GROCERY SHOPPING PRICES IN DUBAI
Grocery Shopping Prices: Dubai vs. The UK – A Cost Comparison
When it comes to grocery shopping, location plays a huge role in what you’ll pay at the checkout. Whether you’re living as an expat or planning a move, understanding the cost of everyday essentials can help you budget more effectively. In this post, we’ll give you an overview of the rough costings for everyday essentials and compare grocery prices in Dubai and the UK to give you a clearer picture of where your dirhams or pounds stretch further.
The Basics: Currency & Economic Context
Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to note the economic differences. Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), uses the dirham (AED), while the UK uses the British pound (GBP). Exchange rates fluctuate, but as of early 2025, 1 GBP is roughly equivalent to 4.6 AED.
Dubai is known for its tax-free income and a high concentration of imported goods, which affects food pricing. The UK, with its local agricultural sector and VAT-inclusive pricing, operates differently, particularly on fresh produce.
Everyday Essentials: A Price Snapshot
Item Dubai (AED) UK (GBP) UK Equivalent in AED
1L Milk 6.50 £1.25 5.751
Loaf of Bread 5.50 £1.10 5.061
Dozen Eggs 12.00 £2.50 11.50
1kg Chicken Breast 30.00 £8.00 36.80
1kg Apples 8.00 £2.00 9.20
1kg Tomatoes 6.00 £1.80 8.301.
5L Water (bottle) 2.50 £0.65 3.00
1kg Rice (white, medium) 7.00 £1.80 8.30
Prices are approximate and based on mainstream supermarkets in early 2025.
Observations & Trends
Local vs. Imported Goods
Dubai relies heavily on imports for its food supply, which increases costs on items like fresh fruits, dairy, and meat. The UK, with access to local farms and European trade, often benefits from slightly lower prices on fresh produce and staples.
Processed & Packaged Goods
Prices for international brands in Dubai (e.g., Kellogg's, Heinz, Nestlé) can be significantly higher than in the UK. However, locally produced or imported alternatives from Asia and the Middle East can be more budget-friendly. For example, on a recent trip to Spinneys a box of 30 Birdseye fish fingers will set you back AED 89 (£18), a loaf of Warburtons thick toastie bread is AED 16.50 (£3.25) and a broccoli was AED 21 (£4).
Water & Beverages
Tap water is not commonly consumed in Dubai, so bottled water is a regular purchase and fairly cheap. In the UK, where tap water is widely consumed, bottled water is typically seen as a luxury or on-the-go item. Soft drinks such as Coca-Cola, Sprite, Tango etc are generally cheaper in Dubai as the UK sugar tax doesn’t apply in the UAE - so a 2.25 litre bottle is around AED 8 (£1.60), however a 250ml Red Bull is around AED 11 (£2.20).
Meat & Poultry
Halal meat is the standard in Dubai, and while options are plentiful, quality cuts like chicken breast or beef are more expensive than in the UK. Conversely, pork products are harder to find in Dubai (but are obtainable in some supermarkets such as Spinneys & Park n Shop) however they are generally more expensive with a pack of 8 rashers of bacon costing around AED 40 (£8) and a freezer bag of thick Richmond sausages costing AED 30 (£6).
Overall Grocery Budgeting
Dubai: A single person might spend AED 800–1,200 per month on groceries, depending on lifestyle and dietary habits.
UK: A single person’s grocery bill might range between £150–£250 per month (AED 690–1,150).
While costs are surprisingly similar in some categories, Dubai tends to be more expensive overall, especially if you're loyal to Western brands or shopping exclusively at premium stores like Waitrose or Spinneys.
Tips for Saving IN DUBAI SUPERMARKETS
Shop at hypermarkets like Carrefour, Lulu, and Union Coop for better deals.
Explore local markets and ethnic stores for cheaper produce and spices.
Consider switching to regional brands.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s grocery scene is more diverse but often more expensive due to import reliance. In contrast, the UK offers more consistency in pricing, especially for locally sourced goods.
I really hope this blog has been helpful and if you have any questions in relation to any of the above, or just about "Dubai" in general, then please contact me or send me a DM on Instagram (@journeywithuss).
*This blog is not an ad and I have not been paid by any of the above supermarkets, nor will I benefit in any way from the links provided. This blog is for genuine recommendation purposes only.