If I were to list my hobbies, one of them — oddly enough — would be saving money. My friends even bought me a counting machine for my birthday, which says a lot.

What I don’t love though is when saving turns into an obsession. The kind where you talk yourself out of a new T-shirt because you bought one last week, walk home in the heat to avoid paying for a taxi, or choose apples over blueberries purely because they are cheaper.

There has to be a middle ground. So instead of extreme saving hacks or lectures about your morning coffee, here is a practical set of tools on where you can save in Dubai without going crazy over every dirham — and still manage to put aside several thousands by the end of the month.

While working on this article, I came across Numbeo — a platform that estimates the cost of living across cities worldwide using data submitted by local residents. Instead of focusing on extreme saving or luxury spending, Numbeo works with a standard basket: everyday groceries, rent, transport, basic lifestyle costs like a gym membership and a few restaurant visits per week. No lifestyle extremes, no dramatic cutbacks — just an “average” way of living.

So, what does that look like in Dubai?

According to Numbeo, basic living expenses for a single person come in at around 4,200 AED per month, excluding rent. Rental costs are estimated at roughly 8,200 AED for a one-bedroom in a central area, or about 5,100 AED outside the centre. For a family of four, estimated monthly costs reach 14,656 AED, again excluding rent.

On paper, that doesn’t sound too bad. But we all know how hard it is to stick to “average” spending. One month it is birthdays, weddings and endless dinners out; the next, you stumble across the dream bag and suddenly all budgets are forgotten. With the average monthly salary in Dubai usually reported at around 15,000–15,800 AED, there isn’t always much room left to save. That said, saving is possible — without turning your life into a joyless budgeting exercise.

When it comes to living in the UAE, there are a few costs that shouldn’t be coming out of your own pocket. These aren’t loopholes or special perks — they are simply part of how employment works here.

Rule 1: Timing matters more than you think

When it comes to renting, there are two things to keep an eye on — location (we have suggested several budget-saving options here) and timing. If you are negotiating a rental contract, May to August is your sweet spot — even if you are signing for a full year. This is the low season for landlords, which means more flexibility on price, cheques, and extras.

By contrast, September to March is peak season. Demand is high, negotiations are tighter, and discounts are rare.

Rule 2: Know your rights before you negotiate

If you have already found your dream flat but are suddenly hit with a hefty proposed rent increase, there is still room to push back. A landlord in Dubai can’t raise the rent arbitrarily or simply decide on a 20% hike. All increases are regulated by the Dubai Land Department (RERA) Rental Index.

You can check the maximum legal increase in advance using the RERA Rental Index Calculator. If the figure your landlord is asking for is higher than what the index allows, you’re fully within your rights to challenge it — and the law will be on your side.

One final but crucial detail: if a landlord plans to increase the rent, they must notify you at least 90 days before the contract renewal date. Miss that deadline, and the rent remains unchanged for another year.

Rule 3: Sublease — only if your contract allows it

If you are travelling for a couple of weeks, subleasing isn’t really worth the effort. But many people leave Dubai for several months at a time — not just in summer, but also during high-demand periods such as Christmas.

If your apartment is furnished, easy to manage, and your contract allows subleasing, a short-term sublet can help offset a significant portion of your rent. For personal belongings, consider storage — there are plenty of options across the UAE. On average, a 10-ft storage unit costs around 350 AED per month.

One important reminder: subleasing is only legal with written permission.

Rule 4: Service your air conditioning before summer

This one is usually learned the hard way — when the DEWA bill arrives.

During summer, your AC works at full capacity. If it is dirty or poorly maintained, it uses far more electricity to reach the same temperature. The solution is simple: regular AC cleaning before peak heat.

A standard service costs around 500 AED — and this is one of those cases where spending a little upfront genuinely saves you money later.

I will be honest — I am slightly biased here. Once I got a car, I never really looked back. Taxis do the job, of course, but they aren't always the most comfortable option — especially on longer rides or when the driving style isn’t exactly relaxing.

That said, the right choice really depends on your routine: how often you leave the house, and whether you already have a driving licence.

Let’s look at the numbers. A typical Hala taxi ride costs around 45 AED for a 20-minute journey, or roughly 70 AED for 30 minutes. With return trips, your daily spend quickly reaches 90–140 AED, which over a working month of around 22 days comes to roughly 2,000–3,000 AED. Once you add weekend plans, coffee meetings or quick supermarket runs, monthly taxi spending often ends up closer to 2,500–3,500 AED.

This is where renting a car starts to make financial sense. Budget rentals begin at around 1,500 AED per month (for example, a Kia Pegas 2022 or Suzuki Ciaz 2024), with more comfortable options closer to 2,500 AED. Even after factoring in fuel, many people find they save anywhere from 500 AED to 2,000 AED a month compared to relying solely on taxis — with the added benefit of comfort, flexibility and time saved.

If driving isn’t an option, combining transport modes is usually the smartest approach. The metro works particularly well in winter and outside peak hours, and pairing it with Careem Bike for short distances can be both efficient and cost-effective. A monthly bike pass costs 100 AED, making it an easy add-on for quick trips and short commutes.

This section could easily be the longest — but in reality, everything comes down to the lifestyle you lead. Whether your priority is discounted skincare, cycling shoes, fitness classes or dining out, saving money in Dubai is very much about choosing the right tools. To keep it practical, here are a few apps that genuinely help.

Another habit I have picked up — and one that is genuinely useful — is checking brand and service mentions on Instagram before making a purchase. It isn’t only customers who tag businesses; influencers often do as well, and they frequently include 10–15% promo codes in their captions. Brands use these to track traffic from creators, and for the consumer, it can be a simple way to save.

Food is one area where I genuinely refuse to cut corners. If I have worked all day, I am not going to compromise on my favourite blueberries or a proper lemon tart. That said, over time I have picked up a few habits that do save money — not because of deprivation, but because the quality is good enough to make it a genuine win-win.

One of the best places in the city for fruit, vegetables and seafood — with sweets, meat and dairy stalls as a bonus. Prawns are often around 30% cheaper than in regular supermarkets, while fruit and vegetables can be 20% less. It isn't ideal for quick top-ups, but if you have a car, a Sunday market run is actually a lovely experience in itself.

This was a discovery from our early Dubai days, when saving was essential. The rule here is simple: shop in person, not online — fruit and vegetables are best chosen on the spot. Sweets, cheeses, household items, rice and pasta are often almost half the price of those in larger supermarkets.

Meal bundles can be a surprisingly effective option, especially if you are following a specific diet or keeping an eye on calories. Let’s do a quick math to see if they have sense.

Hello Meals — a solid choice with a wide range of cuisines, including international, Arabic, vegan, wholesome and Indian. Expect to pay around 342 AED for five days, covering lunch and dinner deliveries, which works out at roughly 35 AED per meal.

FITT Meals — best suited to those actively managing their weight or calorie intake. Prices start at around 1,700 AED for 20 days, with lunch and dinner included — approximately 42 AED per meal.

That said, my main advice isn't to commit to a long plan straight away. Realistically, most people don’t eat at home for both lunch and dinner five days a week, and food often ends up unused. Start small, see how often you actually need these deliveries, and build from there.