Mumbai to Dubai Travel: Your Budget Guide

If you’re planning a trip from Mumbai to Dubai without draining your savings, this is your go‑to guide. I’ve traveled this route many times, whether it’s for work, family, or just a little escapade, so all these tips come straight from personal experience and insider know‑how. Let’s dive into flights, visas, budget stays, and everything in between.

1. Cheap Flight Hacks from Mumbai to Dubai

Timing is Everything

• Keep an eye on mid‑week flights—Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often the least expensive.
• Avoid peak seasons: September to early March is tourist high time in Dubai, so prices skyrocket then.

Book Early, or Use Alerts

• I recommend booking about 8–10 weeks out.
• Use price‑tracking tools like Skyscanner or Kayak; they alert you when fares drop.

Budget Airlines vs Full Service

• Air Arabia, SpiceJet, Go First offer ultra‑cheap fares (₹8,000–₹12,000 round‑trip) but watch for add‑on fees, like baggage and seat selection.
• Emirates or IndiGo (even if icing on the cake) sometimes match tacky fares; check for promos. Emirates paper‑like fares under AED 1,000 (~₹24,000) sometimes pop up during festivals or travel fairs.

Mix & Match Strategy

• Sometimes booking a one‑way on a budget carrier and the return on Emirates (using miles or deals) is surprisingly cheaper than a full Emirates ticket both ways.
• I once flew Mumbai→DXB on SpiceJet for ₹9,500 and returned Emirates with miles for ₹3,000 tax total ₹12,500.

2. Visa & Entry Requirements

Tourist e‑Visa

• Indian passport holders can apply for a 30‑day Dubai tourist visa online via UAE’s official portal, or via airlines like Emirates (~₹3,500–₹4,200 total including VAT).
• Emirates visa service is handy if you fly with them, they package it with your ticket.

On‑Arrival

• You can get a visitors’ visa on arrival, usually valid for 14 days, if you have a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa and are arriving on Emirates, Etihad, or flydubai.

Extend If You Need To

• Dubai allows a single 30‑day extension. You can file it online via the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship.

3. Affordable Accommodations

Budget Hotels

• Areas like Al Barsha, Deira, Bur Dubai have rooms between ₹3,000–₹5,000/night. Pro Tip: Al Barsha is close to Mall of the Emirates and Metro, great for exploring cheaply.

Hostels & Guesthouses

• In Al Satwa or Al Rigga, you can find dorm beds for around ₹1,200–₹2,000/night—great if you just need a clean place to crash.

Mid‑Range

• Want a bit more comfort? Consider 3‑star hotels like Ibis or Novotel for ₹6,000–₹9,000/night. Many include breakfast and free Wi‑Fi.

Airbnb & Serviced Apartments

• For longer stays (a week or more), short‑stay apartments near Jumeirah Lake Towers or JBR start at around ₹5,000–₹8,000/night—excellent for families or groups.

4. What to Expect on Arrival

Airport to City

• Dubai International Airport (DXB) is 15–20 km from downtown.
  • The Metro (Red Line) costs around AED 8–12 (~₹175–₹260), depending on your destination. It’s cheap, fast, and avoids traffic.
  • Taxis are plentiful; a ride to the city costs around AED 75–85 (~₹1,800–₹2,100).

Mobile & Connectivity

• Prepaid SIMs from Du or Etisalat are cheap (starting AED 55 with data). Top‑ups are easy at the airport or metro stations.
• Buy your travel essentials here Sunblock, water bottles, etc. they’re generally about 20–30% more expensive than India.

5. Budget‑Friendly Things to Do

Free & Cheap Activities

• Dubai Fountain Show at Burj Khalifa lake free and spectacular.
• Walk along JBR or The Beach, sunset strolls are priceless.
• Visit Al Fahidi Historic District, Creek Abra ride, and Al Seef, all under AED 20.

Paid Things That Don’t Break the Bank

• At. The Top Burj Khalifa tickets start at AED 149 (~₹3,600), but if you book online and choose non-prime times, you can get cheaper slots.
• Aquaventure Waterpark or Wild Wadi onsite promo codes can bring entry price down to AED 229 (~₹5,600).

Eating on a Budget

• Food courts in Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates offer meals from AED 20 (~₹480).
• Try shawarma, falafel, and Man’oushe in Satwa roadside stalls for AED 5–10 (~₹120–₹240).
• Indian Thalis in Bur Dubai’s Meena Bazaar area go for AED 12–15 (~₹300–₹360).

Bargain Shopping

• Visit Deira Gold Souk or Naif Souk—even if only to window‑shop, it’s cultural and free.
• Big shopping malls have sales during Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan–Feb) planning your trip around that can save you big on electronics, perfumes, and clothes.

6. Emirates Airline Guidelines

Baggage Info

• Economy ticket via Emirates gives you 30 kg checked baggage + 7 kg cabin baggage.
• Budget airlines (like SpiceJet) usually offer only 15 kg and charge extra for more baggage so it might be worth paying a little extra for Emirates if you’re traveling with a family or buying gifts.

Liquids & Duty‑Free

• After immigration, you can buy liquids in duty‑free packaging, no need to pack mini toiletries in your carry‑on.

In‑Flight Extras

• Emirates offers complimentary meals and entertainment. You can pre‑order meals if you have dietary requirements.
• Even simple economy fares include ice‑cream or snacks, so bring a lightweight jacket, since planes can get unexpectedly chilly.

LATAM (COVID) rules

• As of 2025, there are no COVID‑related restrictions, but check Emirates’ website for updates. You may need vaccination proof only if you’re transiting through other countries.

7. Packing Smart & Safety Tips

What to Pack

• Lightweight summer wear is ideal. Don’t forget a scarf or shawl if you plan to visit the Grand Mosque or cultural sites.
• Power‑plug adapters: Dubai uses UK‑style BS-1363 plugs.
• Comfortable walking shoes, Dubai is big and walkable, but a lot of walking will eat into your budget fast.

Safety & Health

• Dubai is quite safe just follow basic precautions like guarding your wallet and drinks.
• Tap water is desalinated but safe, hotels give complimentary bottled water.

8. Sample Budget Travel Itinerary

Day 1

• Morning: Arrive at DXB → Metro to Al Fahidi → Creek Abra ride (AED 2)
• Afternoon: Souq Al Kabeer shopping, lunch in Bur Dubai (AED 20)
• Evening: Dubai Fountain + Explore Downtown (AED 0)

Day 2

• Morning: Metro to Mall of the Emirates → Ski Dubai lookout (free from mall walkways)
• Afternoon: Beach time at JBR, budget lunch in food court (AED 25)
• Evening: Visit Palm Jumeirah & dine in local café

Day 3

• If using Emirates round-trip: Leisurely late morning check‑out
• If budget airline: Evening flight → morning at expo or Global Village

FAQs