If you’ve been swooning over Dubai’s opulence on Australian breakfast program The Today Show’s special feature on the emirate this past week and thought, ‘Blimey, that’s lush, but that costs more than my car!’ Don’t worry. We’ve broken it all down so you can live out the glam without selling a kidney.
Dubai isn’t just for influencers, celebs, or breakfast TV anchors. You can absolutely do what Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Abo and co. did—just a little smarter, cheaper, and maybe with fewer butlers.
Let’s break it down, day by day.
Their base: Atlantis, The Palm
First things first. The team stayed at the iconic Atlantis, The Palm. It’s basically a hotel, theme park, and underwater city all rolled into one. It’s extravagant, yes—but you don’t need to book a suite to experience the magic.
Your budget move: Skip the sleepover. Day passes to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chambers Aquarium let you enjoy the resort’s best bits for a fraction of the cost. Even better? Atlantis runs regular offers on their official deals page. Chuck in the Entertainer app, and you might even score 2-for-1 deals.
The waterpark mayhem
The Today team cannonballed straight into fun with over 100 rides at Aquaventure. From Trident Tower to the iconic Leap of Faith (a nearly vertical drop through a shark tank), it was all action, all day.
Your budget move: Still worth the ticket price if you plan to spend the day. But if you’re counting coins, try Wild Wadi or Laguna Waterpark for a more affordable splash. Smaller parks, but still stacks of fun.
Tim’s underwater weather forecast
Yes, this actually happened. Tim Davies did the national weather report from inside an aquarium wearing a helmet surrounded by stingrays and sharks.
Your budget move: You won’t be doing live TV, but you can visit the Lost Chambers Aquarium. Or try the Dubai Aquarium at Dubai Mall—it’s a bit more wallet-friendly and you get mall air-con thrown in.
Karl’s surf wipeout
Karl Stefanovic gave surfing a red-hot go on the Surf’s Up wave rider—and ended up nose-first in foam.
Your budget move: The Atlantis wave pool is cool, but pricey. Instead, head to Jumeirah Beach or Sunset Beach where you can rent a board and ride real waves for far less.
Avo toast in the desert & the famous Dubai chocolate
Sarah Abo took us inside Dubai’s café scene with Aussie expat Tom Arnel—think brunchy vibes, cold brews, and smashed avo in 40°C heat.
Your budget move: Tom’s cafés like The Sum of Us and Common Grounds are legit and surprisingly affordable. But also try Wild & The Moon or One Life Kitchen for quality without the boujee price tag.
Pro tip: Saturday brunch is a BIG deal in Dubai. Many spots offer bottomless food and drink for decent value. Time it right, and you’ll eat like royalty without royally blowing your budget.
Also featured on the show was the famous Dubai Chocolate that has taken the world by storm. See the story below.
Dickie conquers the leap of faith
After dodging it for days, Richard Wilkins finally went down the scariest slide in the park. Did he scream? Oh yes.
Your budget move: If you’re hitting Aquaventure anyway, make this slide a priority. But again, Wild Wadi’s Jumeirah Sceirah is just as terrifying and often cheaper.
Meet Kris Fade – Dubai’s Aussie Radio King
Karl met up with Kris Fade, Sydney bloke turned Virgin Radio superstar. They chatted about life, work, success, and what’s it like being an Aussie in the UAE. They also visited the family friendly kite beach and went on a camel safari adventure thanks to Arabian Adventures.
Your budget move: Kris is everywhere—radio, social media, events. Tune in to Virgin Radio Dubai for a free taste, or visit Alserkal Avenue or Dubai Design District (d3) to soak up Dubai’s creative and media vibes.
Freeze time – Cryotherapy adventures
Karl and Sarah jumped into a cryotherapy chamber (yep, voluntarily) to get blasted with sub-zero air. Because health.
Your budget move: Wellness spots like Cryo Health, Resync, and Bodytree offer first-timer deals. Often half the price of hotel spas, with the same icy sting.
Cultural deep dive – Old Dubai
The team visited the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding, sat cross-legged on carpets, and got a taste of Emirati hospitality.
Your budget move: This centre is open to the public and affordable. Or wander Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for free. It’s like stepping back in time—no entry fee required.
Finale in the sky – Balloon over Dubai
Dickie, battling his fear of heights, rose 200 metres in a glowing helium balloon, broadcasting the view live with shaky knees.
Your budget move: A balloon ride is unforgettable, but not cheap. If you’re on a tighter budget, try The View at The Palm, Dubai Frame, or even Sky Views Observatory. Killer views, wallet-friendly prices.
Big ways to save across the whole trip
✳️ The Entertainer App
It’s a Dubai must-have. Locals use it for 2-for-1s on meals, activities, spas—you name it. Pay once, save heaps.
✳️ Visit Dubai Deals
Check Visit Dubai’s offers page before booking anything. Flash deals, bundles, and discounts galore.
✳️ Emirates & Etihad Flight Perks
Flying with Emirates? Their My Emirates Pass gets you discounts on restaurants, activities and attractions. Etihad’s Extraordinary Abu Dhabi Pass offers similar perks—many work in Dubai too.
✳️ Happy Hour Heaven
Booze in Dubai = spenny. But happy hours are everywhere. Check Guzzle app, Time Out Dubai, or good old-fashioned hotel bars for deals.
✳️ Public Transport = Aces
The Dubai Metro is clean, cheap and air-conditioned. Get a Nol card, ride the rails, and skip the traffic.
✳️ Free & Fab
- Dubai Fountain Show – nightly, and totally free (reopening in Oct 2025).
- La Mer Beach – sandy toes, zero dollars.
- Dubai Marina – stunning at sunset.
- Burj Khalifa Light Show – no ticket required for the outside view.
Final word: you can do Dubai like a TV star, without the TV budget
The Today Show showed us Dubai in all its glittery, glamorous glory. But with a bit of savvy, you can live out that same dream on your own terms—and your own budget.
From water slides to skyline views, avo brunches to balloon rides, it’s all possible with some local know-how, a cheeky app or two, and the confidence to do it your way.
So go on then—pack your bathers, prep your Nol card, and write your own Dubai story. You don’t need a camera crew to make it unforgettable.
And if you do it cheaper than Karl? Even better!
