20 Things to Do in Dubai for FREE

Things to do in Dubai for FREE? Not possible many people would have you believe!

Dubai is a fascinating city full of 5* hotels, glamorous shops, high-end restaurants and super yachts galore. However, alcohol is expensive, restaurants can be costly and top attractions often have a high price tag.

However, there are many free things to do in Dubai! Yes…..FREE!

Read on for some of our favourite things to do in Dubai and a bit further in the UAE for free. All from a family that have been living in Dubai for many years….

1. Free Beaches in Dubai

Instagram is full of beautiful bikini bodies lounging around beach cabanas, eating sushi and drinking champagne. This easily makes you believe that the only beaches in Dubai are attached to 5* hotels and have high price tags. This is not the reality!

• Kite Beach is a popular beach with residents, it is very chilled with lots of food trucks, cafes and stalls lining the beach with plenty of opportunities for water sports. Our boys LOVE the inflatable water play park which is good value at 60dhs for an hour and manned with lifeguards.

• The Beach at JBR is a large public beach, however it does get packed with tourists as there are a lot of 5* hotels along the beach and fencing off portions for hotel guests so it definitely has a holiday vibe to it. The Walk JBR has shops, a cinema, coffee shops, cafes and numerous restaurants. Traffic can be a nightmare in this part of town though.

• Le Mer is another popular beach with residents, this is closer if you are in the Downtown or Dubai Creek area. It is currently under renovation to unfortunately build many beach clubs but there is a small stretch of beach available – although not the best. It has numerous cafes, restaurants and even a couple of bars. There is a waterpark here too which is a great day out.

• Jebel Ali Beach an increasingly popular beach a little further away, around 20minutes from Dubai. It is located next to the JA Resort Hotels. There is a little van pop up there and a few beach swings and beach furniture there to chill out.

• Black Palace Beach is again popular with residents with its close proximity to Umm Sequim and Hessa Street. It doesn’t have any facilities though; no toilets or cafes but there are lifeguards. It is the best beach if you have your own beach gear and bring a picnic.

• Sunrise Beach, Jumeirah Beach, Sunset Beach are scattered along the coast these are smaller beaches where you can pull up, park and swim and sunbathe next to the road – check Google Maps or Waze for locations. Just don’t expect facilities at these beaches but they are free to use!

• Free Beach Club, Barasti Beach Club in Dubai Marina has a free pool and beach which is open to 21+ they often have a good happy hour, decent food and is an ideal option for a cheap beach club in Dubai. It has a casual, Aussie sports bar vibe with a great location.

Location: Black Palace Beach and JBR Beach, Dubai

2. How to check out the Burj Khalifa for free

The Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, is understandably at the top of most people’s lists when visiting Dubai. It is iconic, a once in a lifetime visit so of course you want to go and see it.

Going up to the top will cost you around 150-250dhs (30-50GBP) per person, the views are incredible, at the right time of year but so is the wait and the crowds.

If you are not interested in paying the price tag or don’t fancy the height then head to Burj Park infront of the Burj Khalifa. You can walk around Dubai Opera House and Dubai Mall and then stay for the pretty impressive fountain show which starts daily at 6.30pm and is FREE! A free family activity in Dubai that should not be missed.

The viewing area around the fountains can get very crowded. You can pop into Time Out Market Dubai or one of the bars or coffee shops around the perimeter of the fountains for a drink if you fancy too.

Tip – The later the show, the bigger the crowd. It gets dark early in Dubai (between 5.30-7pm depending on the time of year) so go for one of the earlier shows and walk around towards the Dubai Opera side and the crowds will lessen.

Location: Burj Park with Shiekh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s sign meaning Win, Victory and Love and Burj Khalifa by night in-between fountain shows.

3. Check out the Burj Al Arab

Another iconic building that you will undoubtedly want to see and photograph during your holiday in Dubai. The Burj Al Arab experience (a tour around the inside) will set you back around 99dhs up to 400dhs per person and a pool day at their beach club SAL will cost 800dhs per person. You can go for a drink in the bar if you pre-book or visit one of their restaurants but all will be with a hefty price-tag. Understandable really for a visit the only 7* hotel in the world!

If you are just looking for a few good photographs then head to Black Palace Beach or Jumeirah Beach where you can walk down to the water and have photographs with the building in the background.

Alternatively, head to Souk Madinat (number 4) where there are lots of good photograph opportunities which won’t cost you anything.

Another great place to get the best Burj Al Arab pictures is in the Jumeirah Beach Hotel (currently under renovation until end of 2022), you can walk in and maybe treat yourself to a drink at one of their bars. Alternatively, Shimmers at Al Naseem Hotel has the best views. However, this is not free you will need to buy a drink.

Location: Black Palace Beach and Jumeirah Beach Hotel

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4. Check out Souk Madinat Jumeirah

This souk is designed to look like a traditional Arabian town and is a true blend of old and new. It is full of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. But it is a free activity in Dubai, it doesn’t cost anything to go and have a look and take a few pictures. Make sure to wander outside alongside the water and see the Abras (traditional Arabic boats) and take in the Burj Al Arab View which makes for a great free activity in Dubai.

There are cheaper cafes like Starbucks and Baskin Robbins ice-cream or you can enjoy a drink or dinner in one of restaurants if you like.

Location: Souk Madinat Jumeirah close to The Meat Co

5. Stroll around Marina Walk

The marina is a beautiful spot in Dubai, it is the heart of ‘new Dubai’. It is home to the majority of apartment blocks, some offices, 5* hotels and of course super yachts!

The full circular walk is 8km and will offer lots of great photo opportunities and boats to admire. There are plenty of toilets, cafes and restaurants around the outside to pop in and cool off. Grab some cold drinks from the supermarkets or pick up a Starbucks. Parking is available in Marina Mall.

You can also cross the roads here over to JBR beach to cool off with a dip in the sea afterwards. No money needs to be spent on a morning in the marina so is a perfect free thing to do in Dubai.

If you are looking for a cheap boat trip in Dubai then the Marina is a good place to do it. There are RTA Dubai Water Bus boats that do a loop of the marina with costs up to 11dhs. They offer even further trips over to Bluewaters, The Atlantis and Dubai Creek. You can check out their timetable here.

Location: Marina Walk outside Carluccios in Marina Mall, walking around the Marina.

6. Visit Old Dubai

As the name suggests this is the original part of Dubai, the oldest standing residential area of pearl fisherman. In this location, Al Fahidi, there are narrow alleyways, wooden doors and wind tunnel towers, which now house cafes and art galleries making a perfect place to wander and explore.

Whilst here make time to visit Jumeirah Mosque if you have never visited a mosque before. There are daily tours at 10am and 2pm (except Fridays) no need to book just register 30mins before. Women should be covered (trousers/maxi dress and a cardigan is fine) and bring a scarf for your hair.

There is a newer area which has been built to mimic the traditional buildings and made to look old – Al Seef. Here you can find small shops, more modern cafes like Starbucks and restaurants alongside the water.

Jump on an Abra ride over the creek, although not free it only costs 2dhs each way (40p) and it will drop you at the Spice Souk which leads onto the Gold Souk. Be prepared for persistent merchants selling saffron, lanterns, genuine fake bags/sunglasses and other wares but with a polite “no, thank you!” they will leave you alone. It is an interesting way to spend a few hours, and see the traditional side to Dubai before the sky scrapers and modern life overtook the city.

This is our favourite free thing to do in Dubai and always a hit with our visitors.

For more detailed information on Old Dubai check out our post.

Location: Al Seef and Dubai Creek in Old Dubai

7. Take a trip to Palm West

A vibrant area of the Palm Jumeirah, behind The Fairmont Palm Dubai and Five Palm Jumeirah Hotels. There is a promenade and beach with a strip of restaurants and beach bars with an impressive view over Dubai Marina and the, still under construction, Dubai Harbour. It is the ideal sunset spot and although there are great restaurants and bars it can still be a free activity in Dubai by sitting on the beach and watching the sun go down listening to the music from the beach clubs.

If you have kids there are numerous fountains along the walkway which even light up at night. Perfect for cooling down on a hot day and a great bit of fun running through them.

Location: Palm Jumeirah, close to The Fairmont and Five the Palm Hotels. Open all day and night.

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8. Watch the fountains at The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah

Another recent development on the Palm Jumeirah is The Pointe. It offers Instagram worthy pictures of The Atlantis Hotel across the water and has a great promenade for walking or scooting with the family.

From sunset to midnight there is a fountain show every half an hour, it usually starts at 6pm and is very similar to the Burj Khalifa show with music and dancing fountains. There are many cafes, restaurants and bars where you can sit and watch the show but you don’t have to if you are looking for a cheap activity in Dubai. You can stand at the gates and watch the show for free.

A great free family activity in Dubai that should not be missed!

Location: Palm Jumeirah Dubai. Plenty of parking and taxis. The Pointe Monorail station is due to open soon.

8. See the views at Dubai Creek Harbour

If you are looking for some skyline sunset pictures then Dubai Creek Harbour is the place to go. It offers incredible views over the city at any time of the day with many wonderful photo opportunities but is even more spectacular at sunset.

A promenade alongside the boats, some cafes and restaurants and play areas for the kids makes this a perfect free family activity in Dubai.

Location: Dubai Creek Harbour is close to Festival City with plenty of free parking.

9. See the Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Flamingos in Dubai?! Yes! This is a protected wetland reserve just minutes from the city with views of the Burj Khalifa in the distance. This is an activity that is just a stop off on your day, a maximum 30minute viewing point to have a look at the flocks of flamingos and try and spot some herons, egrets and ospreys as well. There are 3 viewing spots on the perimeter, pull in on the lay-by at the side of the Ras Al Kor road and walk down to the viewing hut. A totally unique free activity in Dubai.

*The Viewing Hut is open 6am – 6pm in Summer (April-Sept) and 7.30am to 5.30am in Winter (Oct-March)

Location: Viewing hut at the side of the Ras Al Khor Road.

10. Watch the Sunset in the Desert

Do not attempt to try and visit the desert alone. Driving over sand dunes requires a 4×4 and a lot of desert driving training. Getting stuck out in the desert would not be a fun way to spend your holiday in Dubai.

However, there are some desert spots that are accessible where you can park your car and walk into the dunes or drive through an oasis:

• Al Qudra – a desert oasis only about 30mins from Dubai Marina. Al Qudra is very popular in winter months, avoid on weekends as it is overrun with campers and you can get stuck in traffic. However, during the mornings and weekdays you can drive out and drive alongside the lake spotting ducks, swans and flamingos. Stop the car, go for a walk and take a picnic.
• Love Lakes – this is adjacent to Al Qudra and you can visit both in the same trip. As the name suggests this oasis has a heart shaped walking path around the outskirts of the lake so go for a walk, bring a picnic and look out for the fish!
• Mira and Mira Oasis Communities – Housing communities off the Al Qudra road which back onto the desert. You can drive through to the end of the community and park the car and walk into the desert.
• DAMAC 2 – a bit closer than Al Qudra is the DAMAC community. On the road as you enter this community you can park on the side of the road and walk onto the dunes. It is a great spot for running around, watching the sunset and enjoying the dunes without needing to go too far.

Hidden Desert Cafe is about 10mins from Last Exit near Al Qudra lakes in the Winter Months. Next to Al Lisali Fort. There is no cost to enter or minimum spend but it is expected that you buy something from Hidden Cafe. For the price of a coffee you can watch the sunset in comfort and enjoy the desert views.

Location: The desert next to Akoya and Love Lakes, both are accessible without a 4×4.

11. Spend some time in one of the many Parks around the city

There are lots of big, green spaces in Dubai which are ideal for a free activity in Dubai. Take the kids to the playground, go for a walk or just take a picnic and enjoy the weather. Some favourites are:

• Al Barsha Park – a big park about 10minutes away from the marina. It has a large lake and lots of playgrounds. There is a running track around the outside.
• Zabeel Park – one of the largest parks in Dubai with lots of green space. It is near The Frame so closer to the Downtown area of Dubai.
• Safa Park – one of the oldest parks in Dubai in the Jumeirah area, it is close to Dubai Canal and Sheikh Zayed Road.
• Mushrif Park – near Mirdif / airport area of Dubai. It is a large family park with lots of green space and has a cycle path (bikes are available for hire), BBQs, playgrounds, a little village and even an adventure park with ziplines etc.
• Dubai Creek Park – next to the creek, this park is big with lots of open green space and playgrounds for the kids.
• Al Khazan Park – this is close to City Walk, a small park with a playground. The bonus of this park is that it has the lovely coffee shop The Barn so you can have a coffee and watch the kids play in peace.

Location: Al Barsha Pond Park has lots of green spaces and parks with sand

12. Visit the Ripe Market

The Ripe Market is like a farmers market which takes place every Saturday and Sunday at the Police Academy Park which is close to the Burj Al Arab. There are many local sellers with stalls selling everything from food, clothes, jewellery and gifts.

There is usually some music on, yoga sessions and kids activities. It is a free activity in Dubai as there is no cost to enter just pay for what you eat or drink. Bring something to sit on and chill and enjoy the atmosphere.

Location: The Ripe Market a perfect place to spend a free weekend in Dubai.

13. Head to the Cultural District of Alserkal Avenue

This is the Arts and Cultural district of Dubai located in Al Quoz, the industrial area of Dubai. It is home to many local art galleries and creative spaces which you can wander around and are welcomed into. There are some nice little coffee shops and cafes too but there is no charge for exploring this area.

Cross the road afterwards and visit Courtyard Dubai, a gorgeous European style courtyard with some boutique shops and coffee shops. Our favourites are Boston Lane and East and West cafes. You can check out our list of Dubai Cafes and Coffee shops here for some inspiration.

Location: Alserkal avenue in Al Quoz and across the road at The Courtyard.

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14. Explore Bluewaters Island

Directly opposite JBR beach is Bluewaters Island, home to Ain Dubai the large observation wheel, which is still under construction. Caesars Palace Hotel, apartments, shops and restaurants aplenty are on Bluewater too. There is a bridge connecting JBR beach to Bluewaters which is well worth a walk across if only for the stunning views.

There are no costs involved making exploring Bluewaters making it a great free family activity in Dubai.

Location: Bluewaters Island under the Ain Dubai Observation wheel.

15. Jumeirah Archaeological Site

This is a site that dates back to 9th Century AD to the Abbasid period. It was excavated in 1969 with many different findings like pottery, coins and glass artefacts. They also found ruins of a mosque, market and residential houses. It is free to enter the site and go and have a look around and read the information. There is a small museum with further information and artefacts on show. A great look back at Dubai history as well as being a free thing to do in Dubai.

Adjacent to Jumeirah Archaeological Site is a branch of the Dubai famous Arabian Tea House. This cafe offers Emirati food and is definitely worth trying when in Dubai. Try the lemon mint, very refreshing after a walk around the hot site.

16. Take a walk in Dubai

Walking has to be the ultimate free activity and there are many lovely places to go for a walk in Dubai. Take the scooter for the kids, some cold drinks, put on the suncream and enjoy the sunshine (avoid May-Sept months!). Here are some of our favourite places for a walk in Dubai:

• Nad Al Sheba Forest Trail – this is a short walk through a few trees. If you are craving the trees and nature of other countries then this is a good place to visit. It has got busy and popular which brings rubbish unfortunately. Please take your rubbish home!
• Kite Beach – there is a 10km walking track along the beach here. One of our favourites. Toilets, cafes and can always spend time on the beach afterwards.
• Al Barsha Park – although this is a short track it is a beautiful walk around the lake. With views of the marina in the background.
• Dubai Canal – a long path alongside the river under some of the bridges down near Business Bay.
• Love Lakes – tracks around the lakes in the desert which make for a different walking view. Perfect for a picnic and an escape from the city.
• Marina Walk – walk around the water admiring the boats and tall towers.
• Town Square – a path around the community of Town Square which passes by the desert. There is a gap in the fence where you can hop over and get into the dunes.
• JBR to Bluewaters – a lovely walk where you can admire the skyline of JBR and the Marina. There is a bridge linking the two and is a great walk.
• Palm Boardwalk – This walk runs 11k from East to West alongside the coast behind The Atlantis Hotel. It is particularly nice at sunset.

Some Free Activities in the Wider Area of UAE

17. Hiking around the UAE

Although not technically in Dubai there are lots of hiking opportunities only 1-1.5 hour drive from Dubai within the UAE. Climb the steps of Wadi Shawka, the mountain of Al Rabi, the highest mountain in UAE at Jebel Jais or a stroll in Wadi Sheesh.

You will need a car to get to these hiking locations but there are no costs involved to do any hikes which make a great, free outdoor activity in Dubai.

Read our blog post on Family Friendly Hikes in the UAE for more detailed information.

Location: Wadi Shawka and Jebel Jais. Check out our family hikes in the UAE post for lots more information.

18. Discover the Ghost Village in Sharjah

You will need a car for this one but the ghost village or hidden village in Sharjah is worth a look and can be combined with a desert trip. Put Al Madam Ghost Village into Waze or Google Maps and it will take you there.

An abandoned town in Sharjah. All the houses have been left empty and the sand has taken over. No one really knows why it was left this way, there are many myths and stories but it definitely has a mysterious air about it. Bring a picnic and spend some time in the desert. You do not need a 4×4 you can park on the hard sand and walk into the village.

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19. Take a drive to Khorfakkan in Fujairah / Sharjah

An enclave of Sharjah over near the Fujairah mountains makes for an incredible natural, outdoors escape from the city. It is great for a day of traditional experiences. You will need a car or a driver to get to Khorfakkan but there are plenty of things to do and see for free here. This makes for a fun and different free family day out in Dubai.

• Al Rafisah Dam – a dam nestled by mountains with hiking trails around it. A quiet and tranquil place great for stopping, walking and taking in the natural beauty surrounding you. There is a little shop to get cold drinks, an ice cream shop and a rooftop cafe too. There is a great hike from here too if you cross the bridge and follow the signs.
• Al Maqsar Heritage Village – is slowly being turned into a heritage hotel but you can still take a walk up the steps and wander around. It is like a Minecraft village and offers great views over the mountains.
• Wadi Sheesh Nature Trail – just beyond Al Rafisah Dam is a shaded trail which takes you through local farms and along a creek. Watch out for the goats and cool off in the rock pools further down the road.
• Khorfakkan Amphitheatre and waterfalls – old/new construction opposite Khorfakkan beach is worth a look. It is a new building that has been built to look old but still pretty impressive. Next to it are the new waterfalls cascading down the wall.
• Khorfakkan Souq – wander the traditional streets of Khorfakkan and stop for some Emirati coffee or food. Admire the little shops and traditional coffee shops, best visited late afternoon or after sunset.
• Al Rabi Hike – a straight-forward hike with well marked paths, be careful in the heat and take lots of water. If you are not hiking, the drive to Al Rabi Tower is still worth it for the views over Khorfakkan.

20. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi

If you have never had the opportunity to visit a mosque before then this is the best place to start. A simply magical building that will leave you awestruck. The mosque is open from Sunday to Thursday 9am to 10pm and Friday 9am-12pm and 3pm to 10pm.

It is stunning architecture that will take your breath away. Remember to cover from wrist to ankle with heads covered for women. Shorts are not allowed for men. The mosque is free to enter and should be included during a visit to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Not free but very cheap things to do in Dubai

Here is a short list of a few other activities that didn’t make the list because they are not free. However, the costs are low so I think they are worth mentioning and considering when planning things to do in Dubai.

• Camel Farm Dubai – only 30dhs per person if you don’t opt for the tour and feeding, 50dhs per person if you do. You will need a car to get here as it located a little way out of the city.
• Hidden Desert Cafe – as mentioned above. Experience the desert in comfort for the price of a coffee and a cake!
• Wadi Al Amardi Farm – a local Emirati farm where you get a tour around the fruit and vegetables. Many animals to feed and pet and only 25dhs per person entry.
• Wasit Wetlands Sharjah – although a little further away this is a great place to visit. It is a sanctuary of birds to look at and then a golf buggy trip afterwards exploring the wetlands. Only 15dhs to enter – take cash!
• Al Noor Island Sharjah – Wander the green areas, see the art sculptures and visit the Butterfly Garden. Only 20dhs entry.
• Sharjah Aquarium – A huge aquarium with over 100 species on 2 floors. We visited a lot when the boys were young. At only 25dhs per person, 15dhs per child which includes entrance to the Maritime museum opposite. Worth a look whilst you’re there.
• Mleiha Archaeological Centre – another place in Sharjah. This gives an insight as to how the bedouins lived throughout time. There is a short walk and some caves to wander through as well as the museum. Don’t miss the big, airy cafe – gorgeous. Only 25dhs entry per person or 75dhs family ticket for 2 adults and 3 kids.

We hope you have got some inspiration from this blog post and have realised that Dubai does not have to be the most expensive holiday you have ever taken. There is a lot more to Dubai than what is portrayed and many ways to have a cheap holiday here in Dubai. Let us know if this Free Things to Do in Dubai post was helpful. If you enjoyed this have a look at our 13 Tips for a Cheap Holiday in Dubai post or 50 Activities in the UAE post for some ideas in Dubai and wider in the UAE.

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