There’s hot, and then there’s Dubai-in-July hot, where even your phone screen starts getting grilled. But before you book yourself into a human-sized fridge (tempting, honestly), let me introduce you to the city’s secret saviours: ridiculously cheap, outrageously refreshing drinks. We’re talking budget-friendly sips – AED 5 and under. Yes, UNDER AED 5 too! Think of this list as the hydration version of your group chat bestie. Supportive, with the right amount of drama (flavour-wise), and budget-conscious. So here we go, my thirstiest roundup yet:
Doogh Abali – AED 2.75
I didn’t know yoghurt could fizz until one scorching Sunday afternoon when I stumbled upon this marvel of a budget-friendly sip. Meet Doogh, an Iranian drink made with soda, mint, and plain yoghurt. There’s something strangely comforting about it – sharp, but soft at the same time. Cold, yet grounding. Just remember to shake it well before you start sipping. Standing outside the shop, the heat pressing in from all directions, I couldn’t help but s̶i̶p̶ gulp it down. It tastes like something your grandmother might have made if she’d grown up in Tehran instead of Trichy. And the best part is that it just costs AED 2.75!
Where To Grab It: Gifts Village, Karama, Dubai
Also read: Craving Momos? These 6 Spots In Dubai Serve Up The Best
Fresh, Budget-Friendly Juices For AED 3
A little bird (OK, a juice-obsessed friend) told me about this Abu Dhabi spot serving super thick, fresh juice for just 3 dirhams. Yup, as budget-friendly a sip as it can get. Mango, kiwi, grape, watermelon – take your pick. All the fruits are flown in from Uganda, which BTW, is a total fruit superstar. Think juicy passionfruits, jackfruits bigger than your toddler, and mangoes that remind you of monsoon season in India. It’s pulpy, it’s icy, and it’s practically a tropical holiday in a glass.
Where To Grab It: Broadway Foodstuff, Abu Dhabi Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi
Sannata Chaas – AED 5
Oh, this one’s for the masala masti lovers – the spicy souls, the chatpata chasers, the ones who like their drinks with a little flavour. Imagine this: a chilled glass of chaas, loaded with roasted jeera, a cheeky pinch of black pepper, and mint that slaps harder than your mom when you bring back the dabba untouched from school. Jokes apart, this one is a steal at AED 5 and it tastes like your tongue just went to a pool party. Perfect for when your body is melting! In other words, NOW!
Where To Grab It: Fusion Bites, Al Nahda 2, Dubai
Also read: 7 Biryani Styles To Try This World Biryani Day – And Where To Find Them in Dubai
Fresh Lemon Juice – AED 2
As humble and simple as could be, this fresh lemon juice is a sweet deal of pure citrusy chill at just AED 2. The lemon juice at this Karama staple is pleasantly refreshing, like the white tee of summer drinks. Nothing fancy, just cold, sweet-sour goodness that’ll revive your wilting spirit (and your wallet). Once you visit this spot, you’re bound to be a regular here.
Where To Grab It: Magic Fork, Karama, Dubai
Also read: Everything’s Under AED 10 At This Summer Only Menu In Dubai
Lamouna’s Summer Juice Line-Up – AED 5
They call it Summer Sips. Watermelon, banana, orange, lemon mint. The options make you feel ten again. Before things got complicated. Before WhatsApp read receipts and sunscreen anxiety. All AED 5, all screaming summer-in-a-glass. These babies are as rejuvenating as that moment the first whiff of air conditioned air hits you as you enter the mall. Also, lemon mint is basically Dubai’s unofficial anthem at this point.
Where To Grab It: Al Mussallah Rd, Al Hamriya, Near Sharaf DG Metro Station, Dubai
Fresh, Fruity Mixes For AED 5
You know those rare moments when the universe just gets you? This is one of them. I stumbled across this humble juice spot that serves fresh, fruity mixes for just AED 5. The juice? Outrageously good. The price? Suspiciously low. There’s no influencer lighting or Instagrammable neon signs here – just ice-cold blends that hits harder than the UAE heat. Find it, drink it, thank me later.
Where To Grab It: Mix Fruit Juice, Al Mahatta, Sharjah
Hearty Avil Milk for AED 5
Avil Milk is Kerala’s quirky answer to your regular banana shake, except it went to the gym and got hunky with nuts, basil seeds, and nostalgia. It’s sweet, thick, crunchy, and creamy all at once. And Mouzy’s version? Chefs kiss. Never knew AED 5 could feel so wholesome!
Where To Grab It: Third Floor, Mushrif Mall, Abu Dhabi; DIP 2, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai and Sheikh Hamdan Colony, Karama, Dubai
The Shake Trio for AED 5
Mango, avocado, and strawberry – all in one shake. No, you’re not hallucinating from the heat. This isn’t three different juices. This is one single glorious mashup, and though it sounds like a love triangle that never ends well, trust me, it tastes like you’re smack in the middle of a creamy, dreamy rom-com where everyone gets along and your taste buds live happily ever after. No dine-in, no frills, just vibes (and vitamins).
Where To Grab It: Tea Trust Cafeteria, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi
You don’t need to blow your budget to stay cool. You just need AED 5, a sense of adventure, and possibly Google Maps. From minty yoghurt potions to fruit overloads in juice form, this city is dripping with affordable ways to survive summer, and maybe even enjoy it a little.
Now go forth and sip smart. You’re welcome!
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