Dubai pushes to attract Ugandan families, budget travellers

Dubai is making a concerted push to attract Ugandan travellers, emphasising its blend of luxury and affordability, family-friendly attractions, and robust safety. 

The vibrant Middle Eastern hub is positioning itself as a versatile destination, catering to a wide spectrum of budgets and interests.

During a recent Dubai East Africa Roadshow2025 held at the Kampala Sheraton Hotel, attendees, who included top travel agents, tourism board members, and industry pioneers, the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) revealed multiple opportunities through exciting giveaways that target Ugandan families and budget travellers.

Dubai, for instance, has strategically diversified its offerings to become more accessible. Tourists can find three-star hotels starting around $56 (sh200,000) per night, often comparable in comfort to five-star properties in other global destinations.

For families, Dubai presents an array of attractions such as LEGOLAND Dubai, IMG Worlds of Adventure, and Aquaventure World.

Beyond theme parks, budget-friendly options include exploring the historic Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, enjoying cultural meals at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, or visiting the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. Family-orientated hotels like Atlantis, The Palm, and Centara Mirage Beach Resort offer dedicated amenities, including splash zones, kids’ clubs, and babysitting services.

Safety is a cornerstone of Dubai’s appeal. The city consistently ranks among the top global destinations for safety, securing the second spot in the Numbeo 2025 Safety Index for countries, with an 84.5 score, just behind Andorra. Its multicultural environment, home to nearly 200 nationalities, contributes to a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all visitors, including solo female travellers.

Direct flights from Entebbe International Airport (EBB) to Dubai International Airport (DXB) are readily available. Emirates and Flydubai collectively offer 21 direct weekly flights, providing convenient access. Travellers seeking additional flexibility can opt for hundreds of indirect flight options, such as those with Kenya Airways via Nairobi. Booking early or exploring package deals is recommended for securing the best fares.

While the cooler months from November to March are popular, summer (June-August) is ideal for budget travellers, offering discounted hotel rates and promotions during “Dubai Summer Surprises.” Families can align visits with school holidays in April or August to leverage sales and family-focused events.

To enjoy Dubai on a budget, travellers can opt for affordable hotels, explore local eateries offering dishes like shawarma for as little as $1 (sh3,700)  , or enjoy fresh seafood at historic spots like Bu Qtair for under $30 ( sh107,000)  for a family of four.

A daily budget of $50 ( sh180,000) -$70 ( sh250,000)  is suggested for comfortable travel, covering affordable accommodation, meals, and public transport.

Cultural experiences

Cultural experiences abound, with must-try Emirati dishes including machboos (spiced rice with meat), luqaimat (sweet dumplings), and Arabic coffee (Gahwa) served with dates.

 While Dubai has a relaxed dress code for most public areas, modesty (covering shoulders and knees) is appreciated when visiting religious or deeply cultural heritage sites like mosques. Public displays of affection should be avoided, and during the holy month of Ramadan, refraining from eating or drinking in public during daylight hours is a sign of respect.

Beyond iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, hidden gems include the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, Alserkal Avenue for arts and culture, hiking and kayaking in Hatta, and serene picnics at Love Lake in Al Qudra. Unique desert experiences such as private night safaris with astronomy sessions, sandboarding, camel treks, and traditional Bedouin-style dinners are worth booking in advance.

Dubai’s nightlife from July to December 2025 promises a diverse array of experiences, from live music concerts featuring international artists to cultural performances at Global Village. The city also hosts major events like the Dubai Fitness Challenge in November and the Emirates Dubai 7s Rugby Tournament, culminating in the festive Dubai Shopping Festival in December and spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Alcohol is available in licenced venues like hotels, clubs, and bars, with a legal drinking age of 21, but public intoxication is prohibited.

For authentic souvenirs, travellers can explore souks like the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk for Arabic perfumes, spices, and pashmina scarves. Dubai remains a shopping paradise, with significant discounts available during the Dubai Shopping Festival (December-January) and Dubai Summer Surprises (June-August).

Ugandan travellers must apply for a visa before travelling to Dubai; visas are not available on arrival. A Ugandan citizen will need 80 AED (Sh 829,000 for a 30-day visit visa) or 1250 AED (Sh1,250,000) for a 60-day visit visa.