The short answer
Short answer: a 5-day, 4-night Dubai trip for a family of four from India costs about ₹1.13–1.83 lakh in the budget months of May and June. That covers return flights, tourist visas, a 3-star family room, vegetarian-friendly meals, the Metro and a few attractions. The same trip over Christmas and New Year can cost ₹2–2.8 lakh.
All prices are estimates checked in November 2026, converted at ₹24 per AED.
Dubai is closer and cheaper than most families expect: the flight is around three hours from most Indian metros. The biggest costs are flights and visas, and both depend heavily on when you book. Here is how the money breaks down, with a real example and the months that save the most.
For the sights themselves, see our guide to things to do in Dubai, and for a day-by-day plan, our 4-day Dubai itinerary for Indian travellers.
How much a family of four spends in Dubai
Estimated costs for 2 adults and 2 children, 5 days and 4 nights, travelling off-peak.
| Expense | Cost for 4 (₹) | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Return flights | 48,000–64,000 | Budget airlines; Mumbai and Bengaluru are usually cheapest |
| Tourist visas, 30 days | 26,000–32,000 | Government fee of AED 252 plus VAT each, plus agent fee |
| Hotel, 4 nights | 16,000–24,000 | 3-star family room in Bur Dubai, Deira or Al Barsha |
| Food, 5 days | 15,000–25,000 | Pure-veg thalis and South Indian meals from ₹480 a head |
| Local transport | 5,000–8,000 | Metro, plus a few taxis |
| Attractions | 3,000–30,000 | Depends on picks; many sights are free |
| Total | 1,13,000–1,83,000 | About ₹28,000–46,000 per person |
Example: a ₹1.21 lakh family trip in May
The Sharma family from Mumbai (two adults, two children) spends five days in Dubai in May:
- ◆Flights: mid-week return on a budget airline at about ₹13,000 each, so ₹52,000.
- ◆Visas: four 30-day tourist visas through an agent, about ₹27,000.
- ◆Hotel: a 3-star family room in Bur Dubai with breakfast at about ₹4,500 a night, so ₹18,000.
- ◆Food: lunch and dinner at pure-veg restaurants in Karama and Meena Bazaar, about ₹16,000.
- ◆Transport: Metro for most trips and two taxis, about ₹6,000.
- ◆Attractions: free sights only, such as the Dubai Fountain, JBR Beach, the souks and the Al Fahidi lanes, plus the AED 1 abra across the Creek, about ₹2,000 with snacks.
Total: about ₹1,21,000. Adding Burj Khalifa Level 124 for all four at AED 179 each adds about ₹17,200.
Price comparison: when you go changes the bill
The same 5-day trip for four, priced by season.
| Season | Months | Flights for 4 (₹) | Estimated trip total (₹) | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | May–September | 40,000–64,000 | 1.1–1.6 lakh | Very hot, often above 40°C; plan indoor days |
| Shoulder | October–November, February–April | 56,000–80,000 | 1.4–2 lakh | Pleasant weather; outdoor season attractions open |
| Peak | 20 December–5 January | 88,000–1,20,000 | 2–2.8 lakh | Best weather, highest prices, biggest crowds |
Budget and peak flight ranges are based on fare data from HappyFares; shoulder-season and total figures are estimates.
Timing: when to book and when to go
- ◆Book flights 4–6 weeks ahead. Fare data shows this is the cheapest window; booking the same week can cost 40–80% more.
- ◆Fly mid-week. Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekends.
- ◆Avoid 20 December to 5 January. Return fares can rise to ₹22,000–30,000 per person, two to three times the summer price.
- ◆Go in May or June for the lowest cost, but plan mornings outdoors and afternoons in malls, museums and indoor parks.
- ◆Go October to April for the full experience. Global Village is open 4pm to midnight Sunday to Wednesday and until 1am Thursday to Saturday, with entry at AED 25 Monday to Thursday and AED 30 Friday to Sunday. Dubai Miracle Garden runs until 31 May 2027, at AED 100 for adults and AED 80 for children, plus VAT.
Ways to cut the cost
- ◆Check if you need a paid visa. Indians holding certain valid US, UK or EU visas or residence permits may qualify for a visa on arrival. Confirm on the UAE government portal before booking.
- ◆Eat where residents eat. Karama and Meena Bazaar have pure-veg thalis and South Indian breakfasts from about ₹480 a head. See our guide to vegetarian Indian food in Dubai.
- ◆Stay near a Metro station. It saves far more on taxis than a cheaper hotel further out.
- ◆Mix paid and free days. Beaches, souks, the Dubai Fountain and Dubai Mall's aquarium viewing panel cost nothing.
- ◆Pick one big-ticket attraction, not three. Burj Khalifa alone costs about ₹17,000 for four.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Dubai trip cost from India for a family of 4?
About ₹1.13–1.83 lakh for 5 days off-peak, including flights, visas, a 3-star hotel, food, transport and some attractions. Peak season can push it to ₹2–2.8 lakh.
Is ₹1 lakh enough for a family of four in Dubai?
It is tight. Flights and visas alone cost ₹74,000–96,000 off-peak, so ₹1 lakh works only for a short trip with very cheap fares and free sights.
What is the cheapest month to visit Dubai from India?
May to July usually has the lowest flight and hotel prices, because of the summer heat.
Do children need a visa for Dubai?
Yes, every traveller needs their own visa unless exempt. Check current rules for children on the UAE government portal before applying.
Ask the concierge
Planning your own dates? Ask the KnoWhere concierge, for example:
- ◆Vegetarian dinner near our Bur Dubai hotel for four tonight?
- ◆Free things to do with kids in Dubai this weekend?
- ◆Is Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame better value for a family?