If you are traveling to Dubai, you may be wondering what the currency is and how much things cost. The official currency of Dubai is the dirham, which is abbreviated as AED. One dirham is equal to 100 fils. There are coins of 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 fils, as well as 1 dirham. Dirham notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1,000.
The dirham was introduced in 1973 to replace the Gulf rupee. The Gulf rupee was itself replaced by the Indian rupee after India gained independence from the British in 1947. When the United Arab Emirates was formed in 1971, the dirham became its official currency.
One dirham is worth about 27 US cents or 24 European cents. In other words, 1 dirham can buy you a can of soda or a small bottle of water. A meal at a fast food restaurant will cost you around 10 dirhams.
If you are planning to stay in Dubai for a longer period of time, you may want to get a prepaid card, which can be loaded with dirhams. This can be used to pay for public transportation, food, and other purchases.
If you’re looking to stretch your dirhams, Dubai is the place to be. The city is home to some of the world’s most luxurious hotels, restaurants and attractions, but it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to enjoy everything Dubai has to offer. From free attractions to affordable eats, here are 10 ways to enjoy the city on a budget.
Visit Dubai’s free attractions
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Dubai without spending a dirham. Start by visiting some of the city’s top free attractions like the Dubai Museum, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the Jumeirah Mosque. For stunning views of the skyline, head to the top of the Burj Khalifa or take a stroll along the Dubai Creek.
Haggle at the souks
No trip to Dubai is complete without a visit to the souks. Whether you’re looking for spices, gold or textiles, haggling is expected and part of the fun. Start by offering half of the asking price and be prepared to walk away if you can’t reach a reasonable agreement.
Go on a desert safari
One of the best ways to experience the desert is on a safari. You can find plenty of affordable options that include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel, dune bashing, sandboarding, camel riding and a traditional BBQ dinner. It’s an unforgettable experience and a great way to see the desert without breaking the bank.
Shop at Dubai’s markets
For a truly authentic Dubai experience, head to one of the city’s many markets. From the bustling Gold Souk to the colourful Ripe Market, there’s something for everyone. You’ll find great deals on souvenirs, clothes, art and more. Just be sure to haggle!
Find affordable eats
Dubai is home to some of the best restaurants in the world, but it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to eat well. There are plenty of affordable options that offer delicious food without breaking the bank. For some of the best local fare, try Al Ustad Special Kebab Restaurant or Al Mallah. For a taste of India, head to Bikanervala or Asha’s. And for a quick and affordable bite, there’s always McDonald’s, KFC or Subway.
Take advantage of happy hours
If you’re looking for a cheap night out, take advantage of Dubai’s many happy hours. You’ll find discounts on food and drinks at many of the city’s bars and restaurants. Just be sure to know when happy hour ends – it’s usually around 8 or 9pm.
Visit Dubai’s parks
Dubai is home to some of the world’s most impressive parks, and the best part is they’re all free to enter. From the sprawling Zabeel Park to the family-friendly Safa Park, there’s something for everyone. And if you’re looking for a breathtaking view, head to Al Ittihad Park.
Watch the fountain show
One of Dubai’s most popular attractions is the Dubai Fountain. The spectacular water and light show is free to watch and runs every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm. For the best views, head to the observation deck at the base of the Burj Khalifa or take a ride on the Dubai Water Canal.
See a show at the Dubai Opera
The Dubai Opera is one of the city’s most popular cultural attractions, and it’s not just for opera lovers. The world-class venue hosts a variety of shows ranging from ballet and theatre to music and comedy. And the best part is, tickets start at just 100 dirhams.
Explore Dubai’s neighborhoods
One of the best ways to experience Dubai is to explore its many neighbourhoods. From the bustling streets of Deira to the luxury hotels of Dubai Marina, each neighbourhood has its own unique personality. And the best part is, they’re all free to explore.