The Middle East made easy
A visit to the Gulf cities doesn’t have to break the bank, says Mercedes Maguire
Luxury skyscraper hotels, bustling souks and a glittering Persian Gulf coastline – Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha are popular stopovers en route to Europe for travellers flying with Middle Eastern-based airlines Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad.
And as the FIFA World Cup shines a spotlight on the Qatari capital of Doha this month, it’s time for the Middle Eastern cities to show off a little on the world stage. But can you visit without blowing your travel budget?
World Cup fever
It’s not too late to get accommodation and tickets for the World Cup (November 20 to December 18). Many providers are quoting low availability on the official World Cup website (qatar2022.qa), but some places still have good vacancy rates, like the Qetaifan Island North Fan Village from $US207 a night for two adults in tents or cabins. Or you can stay in a neighbouring city like Dubai, which has five times the accommodation options of Doha, and fly in for the day. Remember, you need match tickets and an approved
Hayya Card to book accommodation and day-trippers can only stay 24 hours.
Shop till you drop
You’ll find everything from souks to top-end designers in these cities with price tags to match. But one place you can always get a bargain is at the gold souks, says travel agent Simone King. “I always recommend taking any scraps of gold like dented bangles, orphan earrings or broken chains and trading them in for something new at the gold souks in Dubai and Doha,” she says. “The jewellery you purchase is based on the weight of the gold rather than design so bargains are definitely to be had on new purchases.”
Get a freebie
UAE cities Dubai and Abu Dhabi have a reputation for being expensive. But there’s a ton of great free activities to fill your days. In Dubai, head to the races at the Dubai Camel Racing Club on Friday and Saturday mornings from October to April, or catch the traditional abra ferry to cross Dubai Creek for AED1 (about 50 cents). In Abu Dhabi, the beautiful Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque has free entry and an Emirati guide will show you around for free. Or spend the day on the 8km Corniche or at Corniche Beach.
Eat your heart out
Food options where alcohol is served are much more expensive in UAE cities, but you can save with offers through hotels, says King. “Jumeirah Hotels have the Jumeirah Flavours offer, which includes a daily lunch or dinner at any of their Dubai hotels, ensuring visitors get out and about to enjoy more venues in Dubai,” she says. Or grab a falafel or sweet luqaimat at a souk for a few dirhams.
Getting around
Public transport is the cheapest way to get around, though it’s not very widespread in Dubai where there is only one Metro line. Taxis are the main way to travel, though this can add up over a few days. Car hire can be a good option if you plan to explore as petrol is relatively cheap. A journey on Qatar’s three-year-old Metro system costs as little as 2 QAR (77 cents) one way.