How to Manage Expenses as an International Student in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is synonymous with luxury. When you think of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, images of gold-dispensing ATMs, supercar police fleets, and seven-star hotels likely come to mind. For an international student, this reputation can be terrifying. You might be asking yourself: Can I actually afford to live there?

The answer is a resounding yes—but only if you know the rules of the game.

Behind the glitz and glamour lies a functional, thriving ecosystem for budget-conscious residents. There is a “secret economy” of affordable housing, budget eats, and student-exclusive perks that tourists rarely see. This guide is your roadmap to unlocking that side of the UAE. Whether you are studying in Dubai’s Academic City or at a campus in Sharjah, here is exactly how to manage your expenses and live your best life without breaking the bank.

1. The Real Cost of Living: What to Expect

Before you can save, you need to know what you’re up against. In 2025, the average cost of living for an international student in the UAE (excluding tuition) typically ranges between AED 3,000 and AED 6,000 per month.

Here is a realistic breakdown of where that money goes:

• Accommodation: AED 1,500 – AED 4,000
• Groceries & Food: AED 800 – AED 1,200
• Transportation: AED 300 – AED 500
• Utilities & Internet: AED 250 – AED 500
• Entertainment & Misc: AED 300 – AED 800

The variance largely depends on your lifestyle and, crucially, where you choose to live.

2. Hacking Housing: Where to Live for Less

Rent will be your biggest expense, devouring 40-60% of your budget. The mistake most students make is renting near popular tourist hubs like Dubai Marina or Downtown. To save thousands, you need to look where the long-term residents live.

The “Hidden Gem” Neighborhoods

• In Dubai: Look at International City, Discovery Gardens, Deira, or Al Nahda. These areas are significantly cheaper. A studio in International City can cost as little as AED 25,000 per year (approx. AED 2,100/month), compared to AED 60,000+ in the Marina.
• In Sharjah: If your university offers transport or is located near the Dubai-Sharjah border, living in Sharjah is a massive money-saver. Areas like Al Taawun or Muweilah (near University City) offer spacious apartments for a fraction of Dubai prices.

Shared Accommodation vs. Student Dorms

• University Dorms: These are convenient but often overpriced. Unless your scholarship covers housing, compare the dorm rates with private options.
• Shared Apartments: This is the most common student “hack.” Renting a room in a shared villa or apartment (legally registered partitions) can drop your rent to AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 per month, often inclusive of internet and electricity (DEWA).
• Dedicated Student Housing: Check out providers like The Myriad, KSK Homes, or ESAW. They offer all-inclusive bills, gym access, and transport shuttles, which can save you money on separate subscriptions.

3. The “Secret” Student Economy: Discounts & Cards

One of the biggest perks of being a student in the UAE is the access to discounts that regular residents don’t get. You just need to have the right plastic in your wallet.

The Holy Trinity of Discount Cards

1. ISIC (International Student Identity Card): This is globally recognized and offers discounts in the UAE on everything from VOX Cinemas tickets to restaurants.
2. Fazaa Card: Originally for government employees, there is a student tier for this card. It offers insane discounts on groceries, cinemas, and retail. Check with your university’s student services to see if you are eligible to apply.
3. UNiDAYS: Download this app immediately. It verifies your student status and gives you online codes for brands like Apple, ASOS, and Adidas, often saving you 10-20%.

Lifestyle Hacks You Won’t Find in Guidebooks

• Cinema on a Budget: Never pay full price for a movie. VOX Cinemas offers a “Student Monday” package (approx. AED 48 for a ticket, popcorn, and drink). Roxy Cinemas often has weekday deals for students of specific universities.
• The Entertainer: This app offers “Buy One Get One Free” vouchers for thousands of restaurants and attractions. While the app costs money to buy, you can split the cost with a friend, or look for the “Lite” free version often given by banks.
• Textbooks: Do not buy new. Use sites like Bookends.ae to buy and sell second-hand university books.

4. Smart Banking: Zero-Balance Accounts

Banking in the UAE can be tricky for expats because many banks require a minimum monthly salary or a high minimum balance (often AED 3,000+) to avoid penalties. As a student, you want to avoid these fees at all costs.

Fortunately, digital banking has revolutionized the market. Look for these student-friendly options:

• Liv. (by Emirates NBD): The most popular choice for students. It’s a digital-only bank account with no maintenance fees if you are a student (under 23). It also comes with a lifestyle app that offers dining deals.
• ADIB Student Savings (Youth Account): The Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank offers a specific account for students with zero minimum balance requirements and a free debit card.
• FAB iSave: A great option for savings with no minimum balance fees and a decent interest rate, allowing you to park your money safely.

Pro Tip: Always use a local bank card for daily expenses to avoid international transaction fees from your home country’s bank.

5. Eating Well for Less: The “Cafeteria” Culture

Dining out in the UAE doesn’t have to mean AED 500 brunches. The country has an incredible culture of “cafeterias”—small, unassuming eateries run mostly by Indian and Malayali expats.

• The AED 1 Karak Chai: This sweet, spiced tea is the fuel of the UAE. You can find it on almost every corner.
• Cheap Eats: You can get a Porotta sandwich (egg, cheese, or chicken) for AED 3–6. A full plate of Biryani or a “thali” meal often costs less than AED 15.
• Best Food Streets:
  • Dubai: Al Rigga, Al Satwa, and Karama are legendary for affordable street food.
  • Sharjah: Jamal Abdul Nasir Street is packed with budget-friendly Levant and Indian restaurants.

Grocery Shopping Hacks

Stop shopping at Waitrose or Spinneys if you are on a budget. Instead, head to:

• Viva Supermarket: The UAE’s first “discounter” supermarket (similar to Aldi or Lidl). You can save 30-40% on basics here.
• Nesto & Lulu Hypermarket: excellent for bulk buying and fresh produce.
• Water: Tap water in the UAE is desalinated and generally safe, but most people prefer bottled water for taste. Buy 5-gallon jugs (AED 10-15) and a manual pump instead of buying small daily bottles.

6. Getting Around: Master the Metro

Taxis are convenient but will drain your wallet faster than anything else.

• The Metro: The Dubai Metro is clean, fast, and cheap. Get a Silver Nol Card immediately.
• The Blue Nol Card (Student Pass): This is the ultimate travel hack. Registered students can apply for a Blue Nol Card which gives you 50% off standard fares. A trip that costs AED 5 becomes AED 2.50. You can use this card on the Metro, Buses, and the Tram.
• Inter-Emirate Buses: Need to go from Dubai to Abu Dhabi? Don’t take a AED 250 taxi. The E101 or E100 bus costs AED 25 and offers free Wi-Fi and comfortable seating.

7. Increasing Your Income: Part-Time Work

Saving is great, but earning is better. For years, international students were restricted from working, but regulations have changed significantly.

As of 2025, international students can work part-time in the UAE, provided they meet specific criteria:

• Work Permit: You must obtain a temporary work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
• University NOC: You usually need a “No Objection Certificate” from your university.
• Hours: During the academic term, you are typically limited to 20 hours per week, but you can often work full-time during holidays.

Where to find jobs:

• On-Campus: Check your university’s career portal for library assistant or admin roles.
• Events: The UAE hosts massive events (GITEX, Gulfood, Comic Con). Agencies are always hiring students for temporary ushering or registration roles, paying between AED 50 – AED 80 per hour.
• Internships: Many companies in Dubai Media City and DIFC offer paid internships to students, which can lead to full-time visas after graduation.

8. Free Study Spots (Stop Buying Coffee!)

You don’t need to buy a AED 25 latte at Starbucks just to use the Wi-Fi.

• Public Libraries: The Dubai Public Library system is fantastic. A student membership is affordable (around AED 50/year plus a refundable deposit).
• House of Wisdom (Sharjah): This is arguably the most beautiful library in the region. It offers student rates for membership and is an architectural marvel perfect for deep focus.
• Youth Hubs: Look for the “Federal Youth Authority” hubs. These are government-backed co-working spaces often free for young people to use for studying and collaborating.

Living in the UAE as a student doesn’t mean you have to miss out. In fact, the “budget” experience here is often more authentic than the luxury one. Eating shawarma on a plastic chair in Satwa, riding the Metro with the morning commuters, and hunting for deals in the souks will give you a connection to the city that five-star hotels never could.

By securing the right accommodation, using your student privileges for discounts, and banking smartly, you can turn the UAE’s “expensive” reputation on its head.