20 Free Things To Do In Dubai (That Are Actually Good)
A lot of people search for free things to do in Dubai, expecting to find almost nothing. Dubai has a reputation for being expensive, and yes, many things here do cost money.
But if you know where to look, there is actually quite a bit you can do and see without spending a dirham.
I’ve been to Dubai several times, and I’ve learned which free experiences are worth your time. In this article, I’m sharing 20 free (or nearly free) things to do in Dubai, so you can enjoy your trip without draining your budget.
Quick tips for your Dubai visit:
Budget-friendly hotels
➡️Rove La Mer Beach, Jumeirah
➡️Rove Dubai Marina
➡️Flora Al Barsha Hotel At The Mall
Get eSIM
➡️Yesim or Saily
Cheaper attractions
➡️Burj Khalifa at the top
➡️Desert safari
➡️Old Dubai tour
Free Things To Do In Dubai
1. Watch the Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain is the world’s tallest performing fountain, and it is completely free to watch. It sits on Burj Lake, right next to the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall.
The show runs every evening and is one of the most popular things to do in the city. Find a spot along the lakeside walkway and enjoy it from there.
If you want a great view while having dinner, you can book a table at one of the restaurants around the lake. Some have a direct view of the fountain.
2. Take Photos at Burj Khalifa
Going to the top of the Burj Khalifa costs money, but walking around it is free. The area around the base of the building is open to everyone, and you can get some really good photos there.
It is worth spending some time here in the evening when the building is lit up and the fountain is running.
3. Visit the Wings of Mexico
Just across Burj Park from the Burj Khalifa, you will find the Wings of Mexico, a large sculpture that has become one of the most photographed spots in Dubai.
It is free to visit, but it can get busy, especially on weekends. Try to go on a weekday morning if you want more space and shorter queues.
4. See the Dubai Aquarium (From the Outside)
The Dubai Aquarium is in the Dubai Mall. To go inside the aquarium, you need a ticket. But the front of the aquarium is visible from the mall, and it is awesome even from there.
If you time it right, you might catch the divers feeding the fish. It is a nice experience, and it costs nothing.
5. Explore the Shopping Malls
Dubai’s malls are more than just places to shop. They are destinations in themselves, and walking around them is free.
Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world. Inside, you will find a human waterfall, a full-size dinosaur skeleton, an ice rink, a Chinatown area, and the aquarium mentioned above.
Mall of the Emirates has an indoor ski slope that you can watch from the viewing area for free.
The travels of the famous explorer Ibn Battuta inspire Ibn Battuta Mall. Different parts of the mall are designed to look like the countries he visited, including China, India, Egypt, and Persia.
Even if you are not planning to shop, it is still a fun place to walk around and explore.
6. Watch the Imagine Show at Dubai Festival City
The Imagine Show at Dubai Festival City Mall is a free show that holds a Guinness World Record. It combines lasers, water projections, and music into a single performance.
It runs in the evenings and is suitable for all ages. A good one to add to your list if you are visiting with children.
7. Walk Around Madinat Jumeirah
Madinat Jumeirah is a hotel and souk complex that is built to look like a traditional Arabic village. It is one of the most beautiful places in Dubai.
You can walk around it for free, browse the souk, and take photos with the Burj Al Arab hotel in the background. There are also restaurants and cafes if you want to stop for a drink and food.
8. Explore Al Seef
Al Seef is a waterfront area along the Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai. It is a restored traditional district with narrow lanes, old-style architecture, and a relaxed environment.
Walking through it feels very different from the rest of Dubai. You can also see traditional dhow boats on the Creek and occasionally spot fishermen and merchants along the shore.
9. Visit the Old Souks
The old souks in Deira are well worth an afternoon. The Gold Souk is one of the most popular. The amount of gold jewelry on display is unlike anything I’ve seen elsewhere.
Also nearby are the Spice Souk, the Textile Souk, and the Perfume Souk. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy walking through them. The atmosphere alone is worth the trip.
10. Cross the Creek by Abra
An abra is a traditional wooden boat that takes passengers across the Dubai Creek. The fare is 1 AED, which is about $0.27.
It is not free, but it is so cheap that it deserves a place on this list. It is also one of the most authentic experiences you can have in Dubai. The ride takes just a few minutes but gives you a great view of the old city from the water.
11. Walk Through Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Al Fahidi is the oldest neighbourhood in Dubai. The buildings here are original and give you a sense of what Dubai looked like before the modern city took over.
There are small museums, art galleries, and tea houses to explore. Entry to the neighbourhood itself is free, and most of the galleries don’t charge admission either.
12. Visit Love Lakes
Love Lakes are two man-made lakes shaped like hearts, located near Al Qudra. It is a peaceful spot away from the city, popular with couples and families.
However, you do need a car to get there.
13. See the Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ras Al Khor is a protected wetland area right in the middle of the city. It is home to hundreds of flamingos, and entry is free.
You will also find other bird species here. There are designated viewing areas where you can watch without disturbing the birds.
The easiest way to get there is by car or taxi.
14. Spend a Day at a Free Beach
Dubai has several free public beaches, and they do not disappoint.
JBR Beach is one of the most popular, with a long stretch of sand, views of Ain Dubai, and plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby.
Umm Suqeim Beach has one of the best views of the Burj Al Arab Hotel.
Kite Beach is popular with kitesurfers, and other water sports activities are available. There is also a running track along the shore.
Al Mamzar Beach has been recently upgraded with a good range of facilities, water attractions, and something rare in Dubai, night swimming. A great choice if you want more than just a stretch of sand.
15. Relax in a Park
If you want some green space, Dubai has several parks that are free or very cheap to enter.
Zabeel Park is large and well-maintained. It is also where the Dubai Frame is located, though you need a ticket to go inside the Frame itself.
Other good options are Al Barsha Pond Park, Safa Park, and Al Quoz Park. All are good for a walk, a jog, or a picnic.
16. Walk Along Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina is one of the most enjoyable areas in the city to explore on foot. The promenade runs for about 7 km along the water and is lined with restaurants, cafes, and seating areas.
It is nice during the day, but I think it is best in the evening when the lights reflect on the water. There are also playgrounds along the way if you are travelling with children.
17. See the Dubai Water Canal
The Dubai Water Canal is an artificial canal that runs from the Creek through the city to the sea. There is a boardwalk along it where you can walk or cycle.
At one point along the route, there is a coloured waterfall that lights up at night. It is a good evening walk.
18. Get Free Entry to Aquaventure Waterpark (If It’s Your Birthday)
Aquaventure is one of the most popular waterparks in Dubai, located at the Atlantis Hotel on Palm Jumeirah. It normally costs quite a bit to get in.
However, there are two ways to get in for free. The first is to be a guest of the Atlantis Hotel. The second is that the park offers free entry on your birthday. Worth knowing if your trip happens to coincide with it.
19. Walk the Palm Boardwalk at Sunset
Palm Jumeirah is a famous palm-shaped island and one of the most expensive addresses in Dubai. You don’t need to stay there to enjoy it, though.
The Palm Boardwalk is an 11 km walking path around the outer edge of the island. It is a lovely walk, especially at sunset. There are food trucks along the way if you need a snack.
20. Surreal at Expo City
Surreal is a free experience at Expo City Dubai that is hard to describe until you are actually standing inside it.
You are placed at the centre of a circular space surrounded by tall walls that come to life with water, fire, light, and colour. It is immersive and unlike anything else in the city.
Entry is free, which makes it one of the best surprises Dubai has to offer.
Things To Do In Dubai For Free: FAQs
Is Dubai expensive to visit?
It can be, but it doesn’t have to be. Flights and hotels are the highest costs. Once you are there, you can mix free activities with the paid ones and keep your daily spending reasonable.
Food is also cheaper than many people expect, especially if you eat outside the tourist areas. Also, it depends on whether you visit during the peak season or the low season.
Are the beaches in Dubai free?
Yes, most of them are. JBR Beach, Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim Beach, and Al Mamzar Beach are all free to access. Some beaches attached to hotels are private, but there are plenty of good public ones.
Do you need to book the Dubai Fountain Show in advance?
No. The fountain show is free and open to everyone. Just walk to the lakeside area around Burj Khalifa in the evening and find a spot. It runs multiple times throughout the evening, so if you miss one, another follows shortly after.
Can you visit Dubai on a tight budget?
Yes. If you focus on free attractions, use the metro, and eat at local restaurants or buy ready food in supermarkets, rather than tourist spots, Dubai is much more affordable than its reputation suggests.
Is Dubai suitable for families travelling on a budget?
Definitely. Many of the free activities on this list work well for children. The Imagine Show, the malls, the beaches, the flamingos at Ras Al Khor, and Surreal at Expo City are all family-friendly and cost nothing.
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