | UTC+4 (GST) |
| Currency | UAE dirham (AED) |
| Airports |
|
| Calling code | +971 4 |
Hotels
Hotel Prices in Dubai
How much do hotels cost in Dubai? You can book a luxury hotel room for AED 565 per night.
Two-star hotels **
US$45 - 133 | AED164 - 487 | €38 - 113
Three-star hotels ***
US$42 - 142 | AED155 - 522 | €36 - 121
Four-star hotels ****
US$60 - 175 | AED220 - 643 | €51 - 149
Five-star hotels *****
US$149 - 386 | AED548 - 1419 | €127 - 329
Five-star Burj Al Arab Jumeirah hotel *****
US$1138 - 2229 | AED4179 - 8186 | €969 - 1898
Hotel prices above are based on average rates for a Standard Room for 2 guests. After collecting the data from the top online travel agencies we have calculated the average cost of the room that varies depending on the season or major local events. Also, the rates may vary significantly depending on how far in advance you book and deals. Rates are often based on location and amenities, so the hotel prices we’ve listed are all well-rated hotels in the popular tourist areas of each city.
Dubai City Tax
- Municipality tax: 10%
- Service charge: 10%
- VAT: 5%
- Tourism Dirham Fee: US$1.9 - 5.4 | AED7 - 20 | €1.6 - 4.6
- (per room, per night)
Things to Do
Things To Do in Dubai
Is Dubai worth visiting? Here our list of what to see and do in Dubai for any budget.
Burj Khalifa
At the Top ticket prices, Level 125 & 124:
- Adult (age 12+) US$27 - 43 | AED99 - 159 | €23 - 37
- Child (age 4-11) US$15.5 - 25.1 | AED57 - 92 | €13.2 - 21.3
At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY, Level 148:
- Adult (age 12+) US$103 - 145 | AED378 - 533 | €88 - 124
- Child (age 4-11) US$103 - 145 | AED378 - 533 | €88 - 124
Dubai Fountain Boardwalk
Prices:
- Adult (age 3+) US$5.4 | AED20 | €4.6
Dubai Miracle Garden
Prices:
- Adult (age 12+) US$15 | AED55 | €12.8
- Child (age 3-11) US$10.9 | AED40 | €9.3
Dubai Frame
Prices:
- Adult (age 12+) US$13.6 | AED50 | €11.6
- Child (age 0-7) US$5.4 | AED20 | €4.6
Global Village
Prices:
- Adult (age 3-64) US$4.1 | AED15 | €3.5
Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark
Day Pass prices:
- Adult (age 7+) US$32 - 73 | AED119 - 269 | €27.6 - 62
- Child (age 0-6) US$27 - 73 | AED99 - 269 | €23 - 62
Dubai Red Dunes & Camel Safari with BBQ Tour – 7 hours
Prices:
- Adult (age 12-70) US$67 | AED245 | €57
- Child (3-11) US$62 | AED228 | €53
Jet Ski Tour of Dubai – 1 hour
Prices:
- Adult (age 16-65) US$163 | AED600 | €139
Ski Dubai
Prices:
- Adult (age 2+) US$54 | AED200 | €46
Free Attractions
Here is our list of the best free attractions in Dubai.
List of free Museums in Dubai in 2020
- The Dubai Shopping Mall
- Coins Museum
- Dubai Fountain Show
- Kite Beach
- La Mer by Meraas
- Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Dubai Water Canal Walk
- Dubai Creekside Park
- Pier 7
- Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort US$0.8 | AED3 | €0.7 (per person)
Transportation
Dubai Transportation Prices
Here’s how to get around Dubai with taxis, buses, and electric scooters and how much it costs.
Taxi
Regular taxi
- Base fare US$1.4 - 1.6 | AED5 - 6 | €1.2 - 1.4
- Per km US$0.5 | AED2 | €0.5
- Per minute US$0.1 | AED0.5 | €0.1
- Minimum fare US$3.3 | AED12 | €2.8
- Dubai International Airport – the Dubai Mall: US$12.3 | AED45 | €10.4
- Dubai International Airport – Dubai Marina: US$35 - 39 | AED130 - 145 | €30 - 34
- Dubai to Abu Dhabi: US$117 - 128 | AED430 - 470 | €100 - 109
In Dubai, regular taxi rates may be lower than popular Uber and local Careem.
Uber:
- Base fare US$1.5 - 3 | AED5.5 - 11 | €1.3 - 2.6
- Per km US$0.6 | AED2.25 | €0.5
- Per minute US$0.1 | AED0.5 | €0.1
- Minimum fare US$4.1 | AED15 | €3.5
Bus / Monorail / Tram / Subway / Water bus
RTA, The Road and Transport Authority, operates the public transportation network that includes buses, monorail, tram, water buses and the subway.
You can use a nol card or a nol red ticket to travel on Dubai’s metro, buses and water buses located at different zones.
If you are using the nol card, then depending on the zones you travel, the fare will be calculated and automatically deducted from your card.
Nol Red Ticket Fares
- Single ticket (within Zone 1): US$1.1 | AED4.0 | €0.9
- 2 zones ticket: US$1.6 | AED6.0 | €1.4
- 3+ zones: US$2.3 | AED8.5 | €2
Nol Silver card
- Single ride (within Zone 1): US$0.8 | AED3.0 | €0.7
- 2 zones ticket: US$1.4 | AED5.0 | €1.2
- 3+ zones: US$2 | AED7.5 | €1.7
- Children: Free
Car Rental
Dubai International Airport. April 2021. Midsize car.
- 1 day US$31 - 48 | AED113 - 178 | €26.2 - 41
- 1 week US$132 - 198 | AED483 - 728 | €112 - 169
Petrol cost is about (per liter) US$0.5 | AED1.8 | €0.4
City Bikes
City bike rental prices
You can hire a bike with a Careem bike rental program.
- Per day from US$24.5 | AED90 | €20.9
- Per week from US$5.4 | AED20 | €4.6
- Unlimited 45-minute rides
- Next 30 minutes +US$2.7 | AED10 | €2.3
Electric Scooters
E-scooter rides are illegal to drive on Dubai roads and pedestrian areas.
Restaurants
Dubai restaurant and café prices
Find out how much a meal costs in Dubai. All – you – can – eat lunch buffet for AED 185? Or Signature Tasting menu for AED 550?
Fine Dining
Ewaan
Breakfast Buffet: US$44 | AED160 | €37
Lunch Buffet: US$50 | AED185 | €43
The 1,001 Flavours Brunch: US$94 | AED345 | €80
Ossiano
Set lunch menu: US$147 | AED540 | €125
The Metamorphosis 7 or 9 courses: US$199 - 236 | AED730 - 865 | €169 - 201
At.Mosphere
Breakfast menu: US$87 | AED319 | €74
Business lunch menu: US$67 | AED245 | €57
Signature Tasting Menu: US$123 - 150 | AED450 - 550 | €104 - 128
Mid-range Restaurant and Café Prices
| Breakfast | US$14.2 | AED52 | €12.1 |
| Soups | US$9.5 - 10.6 | AED35 - 39 | €8.1 - 9 |
| Salads from | US$10.6 | AED39 | €9 |
| Pizza | US$16.3 - 20.7 | AED60 - 76 | €13.9 - 17.6 |
| Pasta | US$24.5 | AED90 | €20.9 |
| Fish and chips from | US$19.1 | AED70 | €16.2 |
| Typical main meal from | US$35 | AED130 | €30 |
| Steak (300g) | US$95 | AED350 | €81 |
| Dinner (2 courses) from | US$71 | AED260 | €60 |
| Glass of wine from | US$16.3 - 26.7 | AED60 - 98 | €13.9 - 22.7 |
| Beer 50cl | US$10.1 - 13.6 | AED37 - 50 | €8.6 - 11.6 |
| Aperol Spritz | US$19.1 | AED70 | €16.2 |
| Coffee: Espresso | US$4.9 | AED18 | €4.2 |
| Coffee: Cappuccino | US$6 | AED22 | €5.1 |
| Coffee: Frappuccino | US$8.7 | AED32 | €7.4 |
Fast Food Prices
Dubai McDonald’s Prices
- Premium Roast Coffee from US$1.5 | AED5.5 | €1.3
- Mochaccino from US$3 | AED11 | €2.6
- French fries (large) from US$3 | AED11 | €2.6
- Coca Cola from US$1.8 | AED6.5 | €1.5
- McFlurry from US$2.2 | AED8 | €1.9
- McMuffin Egg from US$12.9 | €11
- Beefburger from US$1.5 | AED5.5 | €1.3
- Cheeseburger from US$2 | AED7.5 | €1.7
- Big Mac from US$4.6 | AED16.75 | €3.9
Food & Drinks
Food & Drink Prices
Wondering how much groceries cost in United Arab Emirates? We have collected prices directly from the main Dubai supermarkets.
Local foods: What to try & Prices
- Khuzi
- Margoog
- Majboos
- Khameer bread
- Liquiamat
- Gahwa coffee
- Mouhamara US$13.6 | AED50 | €11.6
- Tabbouleh Salad US$7.6 - 10.9 | AED28 - 40 | €6.5 - 9.3
- Shawarma US$10.9 | AED40 | €9.3
- Camel tenderloin US$35 | AED130 | €30
- Sambousek US$10.9 | AED40 | €9.3
- Makanek sausage US$9.5 | AED35 | €8.1
- Labneh US$6.5 | AED24 | €5.6
- Meghli pudding US$6 | AED22 | €5.1
- Sticky date pudding US$16.3 | AED60 | €13.9
- Baklawa US$9.5 | AED35 | €8.1
- Shisha US$15 - 17.7 | AED55 - 65 | €12.8 - 15.1
- Camel milk ice cream US$5.4 | AED20 | €4.6
Supermarket & grocery store prices
The main supermarket chains in U.A.E are Carrefour, Spinneys, LuLu, Almaya Supermarket, and Waitrose.
| Bakery | |
|---|---|
| Sliced bread 600g | US$2 | AED7.5 | €1.7 |
| Meat | |
| Beef steak 1kg | US$13.9 | AED51 | €11.8 |
| Beef tenderloin 1kg | US$36 | AED133 | €31 |
| Minced meat 1kg | US$10.9 | AED40 | €9.3 |
| Chicken fillets 500g | US$5.6 | AED20.5 | €4.8 |
| Fish | |
| Salmon steak 200g | US$6.8 | AED25 | €5.8 |
| Fresh halibut 1kg | US$10.6 | AED39 | €9 |
| Fresh sea bass 1kg | US$12.3 | AED45 | €10.4 |
| Fresh tiger shripms 1kg | US$24.2 | AED89 | €20.6 |
| Fresh clams 1kg | US$4.1 | AED14.9 | €3.5 |
| Salmon or Trout Caviar/roe 100g | US$15.6 | AED57.2 | €13.3 |
| Smoked Norwegian salmon 100g | US$5.9 | AED21.5 | €5 |
| Pasta & Rice | |
| Spaghetti 500g | US$2.4 | AED8.8 | €2 |
| Rice Basmati 1kg | US$3.6 | AED13.2 | €3.1 |
| Fruits | |
| Pineapple 1 piece | US$1.6 | AED5.7 | €1.3 |
| Mango 1kg | US$5.5 | AED20.3 | €4.7 |
| Apples 1kg | US$2.5 | AED9 | €2.1 |
| Strawberry 250g | US$5.3 | AED19.3 | €4.5 |
| Banana 1kg | US$2.8 | AED10.3 | €2.4 |
| Dates 1kg | US$5 | AED18.4 | €4.3 |
| Vegetables | |
| Zucchini 1kg | US$5.4 | AED19.9 | €4.6 |
| Carrots 1kg | US$2.2 | AED7.9 | €1.8 |
| Tomatoes 1kg | US$1.1 | AED4 | €0.9 |
| Saald leaves mix 250g | US$4.8 | AED17.6 | €4.1 |
| Broccoli 1kg | US$3.8 | AED14 | €3.2 |
| Potato 1kg | US$1.2 | AED4.5 | €1 |
| Iceberg lettuce 1 piece | US$2.2 | AED7.9 | €1.8 |
| Eggs | |
| Farm eggs 15 pieces | US$2.4 | AED8.75 | €2 |
| Dairy | |
| Milk 1l | US$1.6 | AED5.8 | €1.3 |
| Laban 1l | US$0.8 | AED3.1 | €0.7 |
| Camel Milk 1l | US$4.2 | AED15.45 | €3.6 |
| Butter 200g | US$2.3 | AED8.6 | €2 |
| ACTIVIA Yogurt 120g x 4 | US$1.8 | AED6.75 | €1.6 |
| Cheese | |
|---|---|
| Gouda 1 kg | US$12.2 | AED44.7 | €10.4 |
| Camembert 250g | US$5.9 | AED21.75 | €5 |
| Cheddar 200g | US$3.7 | AED13.5 | €3.1 |
| Gorgonzola 1kg | US$28.6 | AED105 | €24.3 |
| Mozzarella 235g | US$5.4 | AED19.7 | €4.6 |
| Goat cheese 150g | US$7 | AED25.7 | €6 |
| Labneh 1kg | US$6.8 | AED25 | €5.8 |
| Sweets | |
| BONNE MAMAN Strawberry Jam 370g | US$3.8 | AED13.95 | €3.2 |
| Honey 500g | US$28.6 | AED105 | €24.3 |
| Nutella 400g | US$4.6 | AED16.85 | €3.9 |
| Halawa (Tahini Halva) 1kg | US$6 | AED22 | €5.1 |
| LINDT – EXCELLENCE Chocolate 70% cacao 100g | US$3.3 | AED12.2 | €2.8 |
| Cereals | |
| Nestle Cheerios 375g | US$3.7 | AED13.5 | €3.1 |
| Nestle Fitness 355g | US$4.6 | AED16.8 | €3.9 |
| Kellogg’s Special K 375g | US$6 | AED22 | €5.1 |
| Pizza | |
| DR OETKER – RISTORANTE Pizza Mozzarella, frozen 335g | US$5.9 | AED21.7 | €5 |
| Ice Cream | |
| Baskin&Robbin 500ml | US$6.1 | AED22.5 | €5.2 |
| MAGNUM Caramel Choc 6x60ml | US$8.3 | AED30.5 | €7.1 |
| Other | |
| Sugar 1kg | US$1.4 | AED5 | €1.2 |
| Almonds 200g | US$6.6 | AED24.4 | €5.7 |
| Olive oil 1l | US$12.5 | AED46 | €10.7 |
| Lay’s Chips Crisps 170g | US$1.8 | AED6.7 | €1.6 |
| Drinks | |
| COCA COLA 1l | US$1.3 | AED4.75 | €1.1 |
| Fanta 1.5l | US$1.7 | AED6.3 | €1.5 |
| Orange juice 1l | US$1.3 | AED4.75 | €1.1 |
| Lavazza Qualita Rossa Ground Coffee 250g | US$6.5 | AED24 | €5.6 |
| Nescafe Instant coffee 200g | US$11.2 | AED41 | €9.5 |
| Lipton green tea 25 tea bags | US$1.6 | AED5.8 | €1.3 |
| EVIAN 1l | US$2.1 | AED7.75 | €1.8 |
| PERRIER 1l | US$1.9 | AED6.85 | €1.6 |
| Bottled water 1.5l | US$0.5 | AED1.9 | €0.4 |
| Baby | |
|---|---|
| PAMPERS Baby Dry #4 56 nappies | US$14.2 | AED52 | €12.1 |
| Pampers Premium Care #3 116 diapers | US$33 | AED123 | €28.5 |
| NAN Optipro Milk Formula 3 800g | US$16.7 | AED61.45 | €14.2 |
| Hero Rice and Chicken Baby Food 130g | US$1.5 | AED5.65 | €1.3 |
| Pet | |
|---|---|
| Sheba Wet Cat Food 85g | US$1.4 | AED5.1 | €1.2 |
| Whiskas Dry Cat Food 3kg | US$12.5 | AED46 | €10.7 |
| Pedigree Wet Dog food 400g | US$1.6 | AED5.9 | €1.4 |
| PEDIGREE Dry dog food 10kg | US$33 | AED120 | €27.8 |
| Household | |
| ARIEL Compact original 1l | US$4.9 | AED18 | €4.2 |
| Kleenex White Toilet Tissue 12 Rolls | US$5.7 | AED20.9 | €4.8 |
| Alcohol | |
|---|---|
| Absolut Vodka 40% 1l | US$52 | AED191 | €44 |
| BALLANTINE’S Blended Scotch Whisky 70cl | US$63 | AED232 | €54 |
| CHIVAS REGAL Blended Scotch Whisky 12 yo 1l | US$113 | AED416 | €96 |
| Jack Daniels USA Tennessee Blended Whiskey 1l | US$87 | AED320 | €74 |
| BOMBAY SAPPHIRE London Dry Gin 1l | US$54 | AED197 | €46 |
| Bacardi Carta Blanca rum 1l | US$35 | AED129 | €29.9 |
| Courvoisier VS 70cl | US$88 | AED323 | €75 |
| Hennessy XO Cognac 70cl | US$348 | AED1278 | €296 |
| Patrón Silver Tequila 75cl | US$99 | AED362 | €84 |
| APÉROL 1l | US$39 | AED145 | €34 |
| BAILEY’S The Original 75cl | US$75 | AED274 | €64 |
| Martini Bianco Vermouth 1l | US$33 | AED120 | €27.8 |
| Jagermeister 70cl | US$41 | AED149 | €35 |
| Red wine | |
| Le Fleur Badette, Saint-Émilion Grand Cru 75cl | US$63 | AED232 | €54 |
| Masi Campofiorin 75cl | US$41 | AED149 | €35 |
| Jacob’s Creek Cabernet Sauvignon 75cl | US$20.4 | AED75 | €17.4 |
| Casillero del Diablo Reserva Pinot Noir 75cl | US$17.4 | AED64 | €14.8 |
| Yellow Tail Shiraz 75cl | US$18.2 | AED67 | €15.5 |
| indemans Western Cape Shiraz Cabernet 75cl | US$14.4 | AED53 | €12.3 |
| White wine | |
|---|---|
| Table Mountain Chardonnay 75cl | US$11.2 | AED41 | €9.5 |
| Zonin Soave 75cl | US$13.8 | AED50.5 | €11.7 |
| Jacob’s Creek Pinot Grigio 75cl | US$20.4 | AED75 | €17.4 |
| Hugel Gentil 75cl | US$28.9 | AED106 | €24.6 |
| J. Moreau Et Fils Chablis 75cl | US$44 | AED160 | €37 |
| Rose wine | |
| Mouton Cadet Rosé 75cl | US$27.8 | AED102 | €23.7 |
| Mateus Rosé 75cl | US$15.2 | AED56 | €13 |
| Jacob’s Creek Sparkling Rose 75cl | US$23 | AED84.6 | €19.6 |
| Champagne | |
| MOËT & CHANDON Champagne AOP brut 75cl | US$113 | AED416 | €96 |
| VEUVE CLICQUOT PONSARDIN Champagne AOP brut 75 cl | US$123 | AED450 | €104 |
| Sparkling wine | |
| Zonin Lambrusco Rosso 75cl | US$13.8 | AED50.5 | €11.7 |
| Nederburg Cuvée Brut 75cl | US$14.4 | AED53 | €12.3 |
| Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC 75cl | US$61 | AED223 | €52 |
| Gancia Prosecco 75cl | US$16.3 | AED60 | €13.9 |
| Beer & Cider | |
| GUINNESS Draught Stout 24 x 44cl | US$108 | AED396 | €92 |
| Heineken Cans 12 x 33cl | US$33 | AED123 | €28.5 |
| Stella Artois cans 12 x 33cl | US$35 | AED129 | €29.9 |
| Somersby Cider Bottles 24 x 33cl | US$77 | AED281 | €65 |
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