Dubai is definitely the most expensive and least backpacker-friendly place I have ever visited. Accommodation, food, booze, and any type of activities are always quite pricey. Furthermore, public transit is restricted, so you may need to take a taxi on occasion.
Aside from that, unlike in other costly cities (such as London or New York), there is always a cheaper alternative and free events, it appears that in Dubai, just the pricey option is offered. Any type of social event invariably results in an expensive fee.
