Here are budget-friendly nightclubs and nightlife options in Dubai, plus quick tips to keep your night cheap. Prices and promotions change often, so use these as current examples and check the venue’s page/Instagram before you go.

Top cheap / low-cost clubs & spots

• Barasti (Dubai Marina / Le Méridien Mina Seyahi) — often free entry on non-event nights; happy-hour drinks can be around AED 30–40. Good for a casual beachside party vibe. (alldubaitravel.com)
• Lock, Stock & Barrel (multiple locations: Barsha Heights, Business Bay) — lively, pub/club feel with frequent buy-one-get-one and happy-hour deals. Great for live bands on a budget. (alldubaitravel.com)
• Zero Gravity (near Dubai Marina) — free/low-entry on many weekdays; poolside club vibes with weekday promos. Avoid big weekend events if you want to stay cheap. (alldubaitravel.com)
• McGettigan’s (JLT and other locations) — Irish pub with regular happy hours (drinks often from ~AED 25) and music nights; cheaper than premium nightclub bottle service. (alldubaitravel.com)
• Bla Bla (JBR) — multi-area venue (beach + restaurants + club) with free club entry and reasonably priced happy-hour cocktails (AED 35–45). (alldubaitravel.com)
• Soho Garden (Meydan) — can have free-entry or sub‑AED100 entry events depending on the night; look for RSVP deals. (alldubaitravel.com)
• Older/working-class areas (Deira, Karama, Mankhool) — many small clubs/pubs with little/no cover and lower drink prices; if you’re strictly budget-focused, locals often recommend checking these neighborhoods. Reddit threads and local guides point to Deira/Karama as cheaper. (Reddit.com)

Typical budget expectations

• Cover charges: often free on weekdays or via guest list; paid nights typically AED 50–200 for bigger clubs/events. (side-line.com)
• Drink prices: expect beers/cocktails in clubs to start ~AED 25–50 during happy hours and often AED 40–100+ at peak times; house pours/happy-hour offers are the cheapest route. (alldubaitravel.com)

Money-saving strategies

• Go on weekdays (Mon–Wed) or arrive early — many clubs waive entry or have cheap happy hours before 8–9 PM. (alldubaitravel.com)
• Use guest lists / promoter RSVPs — can get free entry and sometimes free drinks for ladies’ nights. (alldubaitravel.com)
• Ladies’ nights are widespread — free entry or free/cheap drinks for women on specific nights; follow venue listings. (alldubaitravel.com)
• Choose pubs/lounges instead of big clubs — pubs like McGettigan’s usually have significantly lower drink prices. (alldubaitravel.com)
• Follow venues and promoters on Instagram or apps (Let’s DXB / local event pages) for last-minute offers. (alldubaitravel.com)

Safety note

• Be cautious about scams and unexpectedly large tabs (there have been reports of dating-app-related scams and very large bills after nights out). Keep an eye on orders and the bill. If something looks wrong, ask management immediately. (Reddit.com)

If you want, I can:

• Check live events/cover charges for specific dates (I’ll look up current schedules and entry fees), or
• Narrow recommendations by area (Marina, JBR, Deira, Business Bay) or music type (EDM, hip‑hop, desi).