Dubai is renowned for its magnificent high-rise buildings, hotels, shopping malls, and attractions. However, if your budget is tight, you may ask, “What are the best places in Dubai to visit for free?” Well, you’re in luck!
In addition to all the luxury experiences and attractions in Dubai, there are many free activities. Let’s take a look at all of Dubai’s free attractions, from historic districts to natural resorts and more.
Explore the culture of Dubai for free
The Emirate of Dubai is a popular tourist destination due to its rich culture. It’s an interesting mix of old and new. In tall skyscrapers, you can also see a bygone era. If you know where to look, you can explore Dubai culture for free.
1- Admire the street art at AL Karama.
Walk the busy streets of Kalama, one of the best street art spots in Dubai. On 18b Street, you can see the place more than a real fresco. Across the road are 24 stunning works of art, part of an ambitious project to transform old buildings in Kalama. This free entertainment in Dubai is sure to appeal to art lovers. So, head to Dubai’s bustling old city center and marvel at everything from 3D art to graffiti and abstract painting to street art.
2- Explore the streets of Al Seef
Al Seef Dubai is the perfect blend of old and new Dubai and one of Dubai’s top free tourist attractions. It is located in the Dubai Creek area, which has been transformed and refurbished by Meraas. In this stylish location, you can enjoy the view of the waters of the stream. In addition, Al Seef is known for hosting various festivals that feature the best free events in Dubai, so if you plan to visit, keep an eye out for these events. Want to know more about this city? Check out our travel guide to Al Seef Dubai.
You can easily reach Al Seef by car or public transport. For those who travel by car, the hotel provides parking. For those who prefer public transport, the closest metro station to Al-Sif is Burjuman; From here you can walk to the area in 10 minutes.
- Location: Al Seef, Dubai Creek
- Al Seef Time: 10:00 – 22:00 (Saturday to Wednesday); 10: 00-12: 00 (Thursday to Friday)
- Contacts: + 971-800-637227
3- Visit the Great Mosque of Bur Dubai
If you and your group don’t want to go to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, head to Bur Dubai Grand Mosque. The Great Mosque is an incredibly beautiful structure located in one of the oldest districts of the city.
Visitors can take a free guided tour Sunday through Thursday from 09:00 to 11:30. The guide works at the Islamic Information Center, so they know the mosque well.
4- Visit the Camel Race Festival
The famous Dubai Camel Race Festival is the best way to see these majestic desert boats surpass one another. Most importantly, it’s free.
A celebration of a sport deeply rooted in this region, like the city itself, this festival is one of the best free events for those who love to explore the culture of this country.
What’s the best way to experience camel racing in Dubai? Plan your trip during the festival of the ancient village of Al Marmum. The annual competition attracts thousands of visitors every year. This is one of the best things to do in Al Marmum. You can also explore the reserve and do other things.
5- Explore the souks in Dubai
Shopping is paid under normal circumstances, but some free shop window shopping is not prohibited. In addition to shopping malls and shops, traditional Dubai bazaars offer plenty of free entertainment, especially for new tourists.
Dubai Spice Souk, Dubai Old Souk and Deira Gold Souk are some examples. You don’t need to buy anything. The trinkets, spices and colorful costumes on display provide Insta with plenty of opportunities to see. This is one of the best free activities in Dubai.
- Location: multiple locations
- Time: until 21:00
6- Visit flamingos at the RAS AL KHOR Wildlife Center.
On our list of free places to visit in Dubai, the next is the Ras Al Khor nature reserve. The reserve is home to a large number of birds such as flamingos and is the perfect way to see flocks of birds in their natural habitat without spending a dime. Regular feeding allows visitors to observe birds up close. Plus, you don’t have to worry about sunburn because the observation deck has shade and air conditioning, making it one of Dubai’s best free indoor attractions.
- Location: Ras Al Khor Flamingo Observation Area
- Flamingo Hide observation deck. Time: 07:30 – 17:30 (Saturday to Thursday); 14:00 – 17:30 (Friday)
- Contacts: + 971-4-606-6831
7- Camping in Al Kudr
Lake Al Kudra is also one of the best campgrounds in the UAE. Entrance to the park is free and no money is required to set up a tent.
If you plan to stay overnight, be sure to bring your campfire supplies with you as it can get cold. All in all, you can add Al Qudra Campgrounds to your list of Best Free Family Activities in Dubai.
8- Free bike path
Al Qudra is also a major attraction for professional and amateur cyclists. There are good reasons for this. On the one hand, you can enjoy the pristine scenery of Al Kudra Lake while cycling. Secondly, it’s free if you bring your bike. Bicycle rentals are available at the Trek Dubai store next to the track.
You can choose a route of 18 km or more than 50 km to the resort of Bab Al Shams. As one of the best bike paths in Dubai, Al Qudra Bike Trail is an activity that you can add to the ever growing list of Dubai Free Activities. It is also one of the many activities at Lake Al Kudra, so there are many more opportunities for you to explore.
In addition to Al Qudra Lake, there are other cycling areas such as the Nad Al Sheba Cycle Park, where you can ride bicycles for free. Elsewhere, such as the Dubai Motor Speedway, free access to their circuits is offered on certain days of the week.
9- Jumeirah Beach
For those looking for free entertainment in Dubai, a visit to the beach is the best option. Just go to any free beach access in Dubai and take advantage of the facilities including a jogging track, volleyball court and skate park. Some popular public beaches in Dubai include JBR Beach, Kite Beach and Jumeirah Beach.
10- Picnic at any free park in Dubai
Dubai parks naturally rank first on your list of “Best Free Dubai Attractions”. The city’s parks, from picnic spots to BBQ areas and children’s playgrounds, are ideal for families looking to enjoy free time in Dubai. Services that offer free admission include Al Barsha Pond Park and Burj Park, but other facilities provide free admission for tourists with different abilities and children under a certain age.
11- Visit the beach library
If you’d like to continue reading without missing the beach, visit any free beach library in town. You can find these libraries on several public beaches in Dubai, including Al Mamzar Cornish and Umm Suqeim 1.
12- Visit Hatta Heritage Village
Another place where you can learn the history of the city for free is Hada Heritage Village. If you want to know what the city looked like before oil and tourism turned it into a modern utopia as we know it, this is the place for you. The village has fortresses, castles and towers. You can also visit Bayt al-Wali, the seat of the local ruler at the time.
- Location: Khada (about 134 km through the Hajar mountains)
- Time: 07:30 to 20:30 (Saturday to Thursday) | 14:30 to 20:30 (Friday)
13- Visit Dubai’s free museums
Do you want to work with children in Dubai for free? Take them with you to any Dubai museum with free admission! Examples include the Coin Museum and the Coffee Museum in the Bastakay area, which provide children with the opportunity to learn about the country’s history and observe handicrafts of the past.
- Location: Al-Fadi Historic District.
- Coin Museum Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm (Sunday to Thursday) | Closed Friday and Saturday.
- Coffee Museum Time: 09:00 – 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday) | Day off Friday
14- Museum of Traditional Architecture
With nearly 100 years of history, this museum was once the former residence of His Highness Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum. It now houses a number of traditional decorations and tools that were used in the construction of houses in Dubai and other parts of the UAE several decades ago. Therefore, if you want to explore the history of UAE architecture for free, this is your best bet.
- Location: Bur Al Fadi Street, Dubai
- Contacts: 08:00 to 14:00 (Sunday to Thursday)
15- Visit the camel museum
Want to learn more about camels for free? Visit the camel museum The graceful beast plays an important role in the country’s heritage. The museum is a good place to learn how the local Bedouins depend on animals for their survival.
16- Visit Dubai Creek Park
Travel back in time to the streets of France in the 1600s, or visit Dubai Creek and the United States of the 1950s. Riverland Dubai is located in the parks and resorts area of Dubai, allowing visitors to experience four unique villages of the past and present. The French Village is based on a medieval French town, on the 1950s American Waterfront, at the Asian-style India Gateway and in the 19th century square of the Peninsula. Riverland Dubai is free to enter, but you have to pay for parking.
- Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts
- Riverland Dubai Time: 16:00 to 12:00 (Monday to Sunday)
17- Go down the corner, Palm Jumeirah
The Palm Jumeirah is a renowned luxury destination with luxury hotels and attractions, but the Palm Jumeirah Pointe is a popular getaway for those who love to explore exciting sea destinations for free. In addition to numerous restaurants and shops, the 1.5-kilometer promenade is the best place to take pictures with magnificent ocean views and the magnificent Atlantis palm tree in the distance.
- Location: Palm Jumeirah
- Pointe Palm Jumeirah Hours of operation: 24/7.
- Contacts: + 971-4-390-9999
18- Imagine you are at the Dubai Festival City Mall (DFC).
If you like the dancing fountains at the Dubai Mall, then the IMAGINE show is another such event you might want to consider. The IMAGINE attraction at Dubai Festival City Mall becomes active at sunset, making it one of the best places to visit Dubai for free at night.
One of the most popular attractions of the Dubai Festival City Mall, the wonders of water and laser attract tourists. It also features one of the largest water screen projections in the world, as well as fireworks, lasers, lights, and dramatic effects.
- Location: Dubai Mall.
- DFC Fountain Hours of Operation: 6:30 am to 11:00 pm, one hour per day.
19- See the waterfall in the Dubai Water Canal
The Dubai Canal is one of Dubai’s top free attractions and a natural choice for free activities in Dubai. The 6.4 km long artificial canal also has a 3 km track and a 12 km cycle path. It is the ideal destination for fitness enthusiasts who can find free workout spots in the emirate. However, if exercise isn’t your thing, there are plenty of outdoor areas and benches along the canal to relax. There is also a mechanical waterfall that changes color and acts as a curtain when the ship passes through it.
You can get to the Dubai Canal by car or metro. If you are traveling by car, you can park it in the Dubai Water Canal Walk car park and walk to the canal. For those using public transportation, the closest metro station to Dubai Canal Falls is the Business Bay Waterfront Metro Station; from here, Dubai Falls is a 5-minute walk.
- Dubai Canal Falls, Location: Sheikh Zayed Street.
- Opening hours of the Dubai Canal: 24/7.
20- Visit Aquaventure Waterpark on your birthday.
Looking for free things to do on your birthday in Dubai? A visit to the famous Water World Adventure Park in Atlantis on Palm Island is usually paid. But there is one day a year, your birthday! Register your birthday on the Aquaventure Birthday website to receive a Free Aquaventure Birthday Discount Gift Certificate.
Free access is subject to availability and is valid for one-time visit only, without any additional fees. In addition, it is valid on your birthday or you can use it once in the next six days. Considering the entry price of a regular ticket to the Water World Adventure Park, this is definitely one of the most valuable free activities in Dubai!
21- Share the love in the lake of love
Considered one of the most romantic destinations in Dubai, the Lake of Love at Al Qudra offers a fun way to explore the desert. The entire territory of the Lake of Love has been carefully designed, and the lakes and fauna in the area mean the word “love” with two hearts. This place is one of the fairly new free entertainment in Dubai. Equipped with a shaded area with a fire pit and toilets.
- Location: Al Qudra Lake, Dubai
22- Visit other trendy places in Dubai.
On our list of the best free activities in Dubai, you should visit all of Dubai’s hot new attractions. Thanks to developers like Meraas, there are now a lot of fashionable places all over the city, and the best part is that these places are free to visit. Free places to visit in Dubai include:
- City walk
- Box park
- JBR Walking
- Jbr beach
22- See the dancing fountains in Dubai
This is probably the most popular of all the free activities in Dubai. Just head to the Dubai Mall and enjoy a spectacular show of the Dubai Fountain, the world’s largest choreographic fountain system, dancing to the popular tunes of Whitney Houston and Celine Dion. Plus, the Dubai Mall has plenty to do in addition to shopping.
- Location: Dubai Mall.
- The Dubai Mall Fountain Hours of Operation: Every half hour from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
23- Visit the La Mer
Another great place to visit in Dubai freely is La Mer. With quirky installations and colorful street art, La Mer is definitely one of the best selfie spots in Dubai. There is also La Mer Beach, which offers visitors a series of fun water sports for the whole family! If you feel like spending some money, you can shop at La Mer stores anytime you want.
- La Mer Hours of Operation: Retail: 10:00 to 22:00 (Sunday to Wednesday) and 10:00 to 23:00 (Thursday to Saturday).
- Contacts: + 971-800-637227
24- See AIN DUBAI on Blue Water Island
Blue Water Island is another popular destination that is free to visit in Dubai. It was recently added to the Meraas destinations list. The area is also home to Caesars Palace, which houses one of the best restaurants with renowned chefs in Dubai, and Al Ain Dubai, the largest Ferris wheel in the UAE. Although Al Ain Dubai has yet to open, you can still see the beautiful buildings towering over the island. If you’re curious about this highly anticipated Dubai Ferris wheel, check out the facts about Ain Dubai.
The best way to get to the island is by car, as there is no direct metro or bus route. If public transport is your only option, the closest tube station to Bluewaters Island is DMCC, but you will need to call a taxi to get to the island.
- Location: Blue Water Island in Dubai, off the coast of JBR.
- Blue Water Island Time: 24/7.
25- Explore Bastakya
Interested in learning about the history of Dubai? Visitors can experience the heritage and culture of the UAE in the historic Bastikia district for free! Al Bastakiya is also known as the Al Fahidi Historic District, which gives you the chance to see the city’s ancient buildings that look like traditional desert houses in the UAE.
- Location: Al-Fadi Historic District.
- Bastakiya Opening hours: 24 hours
26- Free ride from ALSERKAL PROSPECT
If the streets of Al-Karama are few, go to the famous AlSerkal Avenue. The Al Quoz Gallery area organizes free trips around the UAE, including Dubai. This is your chance to participate in the promotion for free! While driving, guests can visit the country’s latest art exhibitions, performances, film screenings, art institutions and cultural events.
- Location: Al Quoz
- Contacts: + 971-4-3333464
27- BBQ at Qudra Lake
Lake Al Kudra is one of the most popular BBQ spots in Dubai, offering tourists the best free entertainment in the city.
It is also one of the most popular free activities in Dubai during Eid Al Fitr and the Long Vacation! If you’re not into BBQ and camping, then there is a lot to see in Al Qudr.
- Location: Alcudra
- Lake Al-Kudra Time: open around the clock.
28- Take a boat trip along the waterfront.
Dubai Marina Walk is also one of the most popular places in Dubai to visit for free. Renters living in rented apartments in Dubai Marina can easily walk with their families and even jog along the waterfront promenade next to the apartment. The promenade and moored yachts can enjoy breathtaking views.
- Location: Dubai Marina
- Time: open around the clock
30- Connect your love to the bridge with a love castle in the yard
Looking for a date in your pocket? Just take the padlock and key from the Love Castle Bridge in the courtyard. You can place a custom lock on the bridge with the initials of you and your loved one, and then flip the key off the bridge. You don’t have to drive to the Pont des Arts in Paris to experience it!
The love castle bridge in the courtyard can easily become one of the fun activities in Dubai for free with your loved ones. The Courtyard itself is one of the most popular free visits in Dubai, but if you don’t want the Love Castle Bridge, the Courtyard also offers many other activities for you to try.
Location:
- last exit Al Khawaneej D89.
- Al Seef Opening hours: 24 hours