Dubai can also be explored on a budget by self-driving
We, a group of four, spent 3 days in Dubai and 4 days in Abu Dhabi. Dubai is often perceived as a land of the rich, but after arriving, we discovered that there are ways to enjoy it on a budget.
🚗 Car Rental: Picked up and returned the car at Dubai Airport, booked in advance on the alamo website, costing 1500 yuan for 7 days, with fuel costing less than 300 yuan in total. Parking is free at most attractions and malls. However, ❗️ for some paid parking areas, make sure to inquire in advance. Some require you to enter parking time and vehicle information and pay in advance. Otherwise, you could face fines ranging from 150 to 300 dirhams.
🏡 Accommodation: Dubai is not just about various luxury hotels. There are also cost-effective budget hotel chains. We stayed at an Ibis in the old town of Dubai, booked through a domestic website for only 230 yuan per night.
Personal Recommended Itinerary
1. Aura skypool Infinity Pool
Besides the usual swimming and taking photos, the infinity pool hosts different activities every day, details of which can be found on the aura skypool official website. We chose the Friday morning rhythmic yoga class, which included breakfast, costing about 550 yuan per person. You can stay from around 8 am to almost 10 am, it's not crowded, the photos are easy to take, the scenery is beautiful, the lighting is good, the breakfast is nice, and the coffee is delicious. After exercising, you can also take a shower.
2. Burj Khalifa and the Light and Fountain Show
The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is a must-visit for anyone coming to Dubai. We chose not to ascend the tower, as we felt the experience might be similar to that of the Oriental Pearl Tower and others. Instead, we watched the evening light and fountain show, which starts at 18:00, with performances every half hour. The lighting and music vary by time, and the show displays text in three languages: Arabic, English, and Chinese. After watching, one can only marvel at the extravagance and dreamlike spectacle.
3. Rose forever Cafe
The cafe's decor is unique, not crowded, and photography with cameras is not allowed, but you can use your phone. The signature is the forever rose latte, with a rose pattern on the foam, very Instagrammable, but personally, I find it a bit too sweet. It's a great spot for girls to enjoy afternoon tea and take photos with friends.
4. Dubai Old Town and Water Bus
The water bus experience is highly recommended and very affordable, costing 2 dirhams per person. It's best to go during the evening sunset, facing the sun, feeling the breeze, and slowly cruising to the other side on the boat. In the old town of Dubai, there are many small shops, and the shopkeepers will use various Chinese phrases to attract customers, such as 'hello', 'I love you', and even 'mua'... It's a mystery how they can tell we are Chinese at a glance.
Additionally, you can follow the Dubai Tourism Bureau's official account for various travel tips. After all, it's official content and worth checking out~
one of the best panoramic swimming pools in the city, view of the Marina and the palm tree
"AURA Skypool Dubai is an absolute must-visit! The breathtaking 360-degree views from the world’s highest infinity pool are simply stunning. The atmosphere is luxurious, and the service is top-notch. Whether you're relaxing on the pool deck or enjoying a refreshing drink, the experience is unforgettable. The sunset views are particularly mesmerizing. It’s a perfect spot for a day of indulgence and relaxation. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience Dubai from a whole new perspective!
AURA SKYPOOL Dubai is one of the most beautiful pools that offer incredible views of the Dubai skyline, Palm Jumeirah. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that everybody must try at least once.
Dubai must punch in the net red sky pool, a very good sky pool, 360 degrees invincible and unobstructed beautiful scenery, Dubai has a panoramic view, while you can see the palm island, while watching the city and sailing hotel.
Such a wonderful experience! A must go place and by far the best sky pool you can ever find in Dubai! We chose the sunrise time to go, and it was the best decision. I’m sure all the other times available would also be beautiful. Make sure enjoy your time while you’re there rather than just taking photos the whole time since the time is limited! Totally worth the price!
I have been to Aura last year for my Girlfriend birthday and the service was great. The server Marco was very helpful and looked after us really well!