We all know what it’s like. The excitement of New Year’s Eve is long gone. The meticulous preparations and generous gift-buying of Christmas feels like a decade ago. Yet the hole in your bank balance is here right now, as it is for many others in Dubai: recent figures suggest that each UAE resident has, on average, more than Dhs55,000 of personal debt.

We’ve grilled our team of Dubai experts for the very best cheap deals, free activities, affordable stop-offs and penny-pinching tips. Enjoy!

The city’s best bargain eats

Aryaas: This award-winning budget eatery may not look like much when you enter. But don’t by put off the utilitarian interior: the service is friendly and there are plenty of Indian veggie gems to try.
Main course from Dhs15. Al Nakheel Building, Karama (04 335 5776).

Calicut Paragon: Offering southern Indian cooking from the Kerala region: expect coconut-rich curries, tangy tamarind flavours and exotic spices.
Main course from Dhs15. Opposite Lulu Centre, Karama (04 335 8700).

Fish Market: This seafood restaurant receives rave reviews from diners for its bespoke style of cooking and the variety of fish on display. Sundays are a must for seafood-loving bargain hunters, for a promotion which offers a lobster, of any size, cooked to your liking.
Lobster Dhs99. Radisson Blu Dubai Deira Creek (04 205 7333).

Seamood: Unsurprisingly from the name, this eatery specialises in fish and seafood, with a strict no-hammour policy. It sources its ingredients fresh every day from the market and is exceptionally cheap.
Mixed grills from Dhs15. Mankhool Road, Bur Dubai (04-385 7977).

Taqado Mexican Kitchen: While Taqado is undeniably a fast-food joint, it stands out spectacularly from other central American offerings of this ilk in Dubai. Whether you order a burrito, taco or fajita, the food tastes fresh, healthy and light.
Main course from Dhs15. Mall of the Emirates, Barsha (04 385 1171).

The Butcher Shop and Grill: Considering the lofty prices charged at many of Dubai’s high-end steakhouses, this South African-style meat emporium offers good-quality cuts, including premium varieties such as wagyu beef, at relatively affordable prices. You can also buy your own raw cuts to cook at home.
Steaks from Dhs76. The Walk at JBR (04 428 1375), Mall of the Emirates (04 347 1167); Mirdif City Centre (04 284 0740).

Uzbegim: The service isn’t up to much, and the decor is basic, to say the least. Nevertheless, the meat- and carb-heavy selection of simple Uzbekistani cooking is hearty, flavoursome and well worth a dabble.
Main course from Dhs15. The Zen Tower, Dubai Marina (04 392 7311).