Challenge accepted… From morning to night, we packed in more than you’d expect with just Dhs100 in Dubai
The team (side-eye, Thomas Woodgate, Group Content Director) tasked two editorial members of Team What’s On with the Dhs100 only challenge. The rules are simple: one full day of fun in Dubai with only Dhs100 to spend. Sounds impossible, but these budget hunters made it look effortless, proving that the city can be explored on a budget without missing out on fun, food, or vibes.
Here is what Sammi, got up too…
“Dubai is full of free things to do, but it also offers great value for money amidst all the glitz and bling. It’s fun to see just how far a small budget can really take you. Spending Dhs100 in a day might sound limiting at first, but focus on the things you actually enjoy and it becomes surprisingly easy to build a day that feels full and balanced.”
Stop 1:
katrina coffee
Coffee first. Always.
I’m very much a ‘Don’t talk to me until I’ve had my coffee’ person (I know many of you can relate). Katrina makes a great cappuccino for just Dhs4.90 (yes, really!). While here, I grab their fruit salad for Dhs6.90 – packed with mango, apple, pomegranate, grapes – all the good stuff. A steal for that caffeine kick and snack.
Spend: Dhs11.80 (coffee and fruit salad) | Remaining: Dhs88.20
Location: Across Dubai
Times: Branch timings vary, some open 24/7
@katrinasweetsuae
Stop 2:
Image: What’s On archive
Bike rides and beach rides.
Next, I’d head out for a scooter or bike ride around Dubai Marina or Kite Beach. It’s one of my favourite ways to enjoy the city and actually take in the views (yes, I’m that person – even having lived in Dubai for some time now, I go “Look, it’s the Burj Al Arab!”). Hiring a bike for the whole day costs just Dhs29. Cruising along the beach, skyline in the background, no rush – this is peak Dubai for me.
Spend: Dhs29 (for the whole day) | Remaining: Dhs59.20
Location: Stations dotted across Dubai
Times: Available 24/7
@careemuae
Stop 3:
Image: What’s On Archive
My “private chef” moment.
Spinneys’ freshly made kitchen section is what I like to call ‘my private chef. It’s genuinely one of my go-to food spots. From rotisserie chicken to salads and hot meals, there’s so much to choose from. One of my favourite orders? The kung pao chicken with fried rice – usually comes to around Dhs23 for my portion size. The best part is you can tell them how much you want to spend, and they’ll portion it accordingly. A true budget heaven.
Spend: Dhs23 | Remaining: Dhs36.20
Location: Various locations around Dubai
Times: Depends on location
@spinneysuae
Stop 4:
Image: What’s On Archive
Bowling fun.
With just over Dhs35 left, I would head to Dubai Bowling Centre. A game costs Dhs35 per person, which fits perfectly into my budget. A great way to cap the evening with some laughs and friendly competition.
Spend: Dhs35 | Remaining: Dhs1.20
Location: Al Quoz 1, Meydan Rd
Times: Daily, 10am to lam
@dubaibowlingcenter
Stop 5:
Image: Dubai Media Office
Night swim for free.
With just Dhs1.20 left, I would return to Kite Beach for a night swim to finish off the evening, and it’s completely free. There’s something special about swimming after the sunset – quiet, peaceful and a totally different vibe from a daytime swim.
Spend: Dhso | Remaining: Dhs1.20
Location: Kite Beach
Times: Open 24/7 (weather dependent)
Sammi’s Dhs100 budget overview
Katrina’s: Dhs11.80
Careem Bike: Dhs29
The Kitchen by Spinney’s: Dhs23
Dubai Bowling Centre: Dhs35
Kite beach night swim: Dhs0
Total spent: Dhs98.80
Here is what Lana got up too…
“While there’s no shortage of boujee things to do in Dubai, sometimes you just want a day that’s easy on the wallet but still a vibe. A smaller budget pushes you to make the day feel special in other ways, because sometimes, you just have to make lemonade out of lemons.”
Stop 1:
Image: Fresha website
Beauty first.
The first thing that came to mind was beauty. Small touches go a long way – a quick beauty pick-me-up, like eyebrow threading at Nicolas Beauty Salon, costs only Dhs35 (shout out to Bella, who’s amazing at it). It’s one of those little things most people don’t even notice, but somehow it makes me feel like I’ve got my life together.
Spend: Dhs35 | Remaining: Dhs65
Location: Nicolas Beauty Salon, Aurora Tower, Al Sufouh, Dubai Media City
Times: Daily, 10.30am to 8.30pm
@nicolas.salon
Stop 2:
The Shawarma stop.
Next up, food. Something simple, delicious, and iconic: a meat or chicken shawarma from Al Safadi for just Dhs15. Hands down, it’s one of the best shawarmas in Dubai.
Spend: Dhs15 | Remaining: Dhs50
Location: 127 Sheikh Zayed Rd
Times: Daily, 9am to 1am
@alsafadirestaurants
Stop 3:
A sweet treat.
Next, I’d treat myself to Palestinian Kunafa at Feras Sweets. The OG. Rich, warm, gooey and exactly how Kunafa should be. For Dhs27, it’s the perfect sweet finale to my day.
Spend: Dhs27 | Remaining: Dhs23
Location: Feras Sweets, Abdullah Meheiri Building, Al Barsha Times: Daily, 8am to 2am
@ferassweets
Stop 4:
Image: What’s On Archive
The vibes are free (almost)
With Dhs23 left, I’d head to the Spice Souk, where Dubai’s old-school charm proves not all the cool things are found in malls. The air smells of saffron, cardamom, dried fruits and tea. Narrow lanes, sacks bursting with colour, vendors calling out their offers – it’s a vibe all on its own. While there, I’d grab a herbal tea and maybe a few spices to take home.
Spend: Dhs23 | Remaining: Dhso
Location: Dubai Spice Souk, Deira Times: Daily from 10am to 10pm
Lana’s Dhs100 budget overview
Nicolas Beauty Salon: Dhs35
Al Safadi: Dhs15
Feros Sweets: Dhs27
Spice Souk: Dhs23
Total spent: Dhs100
