Dubai may be one of the most expensive cities in the world but that doesn’t mean that all who dwell here can afford to wear Chanel, drive a Porsche Cayenne and dine at a 7-star hotel.  

Especially with the credit crunch finally hitting the Gulf region, those who have run into problems with money may find Dubai becoming almost unliveable. Yet in the end we all need to get out, mingle and find some action. The good news is that there are indeed more than a few simple things to enjoy in this bling-bling world. 

Local food is good 

Of course, it is a desert and most things have to be imported so grocery shopping can become very expensive. Yet there are also certain food products that come from lush neighbouring countries so it’s always worth comparing prices. For instance, melons from Oman, strawberries from Egypt and bananas from Pakistan are better value than fruits imported from the US, Australia and even Europe.  

Interestingly enough there’s a new trend taking the world by storm called locavorism. Fuelled by the recession, people from all around the world have now rekindled their passion for local food; the more local the better, cheaper and healthier for you. Eating local food also boosts the regional economy and you are bound to find new favourites if you take the time to look around at the supermarkets and souks. My newest discovery is pomegranate paste from Iran. 

Same goes for restaurants in Dubai. Italian or French food costs a lot more than Lebanese or Indian and it’s worth looking out for small little cafes with delicious fare rather than going for places with fancy interiors and less fanciful food. 

Street cafes worth a visit are Zeyara Cafeteria in Abu Hail area where they make delicious home style burgers and the best fresh fruit juice in town. My favourite is a prawn sandwich with a spicy mayonnaise for around AED 4. Even Dubai’s rich and famous pass by here to pick up karak (cardamom) tea for around AED 1 per cup – not because it’s that cheap but because it’s that good. 

In the same area there is a street café called Fatayer Ala Attayer which makes Lebanese pastries. It’s ideal to pass by here on the way to Al Mamzar beach to pick up snacks for a picnic, making the most of the lovely Dubai winter weather. 

Also worth a visit are the regional food chains Karachi Darbar and Jabal al Noor. The food is delicious and dirt cheap (for Dubai, that is). 

Shop at the sales or the souks 

Other than that the Dubai Shopping Festivals during December/ January and June/ July offers discounts worth waiting for throughout the months in between. What’s more, if you shop at City Centre or the Mall of Emirates you can rest your weary feet in the cinema for half price: Cinestar has a ‘buy one get one free’ deal if you pay with an HSBC credit card. 

It’s worth shopping for necessities and indulgent items at the local markets as opposed to the malls. Although it is certainly less glamorous you can be assured of saving more than just a few dirhams. 

Karama Centre and market offers almost anything you can think of for less than the shopping malls. It’s a great place to buy budget souvenirs and other trinkets, as well as clothes, DVD’s, perfumes and counterfeit handbags. 

For cheap electronics, visit Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai. Just make sure to get a warranty. Then, of course, there are strings of pashmina and sheesha shops all around the market streets. It is possible to bargain a little and prices vary considerably depending on quality. 

Rediscover the simple pleasures 

One of my favourite pastimes is taking a AED 1 abra ride across the creek at dusk after walking around at the Bur Dubai Souk. On the other side, otherworldly scents from the Spice Souk beckons and after learning a bit more about saffron and cinnamon it’s just a short walk to the Gold Souk, only for admiring the glitter as night falls – although the prices here are definitely not disappointing. 

When in the UAE, do as the Emiratis do and hang out at the sheesha cafes. Most of them are inexpensive and provide as authentic a Middle Eastern experience as you are likely to find in Dubai. My favourites are the ones next to the creek where the city lights reflect on the water. Try heritage village for a traditional ambience or QD’s at the Boardwalk for a more upmarket local feel. Elements Café at Wafi City offers free internet and a cool creative buzz. 

Yet, if all else fails it is worth getting out of the city, heading off into the desert with loved ones or friends and camping out under the stars after watching the big red sunset beyond all the sand. Bonding over a campfire is priceless indeed.