Getting around in Dubai.. on the cheap

It seems like a contradiction; Dubai and budget traveling. But even though one does not own a diamond embraced Patek Philippe and a black amex card there still might be ways how to explore this megalomanic desert state.

Thanks to global economy prices on hotels in Dubai have decreased, so it seems that a stopover for the ordinary backpacker is becoming possible. Food prices in the supermarkets are similar to European, however it is reasonable cheep to eat indian take away in the areas surrounding Dubai creek.

So it seems that the getting around is the last obstacle for making a Dubai trip pleasant for your valet. It is really easy to confuse the distances in Dubai, so one needs to use some kind of motorized transportation, since walking is not really any option. Not because it is too hot, but because there is aprox. 15-20 km from the Dubai Creek to the 'Emirates Mall' and 'Burj al Arab' and another 15km to Dubai Marina.

Taking a taxi is actually really cheap compared to European tariffs however it runs up in the end, since the sights are so spread out. Many internet pages would suggest you to buy a 24hrs pass to the dubai 'Big Bus' however this costs 200AED per person and only runs till 5pm. In my opinion this is strongly overpriced and hardly worth it. It is really manageable to join the immigrant workforce and use the local busses, which cost 2AED and be able to reach most of the main attractions.

Two bus lines great for sightseeing are 8 and 27.

Line 8 takes you from Bur Dubai bus station (in between Carefour and Old Souk) along the water front via 'Burj al Arab' to Dubai Marina.

Line 27 runs from Gold Souk via Deira City Centre, Dubai stock exchange, Emirate towers, and near Dubai mall and 'Burj Dubai'.

Taking the bus is quite convenient and cheap, however try avoiding rush hour since queues to the busses become increasingly long and you will get stuck in traffic. And finally you do not need to worry of sweating while waiting for the bus, since the bus stops in dubai are air-conditioned!