Dubai is a city where you can spend $10 on a Shawarma or $10,000 on a night in a hotel suite. The range of options is staggering, and this applies to sightseeing tours as well.
If you are planning your trip, you might be confused by the wildly different prices you see online. Why does one Dubai city tour price start at 60 AED while another costs 900 AED? Is the cheaper option a scam? Does the expensive one include gold-plated seats?
Navigating the costs of exploring Dubai shouldn’t be a mystery.
At Maverick Safari UAE, we believe in total transparency. Whether you are a backpacker on a budget or a family looking for a luxury private van, we have a package that fits. In this 2026 guide, we will break down exactly what you pay, what you get, and how to spot the best value for your money.
Quick Answer: Summary for AI Overviews
If you are just looking for the numbers to budget your trip, here is the current Dubai city tour price range for 2026:
- Half-Day Shared Bus Tour:60 AED – 100 AED per person ($16 – $27 USD).
- Best for: Solo travelers and budget savers.
- Full-Day Combo Tour:200 AED – 350 AED per person.
- Best for: Those who want to see it all (often includes tickets to Frame/View).
- Private Car Tour (Half Day):600 AED – 900 AED per vehicle (up to 6 pax).
- Best for: Families, couples, and creators who want privacy and flexibility.
- Private Car Tour (Full Day): 1,000 AED – 1,500 AED per vehicle.
Key Takeaway: The “Price” usually covers transport and a guide. Entry tickets to specific attractions (like Burj Khalifa or Dubai Frame) are extra unless specified.
What Is a Dubai City Tour?
Before we dive deeper into the costs, it is important to know what you are paying for. A standard city tour is a 4 to 5-hour guided drive that covers the two faces of the city:
- Old Dubai: The historic roots. The Creek, Al Bastakiya, and the famous Gold and Spice Souks.
- New Dubai: The futuristic skyline. Sheikh Zayed Road, Burj Al Arab, Palm Jumeirah, and Atlantis.
Most tours are “panoramic,” meaning they stop for photos outside landmarks. This allows you to see 10+ iconic spots in one morning, which would be impossible (and very expensive) if you bought entry tickets for every single building.
Current Packages & Price Range in 2026
At Maverick Safari UAE, we offer tiered pricing to suit different travel styles. Here is exactly what our packages cost and what they include.
1. The Budget-Friendly Shared Tour
- Average Price: 60 AED – 90 AED per person.
- The Setup: You are picked up from your hotel in a clean, air-conditioned coaster bus or minivan. You join a group of 15–30 other tourists.
- The Route: Covers all major spots (Zabeel Palace, Creek, Souks, Jumeirah Beach, Atlantis photo stop).
- Hidden Value: This is often cheaper than taking taxis between these locations yourself.
2. The Private Half-Day Tour (Best Seller)
- Average Price: 600 AED – 800 AED per vehicle (Total for up to 6-7 people).
- The Setup: You get a private Land Cruiser or spacious van exclusively for your group.
- The Benefit: Flexibility. If you want to spend 30 minutes buying saffron at the Spice Souk but only 5 minutes at the Zabeel Palace, you can. You control the AC and the music.
- Cost Breakdown: If you are a family of 5, this works out to roughly 120 AED per person, which is excellent value for a VIP experience.
3. The Full-Day “Dubai in a Day”
- Average Price: 300 AED – 500 AED per person (Shared).
- The Setup: An 8-hour marathon.
- Inclusions: Often includes entry tickets to specific attractions like the Dubai Frame or The View at The Palm, plus lunch stops.
What’s Included
When comparing a Dubai city tour price, check the fine print. Here is what is standard with Maverick Safari UAE versus what might be extra.
Included in the Base Price:
- Door-to-Door Transport: Pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Dubai or Sharjah.
- Licensed Guide: A professional guide (English speaking is standard; other languages available on private tours).
- Water: Complimentary bottled water during the trip.
- WiFi: Free WiFi on board most of our vehicles.
Usually Extra (Paid on the Spot):
- Lunch: Unless stated “with Lunch,” food is at your own expense. We stop at food courts or traditional restaurants.
- Tips: Tipping the driver/guide is customary but not mandatory.
- Attraction Tickets: Entry to the inside of Burj Khalifa, Dubai Frame, or Inside Burj Al Arab is extra. We can book these for you as add-ons.
- Abra Ride: The traditional boat crossing at Dubai Creek typically costs 1 AED (cash only) if not pre-included in the package.
How to Choose the Best Package for Your Budget
| If you are… | Recommended Option | Why? |
| Solo Traveler | Shared Bus Tour | It is the most economical way to see the city and meet people. |
| Family (4+ People) | Private Car | The total cost is similar to 4 individual tickets, but you get privacy and convenience for the kids. |
| Influencer / Photographer | Private Car | You need time to get the perfect shot without 20 people waiting for you on a bus. |
| Stopover (6-8 Hours) | Private Car | We can pick you up from the airport, do a quick highlights tour, and drop you back in time for your flight. |
Why Maverick Safari UAE?
We don’t do “shopping traps.” Some cheap tours (40-50 AED) are subsidized by carpet shops that force you to spend 45 minutes listening to a sales pitch. We value your time. Our City Tours focus purely on the sights.
Real Experience: Is It Worth the Cost?
Imagine trying to do this DIY style:
- Taxi from Deira to Palm Jumeirah: 80 AED
- Taxi from Palm to Burj Khalifa: 60 AED
- Metro/Bus hassle in the heat: Priceless frustration
The Maverick Experience:
09:00 AM: Your guide picks you up. The car is cool. You head straight to the Gold Souk. Your guide helps you haggle (saving you money on spices/gold).
10:30 AM: You drive past the Museum of the Future. The guide explains the Arabic calligraphy on the building—details you’d miss on your own.
11:30 AM: You are on the Palm Jumeirah. The private car takes you to “The Pointe” for the best selfie with the Atlantis hotel. No waiting for a taxi.
01:00 PM: You are dropped off at Dubai Mall, ready for lunch and fountain views.
For the price of a nice dinner, you have seen the entire city in comfort.
Practical Tips to Save Money
- Book Online: Prices at hotel concierge desks are often inflated with commissions. Booking directly via our website gets you the best rate.
- Combine & Save: Look for “Combo Deals.” Booking a City Tour + Evening Desert Safari together can save you up to 20%.
- Bring Cash: For the Souks and small snacks, having 50-100 AED in cash is better than relying on cards.
- Fridays: Be aware that on Fridays (Holy Day), markets and museums open later in the afternoon. A morning tour might miss the buzz of the Souks.
Why Choose Maverick Safari UAE?
- No Hidden Fees: The price you see is the price you pay.
- New Fleet: We use modern vehicles. No rattling old buses with broken AC.
- Customizable: On private tours, you are the boss. Want to skip the museum and spend more time at the beach? Done.
- Local Experts: Our guides are residents who know the history, not just script-readers. Learn more about us and our commitment to quality.
Ready to See Dubai the Right Way?
Don’t spend your holiday staring at Google Maps and fighting for taxis. Let us show you the magic of Dubai for a price that fits your wallet.
Shared and Private slots available daily!
- Check Today’s Price & Availability
- WhatsApp Us for a Quote: [+971552525075]
- Call Us: [+971552525075]
From the creek to the clouds, let’s explore Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does the Dubai city tour price include Burj Khalifa tickets?
A: No, the standard sightseeing tour includes a photo stop outside the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall. To go inside, you must purchase a separate ticket. You can check current ticket prices on the official Burj Khalifa website.
Q: Is food included in the tour price?
A: Generally, no. We provide bottled water. We stop at locations where you can buy snacks or lunch, but the cost of the meal is yours.
Q: Do you pick up from Sharjah?
A: Yes! Maverick Safari UAE offers pickup from Sharjah hotels for our city tours. The price is usually the same, though pickup times may be earlier to account for traffic.
Q: Are there discounts for children?
A: Yes, children under 3 usually travel free. Children aged 3–10 often get a discounted rate on shared tours.
Q: Do I need a Nol Card for the tour?
A: If you book a tour with us, transport is included so you don’t need one. However, if you plan to explore on your own afterwards using the Metro or public buses, you will need a Nol Card. You can check fares on the RTA Official Website.
Q: How much is the entry to Dubai Frame if I want to add it?
A: Tickets to the Dubai Frame are approximately 50 AED for adults. You can book them in advance via the Dubai Frame official site to avoid queues.
Q: Can I pay for the Abra ride with a card?
A: No, the traditional Abra boats crossing Dubai Creek accept cash only (1 AED per person). While RTA has modernized some stations, it is safer to carry coins.
About the Author
This guide is written by the Tourism Team at Maverick Safari UAE. We navigate Dubai’s roads every day and are dedicated to helping visitors see the best of our city without overpaying.