Visiting Dubai can be as expensive or as cheap as you want and so much depends on your choices. In general, prices in Dubai are comparable to other major cities in the world. Accommodation and tours can be quite expensive, but there is so much choice that you can make it more budget-friendly if you wish.
Past travelers have spent, on average, AED204 ($56) on meals for one day and AED47 ($13) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in Dubai for a couple is AED1,247 ($340). So, a trip to Dubai for two people for one week costs on average AED12,753 ($3,472).
Top must-visit places include the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, offering breathtaking views from its observation decks; the Dubai Mall, a shopping and entertainment paradise; the Dubai Desert Safari for a thrilling desert adventure; and the historic Dubai Creek, where you can take a traditional Abra ride.
UAE dirhams is what you need in Dubai. Everything else will be a losing proposition. If you pay in a currency other than Dirhams, your change will be in Dirhams ... at who knows what rate. All USD will be given the same rate almost anywhere (with the airport being the possible exception.)
Although USD is widely accepted across all sectors in Dubai, it is best advisable to convert home currency into Dirham for the ease of travelling and saving money.
Wear simple, comfortable, thin fabric clothing that mostly covers your shoulders, knees, and arms (if need be). Though it is not compulsory for women tourists to cover their heads, it's advisable to carry a headscarf at all times. It is mandatory for female tourists to cover their heads while entering a mosque.
However, there are still affordable options available, such as budget hotels and street food. A week-long vacation in Dubai can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on your preferences and travel style.
The budget a person must have to visit Dubai for a week can vary significantly depending on several factors, such as the type of accommodation, mode of transportation and meals. Generally, a budget of around 1000 USD per person should suffice for a week's stay in Dubai.
Passengers departing from or arriving in the UAE and carrying cash, or financial instruments exceeding AED 60,000 or an equivalent amount in other currencies are required to declare it to the customs authorities. You may not bring certain items into the UAE; restrictions apply on other items.