Dubai Travel with Car

7-Day Trip to Dubai Cost and Budget Overview

A 7-day trip to Dubai can vary widely by travel style:

  • Budget Travellers: On a shoestring budget, expect about AED 3,000–4,000 (~$800–$1,100) for the week (excluding flights), covering basic hotels, local food, public transit, and a few paid sights. 
  • Mid-Range Travellers: A moderate, mid-range cheap (decent hotel, mix of restaurants, some tours) is roughly AED 5,000–8,500 (~$1,400–$2,300) for 7 nights. 
  • Luxury Travellers: Splurging on luxury hotels, fine dining, and private tours easily pushes the total to AED 11,000–22,000+ (~$3,000–$6,000+) for the week.

Planning a 7-Day Dubai Budget: Questions Explained

Here are concise, practical answers to common questions about the cost of a 7-day trip to Dubai, so you can quickly estimate expenses and plan your trip.

A typical 7-day Dubai trip costs about $1,200–$3,500 per person, depending on travel style. Budget travelers stay near the lower range, while luxury experiences can exceed $5,000.

Allocate roughly 40% accommodation, 25% activities, 20% food, and 15% transport; Dubai is activity-heavy, so tours and attractions will be your biggest variable expense.

Car rental usually costs $30–$70/day, often similar to using taxis daily, but becomes cheaper if you plan multiple attractions outside downtown areas.

Mix free attractions (beaches, old Dubai, fountains) with 1–2 paid experiences per day, book tickets online in advance, and group nearby sights to reduce transport costs.

7-Day Dubai Trip Costs by Travel Style

Are you the kind of traveller who loves a luxurious vibe, enjoys staying in 5★ hotels, and wants to drive premium cars around the city? Or are you more adventurous, happy to explore new places and focus on experiences rather than luxury? Here, we’ll help you identify your travel style, plan your itinerary, and budget your trip more easily. 

CategoryBudgetMid-RangeLuxury
Total (7 days)AED 3,000–4,000AED 5,000–8,500AED 11,000–22,000+
Accommodation (7 nights)900–1,6002,800–5,6008,400–17,500+
Food & Drinks350–700900–1,8002,800–5,600+
Local Transport120–220400–9001,200–2,500+
Activities & Attractions500–9001,400–2,8003,500–8,000+
Optional Car Rental (weekly)770–1,820770–1,8201,200–3,000+

1- Budget Travel Style Costs in Dubai (Affordable & Adventurous)

Instead of thinking “cheap” means “boring,” imagine yourself discovering the city like a local, strolling historic souks, watching iconic fountain shows, relaxing on pristine public beaches, and connecting with fellow international visitors at scenic waterfronts and cultural hubs.

Dubai’s efficient metro and buses make it easy to get around, or you can rent a car in Dubai economically for even more freedom and adventure.

a tourist watching Dubai Fountain show

Typical Costs (excluding flights)

  • Total: ~AED 3,000–4,000 (~$800–$1,100)
  • Accommodation: Budget hotels/guesthouses, ~AED 900–1,600
  • Food & Drinks: Street food & local cafés, ~AED 350–700
  • Transport: Metro + bus ~ AED 120–220
  • Activities: Mostly free or low‑cost attractions ~ AED 500–900
car-rental-in-dubai-without-deposit
car-rental-in-dubai-without-deposit

Car Rental costs(Budget Option)

If you want more freedom but still keep costs low, a cheap car rental in Dubai is a great choice:

Car ModelPrice per Day (AED)Notes
Toyota Corolla Cross105 Compact SUV, great for city driving
Hyundai Creta130 Small SUV, spacious for luggage
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross130 Compact SUV, comfortable for short trips
Toyota Cross GLI120 Sedan, reliable for city tours

Free or low‑cost experiences:

  • Watch the Dubai Fountain show, a dazzling water, light & music spectacle (totally free).
  • Wander through the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira, with rich culture, vibrant streets, and zero entry fee.
  • Take a traditional Abra boat ride across Dubai Creek for about AED 1, cheap and unique.
  • Relax at Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, or stroll the Deira Corniche, all scenic and free to enjoy.

2- Mid‑Range Travel Style Cost in Dubai (Balanced Comfort & Value)

Perfect for travelers who want a comfortable trip without overspending. You’ll stay in quality 3–4★ hotels, enjoy a mix of casual and nicer dining, take a few tours (like a desert safari and Burj Khalifa tickets), and get around by taxi or a rented car if needed.

Dubai Aquarium

Typical Costs

  • Total: ~AED 5,000–8,500 (~$1,400–$2,300)
  • Accommodation: Decent central hotels, ~AED 2,800–5,600
  • Food & Drinks: Mix of casual & mid‑range restaurants, ~AED 900–1,800
  • Transport: Metro + taxis ~ AED 400–900
  • Activities: Paid tours & attractions ~ AED 1,400–2,800
🚗 Explore Dubai comfortably Cheap Car Hire dubai and Drive Dubai your way!

Car Rental costs (Smart Mid‑Range Option)

Renting a comfortable SUV or sedan can be both practical and cost‑effective, especially if you want flexibility for day trips:

Car ModelPrice per Day (AED)Best For
Hyundai Creta130 AEDComfortable SUV, great for city + short trips around Dubai
Toyota Veloz130 AEDSpacious family‑friendly MPV option
Toyota Fortuner140 AEDLarger SUV, ideal for desert excursions & group travel
Toyota Camry LE135 AEDStylish sedan, comfortable for city touring

Recommended Attractions prices for Mid-Range Travelers

  • Burj Khalifa, At The Top: Iconic skyline views from the observation deck (~AED 159–224).
  • Dubai Mall & Dubai Aquarium: Explore the world’s largest mall and see the aquarium (~AED 120 for aquarium entry).
  • Dubai Frame: Panoramic city views and great photo opportunities (~AED 50–65).
  • Dubai Marina & JBR Walk: Scenic waterfront strolls, free to explore, lined with cafes and shops.
  • La Mer Beach: Stylish beach for relaxing and walking, free entry (food & drinks optional).
  • Global Village (seasonal): Cultural pavilions and international food (~AED 15–20 entry).

3- Luxury Travel Style Cost in Dubai (Premium & Relaxed Experience)

This style basically focuses on comfort, exclusivity, and ease. Imagine premium 5 hotels, gourmet meals, private tours, spa days, helicopter rides, rooftop bars, and VIP access to the best in Dubai, to name a few. Your week will be full of treats, without any stress, and memorable.

a Benz GLA parking in Dubai

Typical Costs

  • Total: ~AED 11,000–22,000+ (~$3,000–6,000+)
  • Accommodation: Luxury resorts/downtown 5★ hotels, ~AED 8,400–17,500+
  • Food & Drinks: Fine dining & upscale restaurants, ~AED 2,800–5,600+
  • Transport: Private transfers & taxis, ~AED 1,200–2,500+
  • Activities: VIP tours, desert safaris, private yacht, helicopter tours, ~AED 3,500–8,000+

Car Rental costs (Luxury Option)

You can rent luxury cars in Dubai from Saadatrent ae, which offers a wide range of premium vehicles, competitive daily rates, and flexible rental terms. 

Car ModelPrice per Day (AED)Best For
Mercedes C200400 AED/dayElegant sedan with smooth ride for city cruising
Mercedes GLA 200355–382 AED/dayPremium SUV with comfort and versatility
Toyota Land Cruiser GXR431 AED/dayPowerful and spacious SUV for city + off‑road fun
Nissan Patrol SE455 AED/dayTop SUV choice for group travel and desert drives

Recommended Luxury Attractions prices in Dubai

  • Burj Khalifa, At The Top SKY: Access the highest floors with VIP experience (~AED 379–533).
  • Burj Al Arab Hotel: Enjoy lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea in one of the world’s most luxurious hotels (~AED 600–1,200).
  • VIP Desert Safari: Private desert tour with dune bashing, camel rides, traditional dinner & entertainment (~AED 600–1,200).
  • Private Yacht or Dhow Cruise: Rent a private boat for a scenic cruise and dinner (~AED 800–2,500).
  • Atlantis Aquaventure & The Lost Chambers (VIP): Fast-track access, exclusive services, and full waterpark experience (~AED 450–650).
  • Helicopter Tour Over Dubai: Private helicopter flight for panoramic city and island views (~AED 1,000–2,000).
  • Fine Dining Experiences: Dine at luxury restaurants like Pierchic, Nobu Dubai, and At.mosphere in Burj Khalifa (~AED 400–1,500+ per person).
  • Dubai Opera VIP Shows: Enjoy premium seating and luxurious service for concerts or opera (~AED 350–1,000+).

Conclusion

If you’re smart about it, you can have an exciting and culturally rich trip even on a budget, explore free local spots, get around with public transport, and stay in affordable hotels. Mid-range travelers can enjoy the best of both worlds: comfortable hotels, a mix of fun activities, and popular attractions without overspending. And if you’re going all out, luxury travelers can treat themselves to top-notch dining, exclusive experiences, and private activities that make the stay truly unforgettable.

Whatever your travel preferences are, car rental often makes more sense to you than using taxis, buses, or the subway, as it gives you freedom, flexibility, and easier access to attractions. Saadatrent AE provides a broad selection of economy, mid-range, and luxury cars to make your 7-day trip to Dubai more predictable.

FAQ About a 7 Day Trip to Dubai Cost

Yes. A full week lets you cover major highlights: the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, desert safari, beaches, and more. You can even squeeze in a day trip to nearby Abu Dhabi. 

Not necessarily. But renting a car can be cost-effective for flexibility. If your itinerary includes the desert, beaches, or nearby emirates, a rental may actually be cheaper than multiple long taxi rides. 

Yes. Expect a mandatory 5% VAT on nearly everything, plus extra lodging fees. Hotels typically add a 10% service charge, 7% municipality fee, and an AED 10–20 “Tourism Dirham” per room, per night. These can add 20–25% on top of your room rate.

The lowest prices are in the off-peak heat. Summer months (roughly June–August) see big hotel discounts, just be ready for daytime highs 40°C+. Also, the shoulder seasons (March–May and September–early November) often offer shoulder-season deals on hotels. 

It depends on your style. Street food and local eateries are very affordable, while fine dining at luxury hotels can be pricey. Budget around AED 50–100 per meal for casual dining and AED 300+ for upscale restaurants.

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, leaving around 10% of the bill is common, while taxi drivers or hotel staff usually receive small tips (AED 5–10) for good service.

Golnaz Ghomian

I’m a copywriter who loves helping people by making information simple and easy to understand, so they can find answers… More »

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