For travelers seeking an exciting urban destination without breaking the bank, Dubai offers a surprisingly affordable option, according to a new study.
The United Arab Emirates city ranks as the 8th most affordable out of the 10 most visited cities worldwide when it comes to the cost for a one-night stay.
The study, conducted by student travel company Rustic Pathways, analysed the costs for a one-night city break per person including hotel, meals, transportation, entertainment, alcohol, and tips. They found that for a single night in Dubai, the total average cost is $465 per person.
While not the cheapest option, Dubai outranks major travel hotspots like Paris ($557 per night) and New York City ($687 per night) when it comes to affordability for a short urban vacation. The most budget-friendly city analysed was the German capital of Berlin at just $266 for a one-night stay.
“If someone is looking for a break with plenty of sightseeing, then Dubai is a good option for them, with many of the country’s most popular tourist hotspots being free to the public, such as The Dubai Fountain and Marina Beach,” said Rustic Pathways CEO Shayne Fitz-Coy.
The biggest expenditure for visitors to Dubai is the city’s hotel rooms, which averaged $340 per night for a mid-range double occupancy option – the second-highest nightly rate in the study after New York. However, Dubai offered relatively affordable local transportation at just $13 per day on average.
As travel costs continue rising around the world, the study suggests that European capitals like Berlin, Madrid, and Barcelona currently offer especially good value for cost-conscious tourists wanting to experience a top global destination.
“With the cost of living having risen dramatically over recent years for many countries, many will still want a holiday abroad, but will be looking to spend less than they usually would,” said Fitz-Coy.
“A short-haul city break is a great option for potential holidaymakers who want to visit new places but spend a bit less.”
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