The Budget Travel Guide to Emirates Experience is about one thing: how to enjoy a complete UAE trip – Dubai and Abu Dhabi in a 7 days UAE week – without overspending, while still keeping safety, transparency and smart planning at the heart of your journey.
As with Homejourney’s approach to Singapore real estate, this guide focuses on verified information, clear costs, and practical steps so you can explore the Emirates confidently today and still plan for tomorrow’s property goals.
How much does a 7 days UAE Emirates Experience really cost from Singapore?
For most Singapore-based travellers, a realistic budget for a 7 days UAE trip (Dubai + Abu Dhabi) in economy style is roughly:
- Flights SIN–DXB/SIN–AUH (economy, off-peak): ~S$650–S$950 return per person (Scoot, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Etihad – look for promos 2–3 months ahead).
- Mid-range hotel (3–4★) near metro in Dubai/Abu Dhabi: ~S$120–S$220 per room per night.
- Daily spend for food, local transport, attractions: ~S$80–S$150 per person, depending on how many premium attractions (Burj Khalifa, desert safari, theme parks) you include.
For a complete UAE trip on a budget, many Singaporeans keep the total to around S$1,800–S$2,300 per person for a Dubai Abu Dhabi week by choosing budget hotels, using metro/bus, and pre-booking key experiences online.
Destination Overview: Why the Emirates Experience is Worth a Week
The Emirates (especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi) pair well with Singapore: both are global hubs, safe, well-policed, with efficient transport and world-class infrastructure.
For Singapore property buyers and investors, a UAE tour is often a test-drive of another high-density, high-service city-state style environment – useful context when you later compare living and investing in Singapore via Homejourney.
Best time to visit for a budget-friendly UAE week
- Best months (pleasant & value): November to March – cooler (around 18–28°C), ideal for desert activities and walking, but prices peak around December–New Year.
- Shoulder months: October & April – still warm but manageable, often better hotel deals.
- Low season (cheapest but very hot): May–September – daytime temps can exceed 40°C, but you’ll find very attractive hotel and mall sale promotions. If you’re used to Singapore humidity, the dry desert heat plus strong air-conditioning everywhere will still feel intense outdoors; plan more indoor activities.
Getting there from Singapore
- Flight time: Direct Singapore–Dubai or Singapore–Abu Dhabi flights generally take about 7 hours.
- Typical airlines: Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Etihad, plus low-cost carriers like Scoot on certain routes.
- Money-saving tip: Flying mid-week (Tue–Thu) and avoiding major UAE holidays or Singapore peak school holidays can shave S$150–S$250 off your fare.
Currency & exchange tips for a budget UAE tour
- Currency: UAE dirham (AED), usually pegged close to 3.67 AED to 1 USD. Many Singapore travellers benchmark roughly around 1 AED ≈ 0.37 SGD for quick mental conversion (rates vary – always check current rate).
- Best practice: Bring a mix of a multi-currency card, one Visa/Mastercard credit card with no or low FX fee, and a small amount of cash for taxis or small shops.
- Homejourney tip: When you start looking at Singapore properties after your trip, Homejourney supports currency comparison for UAE-based investors so you can quickly see Singapore prices in AED and compare across markets using Bank Rates for updated bank and mortgage benchmarks.
Top Attractions & Experiences on a Budget
The Emirates Experience is less about ticking off the most expensive theme parks and more about combining 2–3 big-ticket highlights with lots of low-cost or free experiences.
Dubai: Must-see highlights for a complete UAE trip
- Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall: Pre-book an "At the Top" ticket for off-peak hours for lower prices; you can still enjoy Dubai Fountain shows outside for free each evening.
- Dubai Marina & JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence): A favourite with Singapore travellers – free beachfront promenades, cafes, and skyline views feel like a cross between Marina Bay and East Coast Park at night.
- Old Dubai – Deira & Bur Dubai: Explore the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra for a very small fare (often under S$1 equivalent), and sample local street snacks – a true low-cost cultural experience.
- Desert safari: Shared evening safaris with dune bashing, barbecue dinner, and basic shows can be very affordable if booked through reputable providers – check reviews carefully and avoid offers that seem "too cheap" to stay safe.
Abu Dhabi: Culture and calm
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque: Free entry but modest dress codes are strictly enforced (similar to visiting mosques and some temples in Singapore). Go just before sunset for beautiful lighting and cooler weather.
- Corniche Beach: Public sections are well-maintained and family-friendly – a good alternative if you’re used to East Coast Park or Sentosa in Singapore.
- Louvre Abu Dhabi: A paid attraction but world-class; choose one major museum or theme park (Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World) to keep your budget balanced.
Hidden gems & local-style experiences
- Walk through older neighbourhoods off the main tourist strips to find small cafeterias serving karak chai and shawarma – similar price point to a mid-range hawker stall in Singapore but very filling.
- In winter, pop-up markets and outdoor events (often free) are common – ask hotel staff or check city event calendars, similar to how Singapore has seasonal light-ups and pasar malams.
Practical Travel Tips: Safety, Visa, and Getting Around
Visa requirements (Singapore-based travellers)
- Singapore citizens: Typically enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to the UAE for short tourist stays, but always verify with the UAE embassy/official portals before booking, as rules can change.
- PRs/Expats in Singapore: Your visa requirement depends on your passport, not your Singapore PR status – check UAE entry requirements specific to your nationality.
Transportation options in a budget UAE week
- Dubai Metro: Clean, modern, and air-conditioned – similar to Singapore’s MRT and ideal for most tourists; choose hotels within 10–15 minutes walk of a station.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: Metered and generally safe. For short hops, costs feel comparable to or slightly below Singapore rates; avoid unlicensed private cars.
- Intercity travel: Dubai–Abu Dhabi buses can be very budget-friendly; ride time is around 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic.
Safety considerations
Like Singapore, the UAE is known for low violent crime and strong law enforcement, but there are important differences:
- Dress & behaviour: Malls and tourist areas are relaxed, but conservative dress is advised in mosques and some public spaces.
- Alcohol: Only consume alcohol in licensed venues; public drunkenness is taken more seriously than in Singapore.
- Scams: Much less aggressive than in some other destinations, but always confirm taxi meters are running and avoid unverified tour sellers on the street.
Homejourney’s safety-first philosophy for property transactions extends to travel: verify operators, check reviews, and prioritise official or well-reviewed channels for bookings.
Accommodation Guide: Where to Stay on a Budget UAE Tour
Choosing your base is like choosing a neighbourhood in Singapore – proximity to transport, food and daily conveniences saves money and time.
Best areas to stay in Dubai
- Deira / Bur Dubai: Older areas with strong character, close to souks and Dubai Creek; often the best value for budget hotels and guesthouses.
- Al Barsha: Near Mall of the Emirates, lots of mid-range hotels and easy metro access.
- Dubai Marina / JBR: More expensive but walkable, great for evening strolls and beach access – consider for 1–2 nights if you want a “wow” factor similar to staying near Marina Bay in Singapore.
Best areas to stay in Abu Dhabi
- City Centre/Corniche: Central, with good bus connections and access to beaches.
- Yas Island: Ideal if your focus is on theme parks, but tends to cost more; good for families doing a concentrated 2–3 day park stay.
