For many middle-class Indian families, a trip to Dubai feels like a dream – With dazzling city of skyscrapers, and endless opportunities, Dubai is known to be the second home for expats to secure a job and build a better future. In 2025, this dream is more achievable than ever, provided you plan wisely. Whether you’re a family of four craving a memorable vacation or a breadwinner eyeing a career move, this guide breaks down the Dubai trip cost from India. Based on the latest insights, The Dubai Street here explains the expenses, tips, and essentials to make your Dubai journey affordable.
Why Dubai Appeals to Middle-Class Indian Families in 2025?
Dubai’s charm lies in its dual promise: a fun-filled family getaway and a gateway to a tax-free, prosperous life. For tourists, it’s the thrill of desert safaris, kid-friendly attractions like the Dubai Aquarium, and affordable shopping. For job seekers, it’s the thriving sectors—hospitality, construction, IT—offering salaries far higher than India’s average. With over 3.5 million Indians already calling the UAE home, Dubai feels like a second home for many. But how much does it really cost to visit as a family or kickstart a new chapter? Let’s dive into the numbers.
Costs for a Job Seeker Moving to Dubai with Family (First Month)
If your goal is to explore jobs and settle, costs shift. Here’s what a family of four might spend initially: The costs are provided in Indian Rupees (INR), with 1 AED = 22.71 INR.
India to Dubai Visa Costs
90-Day Visit Visa: ₹16,000–₹18,000 per adult, ₹12,000–₹14,000 per child
Total: ₹56,000–₹64,000. Allows job hunting; convert to residency visas later.
Flight Costs from India to Dubai
One-Way Tickets: ₹10,000–₹20,000 per person
Total: ₹40,000–₹80,000.
Accommodation in Dubai
Shared Apartment (1 Month): ₹25,000–₹40,000
2BHKs in affordable areas like International City. You can find affordable apartments in Dubai at Dubizzle or Bayut.
Short-Term Hotel: ₹50,000–₹80,000 – Temporary until you settle.
Living Expenses in Dubai
Food: ₹12,000–₹20,000 – Home cooking or budget eateries.
Transport: ₹4,000–₹8,000 – Public transport for job hunts and school visits.
Miscellaneous: ₹15,000–₹25,000 – SIM cards, school inquiries, and basic setup.
Find Jobs in Dubai
Job Prospects: Entry-level roles (e.g., retail, teaching) pay ₹2.5–₹5 lakh annually; skilled jobs (IT, engineering) fetch ₹5–₹10 lakh. Family residency visas cost ₹10,000–₹15,000 extra post-employment.
Total First-Month Cost to Live in Dubai
Range: ₹1,52,000–₹2,97,000, i.e. around AED 8000 to AED 15,000
Best Time to Visit Dubai with Family in 2025
Tourists: November–March (24°C–28°C) is ideal—cool weather for kids but pricier. April–May or September–October balances cost and comfort.
Job Seekers: Spring or fall aligns with hiring cycles and tolerable weather.
Tips to Plan Your Trip to Dubai
Travel Off-Peak: Avoid December–January for lower rates.
Stay in Apartments: Self-catering cuts food costs.
Public Transport: Nol Cards are a family lifesaver.
Free Fun: Beaches, parks, and fountains entertain kids gratis.
Group Discounts: Book activities as a family for deals.
Cost Breakdown for a 7-Day Family Trip to Dubai from India (Family of Four)
Imagine a family of four—two adults and two kids (ages 5–12)—planning a week-long Dubai adventure in 2025. Here’s a detailed cost breakdown across three budgets: budget, mid-range, and luxury. Costs are in Indian Rupees (INR), with 1 AED = 22.71 INR.
Visit Visa Costs from India to Dubai
Tourist Visa (14-day single entry): ₹7,500–₹8,800 per person
Total for four: ₹30,000–₹35,200. Kids often get discounted rates (₹5,000–₹6,000 each) but confirm with your agent. Processing takes 4–6 days; express visas (48 hours) cost ₹9,000 each.
Dubai to India Flight Costs
Round-Trip Airfare: ₹20,000–₹40,000 per person
Total for four: ₹80,000–₹1,60,000. Airlines like SpiceJet, IndiGo, and Air India Express fly from cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Chennai. Kids under 12 may get 10–20% off. Booking early (2–3 months) keeps costs low; peak season (November–March) hikes fares.
Find Accommodation in Dubai
Budget (Apartments/Airbnb): ₹4,000–₹6,000 per night (₹28,000–₹42,000 for 7 days). Look for 1BHKs in Deira or Al Barsha with kitchens to save on food.
Mid-Range (3-Star Hotels): ₹8,000–₹12,000 per night (₹56,000–₹84,000 for 7 days). Family-friendly options like Ibis or Rove Hotels offer extra beds or connecting rooms.
Luxury (5-Star Hotels): ₹20,000–₹40,000 per night (₹1,40,000–₹2,80,000 for 7 days). Resorts like Jumeirah Beach Hotel include pools and kids’ clubs.
Explore Places to Visit in Dubai
Budget (Public Transport): ₹2,000–₹4,000 for 7 days. A family Nol Card (₹1,800 for a week) covers metro and bus rides for all. Metro fares are ₹182 per trip per person; kids under 5 ride free.
Mid-Range (Metro + Taxis): ₹8,000–₹12,000 for 7 days. Taxis (₹270 base fare) are handy with kids.
Luxury (Car Rental): ₹12,000–₹18,000 for 7 days. A 7-seater SUV suits families; an International Driving Permit is required. You can rent a car from Beno or Indigo, the car rental in Dubai.
Read More: Places to Visit in Dubai
Must-Try South-Indian Foods in Dubai
Budget (Street Food/Indian Eateries): ₹6,000–₹10,000 for 7 days. Meals like biryani (₹300 per plate) or shawarma (₹150) at places like Bikanervala or Calicut Paragon are family friendly.
Mid-Range (Restaurants): ₹20,000–₹28,000 for 7 days. Expect ₹2,000–₹3,000 per meal for four at casual diners.
Luxury (Fine Dining): ₹60,000–₹1,00,000 for 7 days. Buffets at places like At.mosphere (₹4,000 per person) splurge on extravagance.
Read More: Must-Try Foods in Dubai
Entertainment Attractions and Activities
Budget (Free + Low-Cost): ₹8,000–₹12,000 – Free spots like Jumeirah Beach or Dubai Fountain, plus a desert safari (₹6,000 for four).
Mid-Range (Key Attractions): ₹40,000–₹60,000 – Burj Khalifa (₹6,560 for two adults, ₹4,000 for two kids), Dubai Aquarium (₹6,000 for four), and a dhow cruise (₹8,000) or a yacht rental (₹20,000 for 1hr cruise on Dubai Marina) – You can contact Xclusive Yachts, the No.1 yacht rental company in Dubai to rent a yacht.
Luxury (Premium Experiences): ₹1,00,000–₹1,50,000 – Ski Dubai (₹20,000 for four), hot air balloon rides (₹60,000), and VIP tours.
Total Cost for 7 Days Trip to Dubai from India (Family of Four)
- Budget: ₹1,64,000–₹2,38,200
- Mid-Range: ₹2,59,000–₹4,19,200
- Luxury: ₹5,37,000–₹8,43,000+
Is Dubai Worth It for a Middle-Class Family in 2025?
For a week-long family trip, costs range from ₹1.64 lakh to over ₹8 lakh, depending on your style. Job seekers can start at ₹1.52 lakh–₹2.97 lakh, with long-term rewards like tax-free income and quality schooling (e.g., Indian-curriculum schools like Gems Education, JSS PS School). Dubai offers middle-class Indian families a chance to dream big – whether it’s a vacation to cherish or a life to build. With smart planning, the ultimate lifestyle is within reach.
Ready to make it happen? Start saving and planning your Dubai adventure today!
Note: Costs are estimates based on real-time trends as of April 9, 2025, and may vary with season, demand, or exchange rates. Verify prices before booking.
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