Dubai’s skyscrapers, hotels, and malls are among the city’s most recognisable features. But if you’re trying to save money, you may be wondering, “Where can I go in Dubai that won’t cost me anything?” You’re in luck, then!
There are numerous free things to do in Dubai, in addition to all the expensive things to do. The Emirate of Dubai is a popular tourist destination owing to its rich culture, and there are many free attractions to explore across the city. An intriguing blend of modern and vintage elements. In the height of modern buildings, you may also see a bygone period. Dubai’s culture is free to discover if you know where to seek.
Admire the street art at AL Karama
Explore Kalama, one of Dubai’s top street art districts. The view from 18b Street is much better than a true fresco! As part of a grand initiative to revitalise dilapidated buildings in Kalama, a collection of twenty-four beautiful artworks can be seen across the street. In Dubai, you may enjoy free art-related entertainment. Go to the heart of ancient Dubai and see works of 3D art, graffiti, abstract painting, and street art.
Explore the streets of Al Seef
You can experience the best of both modern and traditional Dubai at one of Dubai’s best free tourist attractions, Al Seef Dubai. Located in the newly renovated Dubai Creek district, it was designed by Meraas. Here, you may relax in style while gazing out at the stream below. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, make sure to keep an eye out for the many festivals that take place in Al Seef and showcase the city’s greatest free entertainment. Inquiring minds need to know everything there is to know about this town. Read more about Al Seef Dubai with our travel guide.
In a pinch, you may take a taxi or take the bus to go to Al Seef. Hotel guests who arrive by automobile will appreciate the hotel’s parking facilities. Those who prefer to use the subway may get to Al-Sif from Burjuman, which is just a 10-minute walk away.
Place: Al Seef, in the middle of Dubai Creek
Saturdays through Wednesdays, Al Seef is open until midnight (local time), but Thursdays and Fridays, it’s open until midnight (local time).
Visit the Great Mosque of Bur Dubai
Those who aren’t interested in visiting Abu Dhabi’s Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque may instead visit Bur Dubai’s Grand Mosque. This city’s oldest neighbourhood is home to the stunning Great Mosque.
Sunday through Thursday between 9:00 and 11:30, guests may take advantage of the free guided tours. The guide has intimate knowledge of the mosque thanks to their employment at the Islamic Information Center.
Visit the Camel Race Festival
The finest place to see these magnificent desert boats compete is during the world-famous Dubai Camel Race Festival. In addition, there is no cost involved.
This festival is one of the finest free events for individuals who want to learn about the culture of this nation, since it celebrates a sport that has strong roots in the area, much like the city itself.
How may one most effectively see camel racing in Dubai? It is recommended that you visit Al Marmum in time for the annual celebration held in this old settlement. Every year, thousands of people come out to watch the yearly tournament. This is a top-notch Al Marmum attraction. You may do other things, such as exploring the nature preserve.
Explore the souks in Dubai
Typically, stores expect customers to pay for their purchases, however window browsing is allowed without payment. Traditional Dubai bazaars, in addition to retail malls and stores, provide a wealth of free entertainment, particularly for first-time visitors.
For instance, there is the Deira Gold Souk, the Deira Spice Souk, and the Dubai Old Souk. Not a single item on the list is obligatory. The colourful costumes, exotic spices, and other knickknacks on exhibit are a visual feast for Insta. You can’t beat the priceless value of this free attraction in Dubai.
Location: various places
We’ll be here till 11:00 p.m.
Visit flamingos at the RAS AL KHOR Wildlife Center
The Ras Al Khor natural reserve is the next stop on our tour of Dubai’s free attractions. The reserve is a great place to watch flocks of birds in their natural environment without paying any money, since it is home to many different species of birds, including flamingos. The birds may be seen up close because of the regular feedings. One of the best free indoor attractions in Dubai, the observation deck offers shade and air conditioning so you can enjoy the view without getting too much sun.
When you get there, go to the Ras Al Khor Flamingo Observation Area.
The Flamingo Hide Lookout. Hours: 07:30-17:30 (Saturday-Thursday); 14:00-17:30 (Monday-Friday) (Friday)
Camping in Al Kudr
You may also go camping in Lake Al Kudra, which is regarded as one of the top spots in the United Arab Emirates. Tent camping in the park is also completely free of charge.
It may get rather chilly in the evenings, so if you intend on staying overnight, bring along some campfire gear. Overall, Al Qudra Campgrounds is one of the top free things to do in Dubai with kids. Camping in Lake Al Kudra is a great experience, and it ranks among the top campsites in the United Arab Emirates. A tent may be put up in the park at no cost, and neither does entry.
Prepare a bonfire and bring blankets if you want to spend the night. Overall, Al Qudra Campgrounds is one of the top free things to do in Dubai with kids.
Free bike path
Professional and amateur riders alike go to Al Qudra. This is for a number of valid reasons. However, riding around Al Kudra Lake is a great way to take in the beautiful natural surroundings. Second, if you ride your bike here, you can get in for free. The Trek Dubai shop is conveniently located right next to the track, where you can hire bicycles.
The journey to the Bab Al Shams resort might be as short as 18 kilometres or as long as more than 50 kilometres. The Al Qudra Cycling Trail is a great addition to the increasing list of free things to do in Dubai since it is one of the city’s top bike pathways. It’s only one of the numerous things to do in Lake Al Kudra, where you can also find a wide variety of other possibilities.
Free riding spots are abundant in Abu Dhabi, and they include Al Qudra Lake and the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park. In some places, such at the Dubai Motor Speedway, you may ride the tracks for free on certain days.
Jumeirah Beach
Dubai’s beaches are the finest place to have fun without spending any money. You may take use of the jogging track, volleyball court, and skate park at any of Dubai’s free beach accesses. JBR Beach, Kite Beach, and Jumeirah Beach are just a few of the many public beaches in Dubai.
Picnic at any free park in Dubai
The parks in Dubai are the best free attractions in Dubai. The city parks in Dubai are perfect for families wishing to spend time together during their vacation. Many parks provide picnic spaces, barbecue grills, and playgrounds for kids. Some services, including those at Al Barsha Pond Park and Burj Park, don’t charge visitors anything, while others do so for visitors of specific ages or with special needs.
Visit Hatta Heritage Village
Hada Heritage Village is another cost-free option for learning about the local past. This is your best bet for seeing the city as it was before oil and tourists transformed it into the contemporary paradise we know today. There are castles and towers in the town. The palace of the regional monarch, Bayt al-Wali, is also open to tourists.
Place of Origin: Khada (about 134 km through the Hajar mountains)
Hours: 07:30-21:30 (Saturday-Thursday) | 14:30-21:30 (Monday-Friday) (Friday)
Visit the camel museum
Do you want free information on camels? See how this elegant animal figures into the history of the nation by checking out the camel museum. It is possible to get insight into the Bedouins’ reliance on animals for subsistence by visiting the museum.