Dubai has a reputation for luxury, but savvy UK travellers know it's possible to visit without spending a fortune. With flights from London Heathrow from just £289 return, Dubai is more accessible than ever.
The best time to visit Dubai on a budget is October to April, when temperatures are pleasant (25-30°C) and hotel prices drop significantly. Avoid July and August when temperatures exceed 40°C and prices spike.
The Dubai Mall is free to enter and houses the world's largest aquarium. The Dubai Fountain show runs nightly and is completely free. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are fascinating and cost nothing to browse.
Stay in Deira or Bur Dubai rather than Downtown for significantly cheaper hotels. A 3-star hotel in Deira costs around £40-£60 per night, compared to £150+ in Downtown Dubai.