🌊 After the romance, the desert adventures, and the rooftop views, we decided to slow things down a bit. It wasn’t about spending big.. more about wandering, people-watching, and finding those little pockets of Dubai you can enjoy without touching the emergency savings.
JBR The Beach We Couldn’t Quit 🏖️☀️🍹
We didn’t plan to go to JBR twice, but the first time we went? Yeah… we fell a bit in love.
The beach is stunning… yes, technically man-made, but you’d never know it. It’s huge, spotless, and blends city and beach vibes so effortlessly you could almost forget you’re in a desert.
No cramped towels here; there’s space to breathe, and, unlike most tourist beaches I’ve been to, there are no sellers wandering over every five minutes to persuade you to buy something you never wanted in the first place! Bonus!
Step off the sand and you might get hounded.. especially as a woman..but, on the beach? Pure peace.
The water was perfect for cooling off, the sand didn’t scorch my feet (still not sure if that’s a man-made thing or just Dubai magic 🤔), and we stayed for hours.. walking the shoreline, eating ice cream, grabbing a couple of drinks.
Sunbeds? I’m pretty sure it was around £25 for two, and you get a token when you pay. Not bad for the location, and listen.. the toilets 🚻. I wouldn’t say they beat our hotel’s changing rooms (others I could comment on, lol), but for public facilities? What the helly clean!
Clearly, the cleaners work hard.. hats off to them.
Just off the beach, you’ve got enough restaurants to keep everyone happy. We ate at Claw BBQ 🍔🥂 and loved it so much we went twice. American food done right, 2-for-1 drinks, happy hour, and sunset views that felt like they’d been designed just for us.
If American’s not your thing, don’t worry.. there’s something for everyone here.
There’s also shopping 🛍️, arcades 🎮, and even a funfair 🎡. Proper family-friendly territory. Honestly, if (when) we come back, I’d love to stay here.
It’ll probably come with a price tag, but the mix of beach, food, and fun..i’d say it’s worth it.
Dubai Marina — The One We Didn’t Spend Enough Time In 🚤🌇
We made it to the marina a few days before we left, and my only regret is not going earlier. It’s perfect for a lazy late-afternoon stroll, with skyscrapers towering above and yachts bobbing on the water.
We found an outdoor spot with a big screen showing football (hubby was happy ⚽), and I discovered they didn’t have an alcohol licence 👀 so mocktails it was 🍹. Did I miss wine? Not at all. It was chilled, refreshing, and just what I needed.
We sat there, people-watching, chatting, and soaking it in.. all for about £20.
Dubai Mall — Where Do I Even Start? 🛍️🐟🍭
Calling it a mall feels wrong. It’s basically its own city. You could spend a week here and still not see it all. From budget shops to luxury brands, cheap eats to fine dining, there’s something for every budget… if you can survive the temptation.
One of my favourite free things? Standing outside the aquarium 🐠 and just watching.
You can see so much without even paying to go in.. though if you want the full thing, it’s right there.
We went to the mall a few times.
The night before we left, we were on a mission to get football boots for my son.
It took ages to find the right pair because this place is huge.
I mean, even the candy shops here are the size of supermarkets 🍬.
It can be overwhelming, sure.. but it’s absolutely worth a visit.
Three Places, Three Vibes, One Affordable Day 💸🌟
JBR for the beach and sunsets 🌊☀️, the Marina for that slow, scenic stroll 🚤🌇, and the Mall for the pure madness of it all 🛍️🐟.
Each place gave us something different, and none of them emptied our wallets. Proof that in Dubai, it’s not just about what you see… it’s about how you do it.
💡 Budget-Friendly Dubai Day Tips
JBR Beach is free; sunbeds are around £25 for two.
Bring snacks or share portions — the food options are endless but can add up.
Hit Dubai Marina late afternoon for cooler temps and better light.
Dubai Mall aquarium? See it from the outside for free before deciding to go in.
🎈 Next time… well, let’s just say the alarms went off at 4am, the air was cool, and my heart was already racing ..and it had absolutely nothing to do with caffeine. We were about to see Dubai from a view I’ll never forget.
Stay tuned for the final.. Part 6 of Dubai Diaries…
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