I asked ChatGPT to plan a day in Dubai under AED 500. Did it live up to the challenge?

Hi, I’m Anum and I’m a control freak.

I’m also a travel junkie who gets as much thrill from planning trips as from taking them. It’s a mix of stress, excitement, and a pinch of chaos. So, handing over the reins to AI to plan my adventures? Talk about a nerve-wracking idea.

But curiosity got the better of me so I decided to test the waters.

I wanted to know what kind of suggestions ChatGPT would offer for a 24-hour stint in Dubai. And because we’re talking about the land of luxury and opulence here, I gave it a budget of AED 500 to up the ante a bit.

My prompt:

Hi Chat, I'm in Dubai for 24 hours and have 500 dirhams to spend. What can I do? I'd like a mix of tourist activities and food/drinks. It's quite hot at the moment so please keep that in mind.

The answer:

[INSERT VIDEO HERE]

Morning

1. Breakfast at Arabian Tea House
   Start your day with a traditional Emirati breakfast at Arabian Tea House in Al Fahidi Historical District. The ambiance is charming, and you can enjoy dishes like regag bread and balaleet.
2. Explore Al Fahidi Historical District
   Stroll through this heritage area, exploring museums like the Dubai Museum and cultural spots. It's a good way to enjoy the morning before it gets too hot.
3. Visit Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa
   Head to Dubai Mall for some air-conditioned comfort. Visit the Burj Khalifa's At The Top observation deck (Level 124) for stunning views.

Lunch

4. Lunch at Din Tai Fung
   Their dim sum and noodles are well-loved.

5. Visit Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
   The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is an impressive sight. You can see it from the mall or get a ticket to explore more.
6. Relax at The Dubai Fountain
   Watch the Dubai Fountain show. It's mesmerizing and runs every 30 minutes in the afternoons and evenings.

7. Dinner at Arabian Tea House (Jumeirah branch)
   For a serene dinner experience, return to Arabian Tea House's Jumeirah branch. The cool evening air makes it a pleasant time to dine outside.
8. Walk on JBR Beach
   Head to Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) for a relaxed evening stroll by the beach. It's cooler in the evening and offers a vibrant atmosphere. You can also grab a gelato or a drink at one of the many cafes.

9. Visit a rooftop bar
   End your day with a drink at one of Dubai's rooftop bars like Level 43 Sky Lounge, offering stunning night views of the city.

• Breakfast: AED 50
• Dubai Museum: AED 3
• Burj Khalifa: AED 150 (if booked in advance online)
• Lunch: AED 80
• Aquarium: AED 100 ]
• Dinner: AED 80
• Treat at JBR: AED 40
• Rooftop drink: AED 100

Initial thoughts: Okay, so first of all, it went over my budget. While I was flexible in that regard, Chat didn’t know that. A bit of a fail. Secondly, why would I go to Arabian Tea House, no matter how nice it is? Dubai is home to more eateries per capita than New York, including stellar homegrown restaurants, close to 14,000 establishments. And I should go to Din Tai Fung, which is a global chain, and to Arabian Tea House TWICE? Nah.

There's nothing inherently wrong with these suggestions, but they might lack the depth and authenticity that come from local knowledge.

I’m not a stranger to this city. I live here now and have visited numerous times since childhood. My first trip without my parents was to Dubai with my best friend at 14. So, I’ve done some of the classic tourist activities (hello, Ski Dubai and desert safari). While the 24 hour time limit was restrictive, I believe the results could be better.

I try again, this time asking for Chat to dig a little deeper: “I wouldn't want to go to Arabian Tea House twice. Also, Din Tai Fung, I've had in other parts of the world. Please suggest something a bit more local, also some off the beaten path suggestions that are not as generic, keeping the budget in mind."

It yields similar results.

An attempt was made...Screenshot

Considering how expensive Dubai can be, ChatGPT didn't do a bad job at all in planning a fun and budget-friendly day. It managed to incorporate a variety of activities while keeping within the AED 500 limit (second time's a charm). Personally, I wouldn't spend AED 150 to go up to the Burj Khalifa's observation deck; it feels a bit steep to look at some views but hey, if that's your vibe, by all means.

Instead, I'd much rather spend it on an experience like Green Planet (AED 132), a tropical indoor rainforest with over 3,000 plants & animals from all over the world.

While the 24 hour time limit was restrictive, I believe the results could be better.

Where I see this lacking is when it comes to the nuances of human experience, especially when it comes to finding just really good food. Since AI can't taste food directly, it relies on data from popular reviews and generic sources. There's nothing inherently wrong with these suggestions, but they might lack the depth and authenticity that come from local knowledge.

In my experience, one of the best ways to find truly unique culinary experiences is to ask cab drivers or locals where they eat. These personal recommendations often lead to hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.

On a previous adventure, a tip from a local took me to Hashmi BBQ, famous for its grilled Kenyan fare. I daydream about their chooza chicken and chilli prawns often, and the thought of coming to Dubai and not having Hashmi makes me want to lowkey cry. Lunch there will set you back AED 80-100 and it’s worth every dirham.

Will I use AI for future trip planning? Absolutely. Would I blindly trust its advice? Probably not. Pro tip: Testing it out with a city you're familiar with is a great way to see where it shines and where it falls short.