Dubai is known as a metropolitan city and with this reputation comes the notion that everything is expensive. Sure, some things are pricey but you don’t need to rob a bank to enjoy this multi-cultural haven.
This emirate has been my second home for almost two years now along with other OFWs and expats from all over the world. Relatively smaller than Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates’ capital, Dubai makes up for it with all its breath taking sites and awe inspiring locales (after all, it holds several world titles) which still caters to OFWs aka people like me who wanted to stretch their money till next payday.
If you are planning to visit but still hesitant that the holiday will dent your savings, I have listed places of interest and activities in Dubai which are easy on the pocket and are mostly accessible via the Dubai Metro.
1. 4 in 1 Spectacle
See Burj Khalifa, the World’s tallest structure, Dubai Fountain, world’s largest choreographed fountain system, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo which has the largest collection of sand tiger sharks and Dubai Mall, world’s largest mall when it comes to land area. Best to come at night when Burj Khalifa is all lit up and Dubai Fountain started dancing to upbeat music. Daily shows starts at 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm with 30 minutes interval. Be warned though since it still attracts a lot of spectators (tourists and residents alike) especially during weekends.
Cost: Only a train ride from your point of origin to the Dubai Mall Metro Station (red line). Unless you went inside Dubai Mall and started buying stuff or you weren’t content to see the side of Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo which is free or you wanted to ride up to the top of the Burj Khalifa.
2. Soak Up The Sun
There are several white sand beaches across Dubai. Most famous of all is the Umm Suqeim Beach where you could see Burj Al Arab, the world’s luxurious hotel and Kite Beach where you could spend the afternoon gazing at colorful kites hover the afternoon sky. I personally frequently visit Mamzar Beach Park because there are cottages and barbeque pits guests could use on a first come, first serve basis. You would know if the visitors is a group of OFWs out and about during their day offs; they are barbequing hotdogs, eggplants and are playing some parlor games. There are also designated grounds where a tent could be pitched if all cottages are already occupied.
Cost: If going to Umm Suqeim Beach and Kite Beach, train ride to Business Bay Metro Station (red line) then a bus ride. If going to Mamzar Beach Park, train ride to Salah Al Dine Metro Station (green line) then a bus ride plus 5 AED entrance fee to the park.
3. Take a Stroll and Ride an Abra
Abra is an Arabic word which is loosely translated “to cross”. This boat raft hybrid is United Arab Emirates’ traditional form of transportation and is still widely used. I rode one after a stroll along Dubai Marina Walk, a beachfront with outlets, restaurants and on weekends, bazaars. An instance or two, I also chance upon a stall selling second hand books.
Cost: Train ride to Dubai Marina Metro Station (red line) plus 3 AED for the abra ride.
4. Frame your Selfie
Stand below the Dubai Frame, the “PLANET’s biggest picture frame” and take a selfie. Although this newest landmark is already drawing crowds, it is also now being known as the “biggest stolen building of all time” with the architect/designer currently in a legal dispute over copyrights with the Dubai Municipality.
Cost: Train ride to Al Jafiliya Metro Station (red line) and 5 AED entrance fee to Zabeel Park
5. Hotel Hopping
Remember when I said Dubai is big on world records? It also occupies numbers 1-6 and 9 from the top 10 list of the world’s tallest hotels by height. Pretend to be rich one afternoon and snap photos in the lobbies of these hotels. We OFWs love taking our photos and sending it to our love ones in the Philippines.
Cost: Train and bus rides since these hotels are accessible via public transportation. Just try and avoid being tempted into checking in.
6. Amp Up your Instagram
City Walk is a strip mall with several restaurants and coffee shops. The whole area encourages visitors to relax and take photos of walls filled with graffiti and erected street art structures making the whole place Instagram worthy. Make sure to stay until evening to see the entire City Walk all lit up. There are free shows, exhibitions and bazaars as well during the weekend.
Cost: Train ride to Dubai Mall Metro Station (red line) then bus ride. It is also possible to walk but I haven’t tried and I would not recommend since it is a 25-30 minutes’ walk. Unless you are training for a triathlon or something and you needed cardio exercises.
7. Sniff Around
Sniff around Dubai Spice Souk and be prepared to be greeted by various scents from herbs and spices. There are also vendors who sell fragrant dried tea leaves, nuts and oils. Spices are sold by weight while others are already pre-packed.
Cost: Train ride to Al Ras Metro Station (green line)
8. Be dazzled
The Middle East is not only famous for its hot deserts and abundance of oil. It is also well known as a haven for gold and jewelry lovers. Dubai is no exception. Be dazzled with the blinding gold bars and jewelries at the Gold Souk. Even if you are not buying, vendors are still accommodating and will even let you take photos of their commodities
Cost: No cost if coming from Dubai Spice Souk since it is walking distance only. Just try and remember the store that sells the jewelry you like and come back when you have more than 10 AED in your wallet. After all, you will not be considered a true blue OFW from the Middle East if you aren’t sporting a gold accessory.
9. Be Artsy
Al Serkal Avenue is the place to be if you prefer an afternoon spent looking at pieces to spark creativity. There are galleries and exhibitions open to the public and regular film screenings of independent, classic and foreign films.
Cost: Free of charge! Just a bus ride from Noor Bank Metro Station (red line)
10. Take Advantage of the Free Wi-Fi
With a lot of pictures to upload and a lot of statuses to update, head over to Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk where the free wi-fi connection is really good. Plus the illuminated walkways and mechanical waterfall is not bad to look at and will be a wonderful addition to your Dubai photo album.
Cost: Free. Near Business Bay Metro Station (red line)
11. Indulge your Coffee Addiction
Al Fahidi District is home to a Coffee Museum inaugurated in September 2014 to mark the International Coffee Day (who knew right?) Watch in awe as the different styles of brewing coffee is demonstrated to guests. Coffee related merchandises are also available in the gift shop.
Cost: Free. If you will not buy coffee from the homey lounges which is rather difficult considering the inviting aroma. Near Al Fahidi Metro Station (green line)
12. Overwhelm your Senses
Dubai Festival City’s newest attraction “Imagine” show will have you oohing and aahhing as lasers and lights, video clips projected on water screens and pyrotechnics entertain you. I found it hard to pay attention as the spectacle is extended from the Waterfront to the nearby Dubai Festival City tower. Of course as this is in Dubai, “Imagine” holds the Guinness World Records for “largest water screen projection and largest permanent projection mapping in the world”.
Cost: Free! Pay only for the bus ride from Emirates Metro Station (red line). Shows daily from 7:00 – 10:00 PM on weekdays and 7:00 – 11:00 PM on weekends
13. Revisit History
Drop by Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum’s house and revisit Dubai’s past. The house which is now currently used as a museum, displays historical artifacts such as coins, stamps and jewelries. Perfect place to learn some history and the house’s architectural beauty is a sight to behold especially in the evening.
Cost: 3 AED entrance fee. Near Al Ghubaiba Metro Station (green line)
14. Sample a Shawarma
Shawarma’s gotten popular thanks to Iron Man wanting to eat it after battling space aliens in the Avengers movie. To truly immerse in your Dubai experience, sample this grilled delicacy which a lot of people in the Middle East would consider as comfort food or a staple in every meal. For me, nothing could rival the authentic taste of shawarma from my local vendor.
Cost: 3-5 AED per shawarma, best paired with soft drinks or a fruit shake. Could be bought almost anywhere
15. Buy Souvenirs
Of course a trip will not be complete without souvenirs. Head over to Karama Shopping Complex to buy some mementos as reminder of your time in the city of Dubai.
Cost: The probability of going over the 10 AED budget is very likely but with superb haggling skills, you might be able to get a lot of bang for your dirhams.
An Overseas Filipino Worker since 2008, Yvette is back in the Middle East after a brief stint in a first world country in South East Asia. She is a binge watcher and is part of numerous fandoms. She writes to keep her sanity (read her rantings on Wattpad @yvette_dc) and is happiest when she's in a bookstore. If given the resources, she would see the world.