Affordable Dubai
Indulge in Dubai’s affordable luxuries
Tue, March 16, 2021
Dubai offers grand experiences for every budget. Here are some of the best ways to treat yourself or your loved ones, without denting your bank balance.
Dubai offers grand experiences for every budget. Here are some of the best ways to treat yourself or your loved ones, without denting your bank balance.
Five-star spa sessions at Sofitel SPA
Housed in Sofitel The Palm on Palm Jumeirah, this luxury spa is a must-visit for high-end spa treatments; which, on Tuesday nights, everyone can relax for less. For just AED290, you'll get to enjoy a full 60-minute body massage as well as 20% discount on dinner, and access to all the spa facilities including indoor experience pools and an outdoor infinity pool as part of the After Work Rejuvenation package. The Sofitel SPA hosts regular promotions, so it's worth calling ahead to see what deals are on during your holiday.
Lunch for less at BB Social

Helmed by executive chef and co-owner Alexander Stumpf, BB Social dining is a homegrown concept that has been making culinary waves in the city thanks to its menu inspired by multicultural medleys. You can enjoy all of BB's classics starting from AED30 only at the restaurant's business lunch, aptly titled 4B. The focus is on Eastern cuisine – where baos, bowls and grills influenced by Pan-Asian and Middle Eastern flavours shine. And with a prime location in the heart of the city's trendy business district, this is one lunch worth every bite.
Discounted labels at Retold
Pre-loved fashion boutique Retold has a careful edit of second-hand finds ranging from high street bargains to designer label steals, each selected by founder Sian Rowlands. By encouraging people to buy second-hand clothes instead of brand new outfits, Rowlands hopes to reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint and encourage customers to cut out fast fashion and invest in well-made pieces that will last. You'll find an ever-changing selection to try on at the boutique in Al Quoz, which is open every day of the week.
Glam blowouts at Be Bar
The co-owner of this women-only hair salon is trained in Los Angeles and it shows, with happy clients walking out with red carpet-ready locks. Blow-dries are the forte at Be Bar – from glam vintage curls to effortless beach waves, with each blowout including the best mini head massage in town and luxe brands for washing and conditioning precious locks. Head here before brunch or dinner to get a glamorous hair makeover, starting from just AED160.
Stock up on saffron

More expensive per ounce than gold, the fiery-hued saffron spice derives from the purple crocus flower. Its hefty price tag is due to the laborious nature of the harvesting process, and relative scarcity in the global market. However, at Dubai’s own Spice Souk, by the Creek in Deira, you'll find that saffron is very affordable. Here, haggling is not only welcome, but expected, and you can buy high quality Iranian saffron for anywhere between AED10 and AED30 per gram.