8 luxe-looking Dubai experiences that are secretly affordable
Unfortunately, luxury often comes with a price tag that's enough to make your eyes water.
But don't worry, you don't have to spend big to feel fancy—Dubai's packed with affordable spots that feel five-star.
If you want to get a slice of the luxe life for a smidge of the price, check out some of our top recommendations below.
Sail on an abra to your waterside restaurant
(Credit: Supplied)
Wind through Madinat Jumeirah on a traditional abra boat and look up at the views of the eternally swanky Burj Al Arab before arriving at Pai Thai.
If arriving at a fancy restaurant on your own boat didn't feel expensive enough, you can dine on a budget by making the most of the lunch deal.
Offering two courses for only Dhs150, sample some of the best Thai food in the city for less.
Lunch deal Dhs150 (two courses), Dhs165 (three courses). Mon-Fri 12.30pm-2.30pm, Sun 12.30pm-5.30pm. Madinat Jumeirah, Jumeirah.com (800 323 232).
Wander through Fashion Avenue
(Credit: Supplied)
You might not be able to buy anything, but you can still dress to impress and take a stroll through the most high-end stretch of Dubai Mall.
Costing nothing at all, you can window shop at over 150 designer brands from Cartier and Dior to Gucci and Van Cleef & Arpels.
If you want to soak up the smell of expensive designer wear, pull up a chair at Ladurée and sip on mocktails, special teas or Arabic coffee whilst nibbling on some rather pretty pastel-hued macarons, with flavours like cotton candy, salted caramel and honey pine tree.
You might not be leaving laden with shopping bags, but you will leave with the feeling of being immersed in a designer lifestyle for an hour or two.
Mon-Thurs 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com (800 3822 46255).
Have breakfast at Tiffany's
(Credit: Tiffany and Co.)
The diamonds in here are pretty expensive, but thankfully, a latte is not.
Have your own Holly Golightly moment at the Blue Box Café in Dubai Mall and let art imitate life amidst Tiffany & Co.'s iconic turquoise décor while you sip on a macchiato or Passion de Fleurs white tea.
Inspired by the brand's illustrious rich heritage, you can dive into your own Breakfast at Tiffany's movie and tuck into French toast, Blue Box Benedict with truffle, or avocado toast.
You might end up spending more if you opt in for the whole breakfast menu — or even afternoon tea — but a quick caffeine fix can cost as little as Dhs23, and a small pastry won't dip into your savings too much, either.
Open daily 10am-midnight. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com (04 250 4935).
Use the 'Press for bubbly' button at Josette
(Credit: Supplied)
Book a table at the stunning, pink-infused restaurant to feel like you've been transported to Paris. This is one venue that is high on immersive feels.
Enjoy the grand décor and get your finger on that 'Press for bubbly' button as soon as possible. That's because despite the ultra-luxe vibes at Josette, it actually has one of the cheapest glasses of bubbly in the city, priced at Dhs78.
Oh, and did you know, Josette has its own custom-brand Brut Reserve NV, so you'll be sipping on something even more exclusive for under Dhs100.
Mon-Fri 9am-1am, Sat-Sun 9am-3am. ICD Brookfield Place, DIFC, josette.com (04 275 2522).
Eat breakfast in your own private pod
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For an ultra-private experience, book one of these stunning pods for the ultimate in experiential dining.
While this kind of experience usually comes with a hefty price tag, not so here. These pods come with their own pretty tables, stunning views over JBR and Dubai Marina and, the best part, air-conditioning.
Now launching an all-new breakfast menu, you can enjoy this private dining experience over your morning eggs for as little as Dhs49. Sit back and admire your pod alongside American style pancakes, chocolate fondant, avo on toast or even The Pods Breakfast Platter for under Dhs50.
Breakfast available daily 8am-noon. The Pods, Bluewaters Island, thepods.ae (04 453 8994).
Have a bubbly breakfast at Time Out Market
(Credit: Time Out Market)
There aren't many places that will give you this kind of view for this kind of price. Every Saturday and Sunday, start your day early with a weekend breakfast and a glass of bubbles at Time Out Market, where your fizz will only set you back Dhs45.
Get a good seat on the terrace overlooking The Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, and tuck into the likes of a Morning Glory Pizza from Pitfire or a Morning Sanger from Pickl.
Sip and nibble for next to nothing as you enjoy the atmosphere in one of the most iconic spots in the city.
Take a moonlight swim at Cloud 22
(Credit: Supplied)
Sure, it's not exactly a bargain, but here's how to do it for less. A normal non-redeemable lounger at the Atlantis The Royal Cloud 22 pool would cost you Dhs650 on a weekend.
But, if you take the evening pool and lounge pass, you can linger for three whole hours on this incredible rooftop overlooking Palm Jumeirah for just Dhs300.
It might not be the cheapest bargain out there, but if you want an expensive-for-less-experience, then really is the way to do it.
From Dhs300. From Thurs Apr 25, open every Thurs-Sat, 7-11pm. Cloud 22, Atlantis The Royal, Palm Jumeirah, Atlantis.com (04 426 2700).
Dine on a pier next to the Burj Al Arab
(Credit: Onda by Pierchic)
Pier Chic is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Dubai, with its tables stretching out into the sea and offering uninterrupted views of the Burj Al Arab.
Serving up a range of Italian-inspired dishes, you can dress up and dine for a great deal on weekdays, when its lunch menu costs only Dhs150 for two courses. Think burrata, panzanella, pesto with fusilli and ricotta, homemade meatballs and tiramisu or panna cotta.
It's not often you get to clink glasses at a restaurant-over-the-sea for so little. So savour the dishes, bespoke services and great prices.
Sun-Thurs 5pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 5pm-1am. Pierchic, Jumeirah Al Qasr jumeirah.com (800 323 232).
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