4-Day Dubai on a Shoestring Budget

1. Day 1: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village
   30 minutes (17.5 km) from Dubai International Airport

   Start your trip by exploring the Dubai Miracle Garden, a beautiful floral garden filled with over 50 million flowers, followed by a visit to the nearby Global Village, a cultural and entertainment destination showcasing different countries through food, crafts, and performances. Both the Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village offer free entry, although some activities may require an additional fee.

2. Day 2: Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
   20 minutes (16.5 km) from Dubai Miracle Garden

   Spend the day at the largest mall in the world, the Dubai Mall, which offers a wide variety of shopping and dining options. After exploring the mall, head to the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, and take in stunning panoramic views of the city skyline from the observation deck. Book tickets in advance for the Burj Khalifa to save money and avoid long queues.

3. Day 3: Dubai Museum and Dubai Creek
   25 minutes (22 km) from Burj Khalifa

   Visit the Dubai Museum, which is housed in a 200-year-old fort that serves as a comprehensive showcase of the city's history and culture. Afterward, head to the Dubai Creek, a historic waterway that has served as the lifeblood of the city's commerce for centuries. Take an abra, a traditional wooden boat, for a scenic ride across the creek before exploring the narrow alleys and markets of the surrounding old city.

4. Day 4: Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach
   20 minutes (12.8 km) from Dubai Museum

   Enjoy a day of relaxation at two of Dubai's popular beach destinations, Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach. Sunbathe on the white sand while taking in views of the iconic Burj Al Arab, or try your hand at various water sports such as paddleboarding and kite surfing. Both beaches are free to visit, but equipment rentals and activities will come at additional costs.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Dubai Miracle Garden (2-3 hours, free)
• Global Village (3-4 hours, free entry with additional activity costs)
• Dubai Mall (half-day, free with optional shopping and dining costs)
• Burj Khalifa (2-3 hours, £15-£40 depending on time of day)
• Dubai Museum (1-2 hours, £3)
• Dubai Creek and Abra Ride (2-3 hours, £1-£4 depending on chosen abra ride)
• Jumeirah Beach and Kite Beach (half-day, free with additional water activities and rentals costs)
Total Estimated Costs: £20-£70

Useful Tips

If you have more time to spare, consider exploring the Dubai Marina for waterfront dining and shopping. Another option is to take a desert safari tour, where you can experience sand dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional Arabic entertainment. For those with less time, consider skipping the Global Village or Jumeirah Beach, or combining the Dubai Museum and Dubai Creek in one day to free up additional time. Remember to book tickets in advance for popular attractions to save money and avoid long queues.