19 Free Things To Do In Dubai
Do you want to visit Dubai but you think it is too expensive? Don’t worry. With these 19 free things in Dubai, you can enjoy your Dubai holiday on a budget.
Many people think that Dubai is only for celebrities and millionaires. While it is true that Dubai is mostly about the luxurious, glamorous, and extravagant, it can certainly be an affordable holiday destination for anyone.
Here are 19 free things to do in Dubai to enjoy your holiday on a budget.
Free Things To Do In Dubai
I’m sure you didn’t know that there are some things in Dubai that you can see or do for free or for very cheap. You will be surprised by everything you can do in Dubai for free. Check it out.
1. Watch the Dubai Fountain Show
Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest fountain located Downtown next to the iconic Burj Khalifa. It is one of Dubai’s most popular attractions, admired by tourists and residents alike.
And of course is free for everyone to watch. You can walk outside of the Dubai Mall and find a great spot around Burj Lake to watch it.
Alternatively, you can book a table in one of the restaurants and watch it while you dine.
2. Admire Burj Khalifa
Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world and the most popular architecture in Dubai is next to the Dubai Fountain.
While going to the top of the Burj Khalifa costs money, you can take stunning photos outside with the Burj Khalifa for free.
3. Take a picture with Wings of Mexico
Another great spot for amazing pictures is Wings of Mexico. You will find it close to Burj Khalifa just across Burj Park.
It is a free spot, so there is usually a queue for it, but it is worth it. Try to come in the morning during the weekdays when there are fewer people.
4. See Dubai Aquarium
Dubai Aquarium is inside the Dubai Mall. If you want to visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you need to get a ticket.
However, you can see part of the aquarium for free while you wondering around the mall. If you are lucky enough, you can catch the divers feeding the aquatic animals.
5. Stroll around Malls
Dubai has several amazing malls that are worth to look around even if you don’t want to buy anything.
One of them is Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest malls. Except for the aquarium, you will find here an ice rink, a human waterfall, Chinatown, a sculpture of a dinosaur, and of course many retail shops and dining facilities.
Another interesting mall is the Mall of the Emirates where you can see the indoor ski center.
Ibn Battuta Mall is a theme mall where you can find courts representing certain countries, for example, China, Tunisia, India, Persia, Egypt, and more.
6. Watch the Imagine show
Imagine Show is a Guinness World Record show combining laser, water, and music into amazing choreography.
It attracts children and adults and can be watched for free in Dubai Festival City Mall.
7. Walk around Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah is an amazing place. It makes you feel like you are in one of the Arabic fairy tales by Sheherezada.
You can walk around the Madinat and take stunning pictures with the Burj Al Arab Hotel in your background.
There is also a souk where you can admire the lovely products, and restaurants if you fancy a meal or a drink.
8. Wander around Al Seef
Al Seef is located in Bur Dubai along the Dubai Creek. Here the old Dubai is paired with the modern.
Walking through the narrow alleys of Al Seef will take you back in time. Enjoy an open-air floating market or a traditional Emirati cuisine.
Along the Creek shoreline, you can also see the fishermen and merchants in dhow boats.
9. Visit souks
There are several souks in the old part of Dubai that you can visit and soak up the traditional atmosphere.
Don’t miss the Gold Souk where you will see amazing golden jeweleries that you have never seen before.
There are also Spice Souk, Textile Souk, and Perfume Souk that are worth visiting.
10. Take an Abra
You can also take a traditional Abra boat that will transport you from one side of the Creek to another.
This is one of the best authentic experiences you can have in Dubai. Even though it is not completely free, 1 AED, which is $0.27 is a steal and a must-do activity while in Dubai.
11. Stroll around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is the best free place for history lovers. Here you will see the traditional buildings how they used to look like in Dubai.
Walking through the narrow streets you can visit museums, galleries, or tea houses.
12. Have a romantic day at Love Lakes
Love Lakes are two lakes in the shape of hearts located near Al Quadra Lakes. It is nice to spend the day in the middle of nowhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
This is a great spot for a romantic day, however, you will need a car to get there.
13. Watch flamingos in Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are craving nature in Dubai, head to Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary where you can admire many beautiful Flamingos.
Except for flamingos, you may spot some other bird species here. It is a free thing to do in Dubai, however, you will need transportation to get here.
14. Have a beach day
You can’t miss a beach when you are in Dubai. There are many free beaches where you can swim and tan.
For example, JBR Beach is a beautiful beach with a view of Ain Dubai and restaurants and shops around.
Umm Suqeim Beach where you can take stunning pictures of Burj Al Arab.
Kite Beach is another free beach popular with kitesurfers.
15. Have a picnic in a park
There are several parks in Dubai where you can enjoy a picnic or just go for a walk or jogging.
Here are some parks for you, Zabeel Park, where the famous Frame is located, Al Barsha Pond Park, Safa Park, and Al Quoz Park.
16. Enjoy an evening walk around Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the best places to walk during the day but mostly at night. A 7-km long promenade next to the water canal is so relaxing.
There are restaurants, cafes, and playgrounds along the promenade as well as benches and spots for picture taking.
17. Admire the Dubai Water Canal
Dubai Water Canal is an artificial water canal with a boardwalk where you can have a lovely evening walk. There are some restaurants and a cycling path as well.
At one point you can watch a stunning colorful water cascade.
18. Get into Aquaventure Waterpark
Aquaventure Waterpark is a waterpark that has the world’s most slides. It is located in the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah.
If you are a guest of the hotel the entrance to the park is free. However, if you are not a guest of the hotel, you will get free entry if it is your birthday.
19. Enjoy a sunset walk at Palm Boardwalk
The Palm Jumeirah, an artificial island in the shape of a palm tree, is the most expensive and luxurious area in Dubai.
Not everyone can afford to stay in one of the hotels there. However, there is a Boardwalk where you can go for a lovely walk, especially during sunset.
The Palm Boardwalk is 11 km long and you can find some food trucks for refreshments while walking along.
The Wrap-Up: Free Things To Do In Dubai
Here you have it. 19 free things to do in Dubai. I think you can easily pick up from this list and have an enjoyable holiday that will not ruin your bank account.
Whether you like the modern attraction, history, or nature, everyone can choose what will satisfy their needs.
