Whether you’re new to the city or not, tips on how to save money, get the best deal or even find the shortest and fastest way to sort an issue ALWAYS help. Because we feel your pain, here are some Dubai hacks that will change the way you do things in the city. Obvs for the better!

1. Invest in an E-Gate card

Fast track your way through immigration (read: more time at the Duty Free) with this card that can be issued at Dubai Airport, Dnata (Jebel Ali) and the General Directorate Of Residency and Foreigners Affairs office. Who can apply? Citizens, residents and even those who can get their UAE visa on arrival. 

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2. Never take a holiday during Ramadan

Any resident knows that Ramadan means shorter working hours. Enjoy the seven-hour shifts and take your annual leave anytime during the rest of the year instead.

3. Reserve your dinner table through third parties

Use websites such as RoundMenu to reserve your table at different restaurants. The service, which is available as an app too, offers exclusive discounts (around 25 percent) every time you book.

4. Try shopping at the markets

If you find veggies, fruits or even seafood too expensive at your local supermarkets, try buying them from the Dubai Vegetable Market in Al Aweer or the Dubai Fish Market in Deira. The best part: you can bargain.

5. Keep a NoL card

Not many people know that in addition to using it on the metro, you can also use this silver card to pay for your parking. It’s your best bet when the mobile payment system crashes or you don’t want a pocketful of coins. 

6. And a gold NoL card works even better

It might cost you double the fare, but this card comes in handy during peak hours. Access to the gold compartment means a higher chance to get yourself a seat on the metro and perhaps fewer commuters knocking into you.

7. Use discount coupons

Bring out the Entertainer, Groupon and Cobone vouchers. While the entertainer is full of two-for-one offers, the other two get you heavily discounted rates for anything and everything ranging from beauty services to food and fitness activities.

8. Sign up to hotel membership cards

Registration is usually free and the rewards are plenty. The Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty programme from Starwood Hotels and Resorts gets you discounts (of upto 25 percent) on food and beverage outlets, plus you can accumulate points during your stay which can later be redeemed for upgrades or free nights at their properties.

9. Buy your computers at Computer Plaza

The Bur Dubai spot offers computers and computer accessories around 20 percent cheaper than the stores located in malls. Products are genuine and you can shop for all major brands here.

10. Save your supermarket bills

Think twice before you throw away those supermarket bills. As much as you hate to see them for the expenses you’ve just incurred, many of them have offers printed on the back. (Note: this does not apply to all supermarkets, but Carrefour does it from time to time.)

11. Max out those credit cards

NOT in terms of credit limit, but in terms of its fantastic offers. Most credit cards offer discounts at restaurants and retail outlets, but our fave offer has to the cinema ones. Emirates NBD gets you two standard or VIP tickets at VOX Cinemas for just AED 40 if you use their Go4it credit cards.