Posted by Dubai is known as a city of luxury – but a holiday in the United Arab Emirates doesn’t have to be unaffordable. Prices in Dubai 2025 vary widely: some things are cheaper than in Germany, others significantly more expensive. In this article, you’ll find an up-to-date overview of food, restaurants, attractions, transport, hotels and leisure activities – including real example prices and money-saving tips.
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General price level in Dubai
Dubai’s price level in 2025 is roughly between Munich and Zurich. Luxury services raise the average significantly, while simple meals, transport and many activities are surprisingly affordable. The current exchange rate is around **€1 = 3.9 AED** (United Arab Emirates Dirham).
- Water (0.5 L in supermarket): approx. €0.40
- ☕ Coffee in a café: approx. €4
- Lunch in a simple restaurant: €8 – €12
- ️ Dinner in a mid-range restaurant: €20 – €40
- Taxi (10 km): about €10 – €12
- Hotel (3-star): from €60, (5-star): from €180
Many basic everyday products are cheaper than in Germany because there is no VAT on essential food items. Alcohol, imported food and luxury goods, however, are much more expensive.
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Hotels & accommodation in Dubai
Hotel prices vary greatly depending on location and season. During peak season from November to April, accommodation is about 30% more expensive than in summer. Rooms in the city center cost more than in the outskirts or in Deira.
- Hostel or basic guesthouse: from €25 per night
- 3-star hotel: €60 – €90
- 4-star hotel: €100 – €150
- 5-star hotel: €180 – €400
- Luxury resort (e.g., Atlantis The Palm): from €500
Browse activities in Dubai on GetYourGuide
Tip: If you’re flexible, you can find hotel prices in summer (July/August) that are often half the winter rates – including pool and sea view.
️ Food & drink – from street food to gourmet restaurants
Dubai offers an enormous variety of dining options. You can get authentic street food for a few euros, but you’ll also find Michelin restaurants with menus costing €300 or more. Prices depend heavily on the neighborhood.
Examples 2025:
- Street food or small snack: €4 – €7
- Indian buffet: €10
- Lunch in Dubai Mall: €12 – €18
- Dinner in a good restaurant: €25 – €45
- Luxury dinner with skyline view: from €100
- Soft drink (0.3 L): €2
- Cappuccino: €4
One liter of milk costs around €1.50, bread around €1, and one kilogram of fruit is €2 – €3. Alcohol is only available in licensed venues and is expensive: a beer costs around €10 – €14, a glass of wine from €12.
Transport & public transit
Public transport in Dubai is very affordable. The metro is air-conditioned, clean and reliable. For longer stays, the Nol Card is useful; it can be used for metro, bus and ferry.
- Metro ticket (single ride): €1 – €2.50
- Metro day pass: approx. €6
- Taxi base fare: €3 (night €3.50)
- 10 km taxi ride: approx. €10 – €12
- Careem/Uber: about 15% more expensive than regular taxis
Fuel prices in 2025 are around €0.80 per liter, making rides cheaper than in Europe.
Entrance fees for attractions 2025
Many attractions in Dubai charge entrance fees, but there are also several free highlights. Below are current price examples in euros (early 2025):
- Burj Khalifa: €45 – €70 (depending on time & floor)
- The View at The Palm: €30 – €40
- Museum of the Future: €35
- Aquaventure Waterpark: €85
- Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: €40
- Dubai Miracle Garden: €25
- Dubai Frame: €15
Tip: Many online portals offer combo tickets or fast-track access, helping you save time and often money.
Leisure, alcohol & nightlife
Leisure activities are where Dubai can quickly become expensive. Beach clubs, rooftop bars and nightclubs charge high prices – especially for alcohol. However, many family-friendly attractions such as beaches or parks are free.
- Beer in a bar: €10 – €14
- Cocktail: €15 – €20
- Beach club entry with pool: €40 – €60
- Cinema: €10 – €12
- Massage/wellness (1 hr): €50 – €100
Tourists are allowed to drink alcohol and do not need a special license – as long as consumption takes place in licensed venues. Alcohol is not sold in supermarkets.
️ Shopping & electronics prices
Shopping is a major highlight for many visitors. Electronics, gold and perfume are often cheaper than in Europe, while clothing is usually similarly priced. Duty-free prices at the airport are often 10–20% lower than in Germany.
- iPhone 15 Pro (256 GB): approx. €1150
- Perfume (100 ml): from €50
- Brand sneakers: €120 – €180
- Gold (24 karat): approx. €60/g
️ Savings tips for your Dubai trip
- Travel season: In summer (June–September), hotels and tours are up to 50% cheaper.
- Use the metro instead of taxis: saves €20 – €30 per day.
- Happy Hour: many bars offer 2-for-1 deals between 17:00–20:00.
- Free attractions: beaches, Al Seef Heritage Village, Dubai Marina Walk.
- Book online: most attractions are cheaper online than at the counter.
Conclusion: how expensive is Dubai really in 2025?
Dubai is not a budget destination – but also not nearly as expensive as many assume. A day in Dubai can vary greatly depending on travel style:
| Travel type | Daily budget (excluding flight) |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | approx. €60 – €80 |
| Standard tourist | €120 – €180 |
| Luxury traveler | €300 – €800 |
If you compare prices, book early and follow a few savings tips, you can enjoy Dubai even on a mid-range budget – including sea view, desert safari and rooftop sundowner.