Free Things to Do in Dubai
For many, Dubai is synonymous with luxury and expensive living, but you can have a fairly budget vacation and still see a lot. Does Dubai offer any free activities? Let’s find out what are the top free things to do in Dubai.
Key takeaways
Even though here we offer you to get acquainted with free entertainment, you still can’t deny yourself the pleasure of moving around Dubai with chic and comfort. After all, how can you manage to see all the best places to visit without a car? That is why Trinity Rental has prepared a unique offer for you — premium car rental, without a deposit and with the best fleet (more than 80 models, even 2024).
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Having dealt with the vehicle, below is a list of free attractions in Dubai that will leave pleasant memories of your trip, even if you did not arrive with a suitcase full of money.
Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain is a fantastic attraction located right at the foot of the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and next to the famous Dubai Mall. This is a spectacular fountain show that is memorable for its magnificent sound, visual, and water effects. The Dubai Musical Fountain attracts thousands of visitors every day. A special rhythm is set by carefully selected melodies of both Western and Arab performers. It is surely one of the best things to do in Dubai for free.
Location: Downtown Dubai
Timing: afternoon shows — 01:00 pm to 01:30 pm (Fridays — 01:30 pm to 02:00 pm); evening shows — 06:00 pm to 11:00 pm, every 30 min.
Dubai Mall
While you are in the area, be sure to visit the world's largest shopping center, Dubai Mall. In addition to the shops, you can see for free a huge glass panel 32 meters long and 8 meters high with marine curiosities in front of the entrance to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
In the large atrium, a huge skeleton of a dinosaur is on display, which is more than 155 million years old. Such things are exhibited in museums for money, but here the skeleton can be seen completely free. Another highlight of the Dubai Mall is the waterfall with silver divers. The spectacle is simply stunning.
Location: Downtown Dubai
Timing: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
Jumeirah Beach Residence and Dubai Marina
If you want to watch Ferraris and Lamborghini in action and listen to the roar of their engines, come to the promenade along Jumeirah Beach Residence in the evening. However, the Jumeirah Beach Residence area is primarily known for its wide beaches with soft white sand. They are also free for all visitors. In addition, from the beach, you can clearly see the world's tallest observation wheel Ain Dubai. Want to get closer? Then walk along the pedestrian bridge to Blue Waters Island, these are free entry places.
Location: Dubai Marina — JBR
Timing: open 24/7, shops and restaurants — opening hours vary.
Traditional Souks in Dubai
A list of 10 free things to do in Dubai would not be complete without visiting the famous souks, including the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk. They are located in the Deira area and have free entry.
The Gold Souk in Dubai will enchant you with gold and silver items, pearls, diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and more. Don't forget to take a photo with the largest ring in the world, the Najmat Taiba, weighing 64 kg, which was awarded a place in the Guinness Book of Records. It is displayed in the window of the Kanz Jewels store in Deira.
Location: Deira — Al Ras
Timing: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm
The Spice Souk in Dubai will amaze you with a riot of colors and a variety of aromas. The air is filled with hints of various spices, tea, coffee, and dried fruits. Don't forget to taste everything if you decide to buy something. Oh, and be prepared for slightly pushy vendors, which are part of the local color.
Location: 41 34th St Deira — Al Ras
Timing: Mon-Fri — 07:30 am to 09:55 pm, Sat & Sun — 07:30 am to 11:00 pm
Walking along Dubai Creek in Old Dubai
The 14 km long Dubai Creek is considered the historical heart of Dubai, where the ultra-modern city of our time was born on the site of a pearl diving village. The Heritage Village, located in the Bur Dubai area, reminds us of the distant past. There you can wander through the labyrinth of narrow streets, soak up the local culture, and admire the old buildings with typical turrets. There are also several markets and traditional restaurants on this side of Dubai Creek.
Location: Ras Al Khor area
Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm
Madinat Jumeirah
This stunning architectural complex, built in the traditional Arabic style, has long been called the Venice of Dubai due to its numerous waterways. The building is a collection of shops and boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and even an art center. You can wander Madinat Jumeirah’s winding passages and enjoy one of the free things to do in Dubai. Most of the complex is open to the general public, and some are restricted access, as they are home to hotels, such as the famous 5-star Jumeirah Al Qasr. And let's not forget the cherry on the cake — a magnificent view of the Burj Al Arab Hotel.
Location: Al Sufouh 1 — Dubai
Timing: shops — 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, restaurants — 08:00 am to 02:00 am
Ras Al Khor Sanctuary
Want to see pink flamingos in Dubai for free? Then come to the Ras Al Khor Nature Park, which is spread over 6 square kilometers on the edge of Dubai Creek. There are about 500 individuals of this graceful species of bird here. I want to warn you right away that you cannot approach the birds closely, and observation is carried out from observation platforms.
Location: Ras Al Khor Rd
Timing: 07:30 am to 5:30 pm (winter season), 06:00 am to 06:00 pm (April to September)
Al Fahidi District
The historical district of Al Fahidi or Bastakiya is located on the banks of the Dubai Creek. Here you can see what the city looked like a hundred years ago — with low-light houses, authentic cafes, souvenir shops, and a market. But the trick is that the district itself is not actually a hundred years old, it was built recently. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting to immerse yourself in the life of the emirate outside of skyscrapers and shopping centers. There are many free things to do in Dubai and interesting things to see on the territory of Al Fahidi, including a free coffee museum.
Location: Al Fahidi — Dubai
Timing: 07:00 am to 08:00 pm
Coffee Museum
Location: Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
Timing: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm (Closed on Friday)
Beaches
Of course, many of us come to this city for a beach holiday, so let's look at the best free beaches and free things to do in Dubai coastline:
- Jumeirah Beach — a beach with white sand that resembles the Jumeirah district's name. There is a Public Beach, as well as a Beach Residence — both are free. The beach has a free toilet and changing cabins. Showers, sun loungers, and umbrellas are for an additional fee.
- Kite Beach — located 10 km from the city center. There is a free toilet and shower and a Wi-Fi zone with the ability to charge your phone. You can rent a sunbed and a towel for a fee.
- Sunset Beach — also called Umm Suqeim Beach or Sufouh. It is located next to the Burj Al Arab Sail Hotel. There is no infrastructure with sunbeds, showers, changing cabins, umbrellas, etc., but there is a beach library.
- Umm Suqeim — another free beach that is in great demand.
- La Mer — it is considered one of the best free beaches in Dubai. The entire coastline is divided into two parts, between which there is an entertainment area.
These and many other beaches are great options among Dubai places to visit for free.
Parks
You can always walk in the park because they are green, they have a lot of fresh air, beautiful plants and the opportunity to do active sports or lie on the grass. Parks are mainly concentrated near the beaches. Here are the top parks in Dubai:
- Zabeel Park;
- Creek Park;
- Al Barsha Pond Park;
- Safa Park.
Walking in the paks doing various activities in nature is one of the best things to do in Dubai for free.
You can find many interesting free places to visit in Dubai, although it’s a city of contrasts and luxury. From luxurious skyscrapers to picturesque embankments, everyone will find something to their liking. Don't forget to take a good mood and a camera with you, because photos from these places will become wonderful memories of your trip.
FAQ
Is Burj Khalifa free?
The Burj Khalifa skyscraper has the famous At the Top observation deck with stunning views of the city. You will, of course, have to pay to enter, but you can look at the skyscraper from the outside for free.
Is the Dubai Fountain Show free?
The fountains are located in the central part of the Burj Khalifa lake in the Downtown area, near the Burj Khalifa skyscraper and Dubai Mall. You can see them for free.
Can I go to Dubai without cash?
Although Dubai is actively pursuing cashless payments in all areas, cash is a reliable payment method in the UAE. It is worth taking it with you when traveling in any case. In Dubai, you can pay in both local dirhams and US dollars. Some hotels and restaurants may accept euros.
What is free in Dubai Mall?
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo — a giant aquarium is one of the most popular local attractions, especially since you can see it for free, but inside the Aquarium, there is a transparent tunnel 48 meters long, and the passage through it, as well as visiting the Underwater Zoo, has an entrance fee. There are also free attractions: the Creek Tower Model, the Waterfall with pearl divers, and the skeleton of a real dinosaur Dubai Dino.
Are all beaches free in Dubai?
In Dubai, there are both paid and free beaches, generally, paid beaches belong to hotels and are distinguished by a special chic, as they offer a large selection of attractions and entertainment. The best free beaches are rightfully considered Jumeira Public Beach, La Mer, Kite Beach, Sunset Beach or Sufouh, Jumeira Beach Residence, and Umm Suqeim.