Affordable Dubai Christmas Holiday Itinerary: December 24, 2025 - January 4, 2026

Day 1: Downtown Dubai

Dubai, UAE on December 24, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Karak House

Start your day with traditional Emirati Karak tea and affordable breakfast options at this cozy spot near Downtown Dubai.
AED15, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Burj Khalifa - At The Top

Pre-book tickets online to visit the observation deck of Burj Khalifa for breathtaking city views; cheaper morning slots available, open 8am-12am.
AED149, 1h30m

11:00am

Explore Dubai Mall

Walk around Dubai Mall, enjoy free window shopping, indoor waterfall, and visit the Dubai Aquarium lobby for photos without aquarium entry ticket.
Free, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Al Hallab Restaurant

Affordable Lebanese cuisine with good variety within Dubai Mall food court, perfect for authentic flavors on budget.
AED40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Walk around Dubai Fountain

Enjoy the world’s largest choreographed fountain system with free scheduled shows every 30 minutes, ideal for budget travelers.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

Take an abra (traditional boat) to this heritage district, explore museums and art galleries for a cultural insight, mostly free access.
Abra ride AED1, Museums AED0-5, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Local Eatery in Al Fahidi

Enjoy an inexpensive dinner of shawarma or falafel at popular local cafés around Al Fahidi.
AED30, 1h0m
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Day 2: Jumeirah & Beach

Dubai, UAE on December 25, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Bystro by Soul

Enjoy affordable and healthy breakfast options near Jumeirah Beach to fuel up for a beach day.
AED25, 1h0m

9:30am

Relax at Jumeirah Public Beach

A free public beach to swim, sunbathe, and enjoy views of the Burj Al Arab from the shore.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bu Qtair

A very affordable seafood shack famous for fresh grilled fish near the beach, casual and budget-friendly.
AED50, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Kite Beach

Explore another popular beach with free facilities like jogging track and kite surfing watching spots.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Explore La Mer Beachfront

Modern beachfront with street art, free promenade strolls, and window shopping at affordable outlets.
Free, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Surf Cafe

Budget-friendly casual dining with healthy bowls and wraps, excellent for a light fresh dinner.
AED40, 1h0m
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Day 3: Old Dubai & Creek

Dubai, UAE on December 26, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Arabian Tea House

Enjoy traditional Emirati breakfast in the charming Al Fahidi area, very affordable with great ambiance.
AED30, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Dubai Museum

Learn the history and culture of Dubai at this engaging but inexpensive museum hosted in Al Fahidi Fort, opens 8:30am-8:30pm.
AED3, 1h30m

11:30am

Abra ride across Dubai Creek

Take a traditional wooden boat across the Creek for just AED1 to explore Bur Dubai and Deira sides.
AED1, 0h30m

12:00pm

Explore Gold and Spice Souks

Wander through open-air souks to see stunning displays of gold and fragrant spices; free entry.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant

Affordable traditional Arabic lunch near Creek to get authentic flavors in a historical setting.
AED45, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Al Seef Waterfront

Stroll along the restored heritage marina with affordable cafes and public spaces to relax and enjoy views.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Ravi Restaurant

Enjoy one of Dubai's most popular budget Pakistani restaurants, offering tasty dishes at low prices.
AED35, 1h0m
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Day 4: Marina & Palm Jumeirah

Dubai, UAE on December 27, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Baker & Spice

Organic, fresh baked breakfast near Dubai Marina at reasonable prices to start your day right.
AED40, 1h0m

9:30am

Walk Dubai Marina Promenade

Explore the scenic marina with its luxury yachts and skyline views, a relaxing free activity.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Operation: Falafel

Try tasty and cheap Middle Eastern street food here famous for affordable falafel and shawarma.
AED25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit The Pointe, Palm Jumeirah

Enjoy the waterfront views, free beach access, and window shopping at this leisure and dining spot.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Beach time at Palm Jumeirah Public Beach

Relax on the beach with views of Atlantis The Palm, access is free and perfect for sunset watching.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Eat Greek Kouzina

Affordable Greek cuisine with fresh, delicious options near the Marina for a satisfying budget meal.
AED50, 1h0m
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Day 5: Desert Safari

Dubai Desert, UAE on December 28, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel or Nearby Cafe

Eat a filling budget breakfast early to prepare for the desert safari trip.
AED25, 1h0m

8:30am

Desert Safari Tour (Book Affordable Group Tour)

Join a budget-friendly morning desert safari for dune bashing, camel rides, and traditional entertainment. Most tours include light snacks.
AED150, 5h0m

3:30pm

Rest and Free Time

After desert safari, relax at accommodation or stroll nearby local markets for souvenirs.
Free, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Al Mallah Dhiyafa

End the day with an inexpensive but delicious Lebanese meal, perfect for budget travelers.
AED35, 1h0m
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Day 6: Modern Dubai & Shopping

Dubai, UAE on December 29, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wild & The Moon

Healthy organic vegan breakfast options in Downtown Dubai, affordable and fresh.
AED40, 1h0m

9:30am

Explore Mall of the Emirates

Window shopping, visiting Ski Dubai exterior, and enjoying free Wi-Fi spots; budget travelers can skip paid attractions.
Free, 3h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Logma Food Court

Affordable Emirati and Khaleeji cuisine options inside Mall of the Emirates food court.
AED40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit City Walk

Enjoy the outdoor shopping and street art of City Walk, great for strolling and budget window shopping.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Relax at Safa Park

A green oasis perfect for a picnic or walk, entry fee is minimal and it offers great views of the city skyline.
AED5, 1h30m

6:30pm

Dinner at Eat & Drink Restaurant

Affordable casual dining near Safa Park serving mixture of Asian and local dishes.
AED35, 1h0m
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Day 7: Global Village & Festival

Dubai, UAE on December 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Tim Hortons

Affordable breakfast and coffee near your accommodation to start a day at Global Village.
AED20, 1h0m

10:30am

Visit Global Village

Open from 4pm to midnight, global cultural village offering free entry before evening with affordable food and shopping.
AED15, 4h0m

3:00pm

Light snacks at Global Village

Try inexpensive international street food stalls within Global Village as a light meal.
AED30, 1h0m

7:00pm

Enjoy cultural performances and night market at Global Village

Watch free cultural shows and explore night market vendors for souvenirs and gifts.
Free, 3h0m
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Day 8: New Year's Eve Downtown

Dubai, UAE on December 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Sum of Us

Start a special day with artisanal coffee and simple breakfast in Downtown Dubai, budget-friendly options available.
AED40, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Dubai Frame

Affordable entry to experience panoramic views of old and new Dubai, ideal for taking photos and sightseeing.
AED50, 1h30m

11:30am

Lunch at Local Eatery

Try budget-friendly Arabic meal at a local café around Zabeel area near Dubai Frame.
AED30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Relax and prepare for evening

Rest at your accommodation and plan for the New Year's Eve celebrations at Dubai Fountain.
Free, 4h0m

6:00pm

New Year’s Eve at Dubai Fountain

Watch free spectacular fountain displays and fireworks at Burj Khalifa area on New Year's Eve, arrive early for good viewing spot.
Free, 6h0m
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Day 9: Recovery & Leisure

Dubai, UAE on January 1, 2026

10:00am

Brunch at The Sum of Us

Enjoy a late brunch offering affordable sets to recover from the night before.
AED50, 1h30m

12:00pm

Visit Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Free entry bird sanctuary famous for flamingos, perfect for a leisurely nature walk, open 9am-4pm.
Free, 2h0m

2:30pm

Explore City Centre Me'aisem

Budget shopping and light food options in a less touristy mall, good for relaxed afternoon.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Al Safadi Restaurant

Enjoy Lebanese cuisine at affordable prices to cap off the day.
AED40, 1h0m
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Day 10: Cultural & Art

Dubai, UAE on January 2, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Nightjar Coffee Roasters

Specialty coffee and light breakfast to fuel a day of art and culture exploration.
AED35, 1h0m

9:30am

Alserkal Avenue Art District

Free entry to galleries, art spaces, and cafes showcasing Dubai’s contemporary art scene.
Free, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Wild & The Moon

Eat fresh, organic vegan food on budget within Alserkal Avenue.
AED40, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Etihad Museum

Explore the modern museum detailing UAE’s history, entry fee is affordable and opens from 10am-6pm.
AED25, 2h0m

5:00pm

Dinner at Local Emirati Restaurant

End the day with traditional Emirati dishes at affordable prices for an authentic taste.
AED40, 1h0m
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Day 11: Leisure & Departure Prep

Dubai, UAE on January 3, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at Circle Cafe

Affordable breakfast featuring fresh ingredients in a quiet atmosphere.
AED30, 1h0m

9:30am

Visit Miracle Garden

Outdoor flower garden open 9am-9pm with affordable entry, a colorful and peaceful place to enjoy nature.
AED40, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nearby Food Trucks

Sample inexpensive street food and enjoy the relaxed garden surroundings.
AED30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Pack and prepare for departure

Rest, organize your belongings, and enjoy your final hours in Dubai at leisure.
Free, 3h30m

5:00pm

Early dinner at Ravi Restaurant

Affordable and delicious Pakistani food to finish your trip on a flavorful note.
AED35, 1h0m
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Day 12: Departure

Dubai, UAE on January 4, 2026

7:00am

Early breakfast at hotel

Quick budget breakfast before heading to airport.
Included in accommodation or AED20, 1h0m

8:30am

Travel to Dubai International Airport

Plan transport early to ensure smooth arrival for your departing flight.
AED25-50 (taxi or metro), 1h0m
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