Top Free Things To Do in Dubai

The most beautiful emirate Dubai in the UAE is a famous luxury destination worldwide. There are many coolest things to do in Dubai to enjoy the best holiday ever with enormous fun. How about getting all those fun during your Dubai visit without spending a lot or not even a dirham. Yes, it is possible to explore Dubai on a budget. During my seven days solo trip to Dubai, it was great to do many free activities and visit several open entry spots and beaches. The best part was taking many photos with the backdrop of iconic Dubai landmarks and skyscrapers. So, here are the listed top free things to do in Dubai along with many special offers to try during your trip.

Most of the tourists don’t consider to visit Dubai during the low season in the summertime. But if you don’t want to spend a lot on flight and hotel bookings, you should make a trip to Dubai in the months of the hot season (April – October). In the peak season, you’ve to count at least half of the more price for all reservations. I had a fun summer vacation in Dubai. You can beat the extreme heat of Dubai by spending more time on indoor activities. There are many free things to do in Dubai Mall itself. You will also find many top things to do at night in the city.

How about eating and shopping from your favorite brand stores at the world’s second-largest Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai? You can get two brochures per your Booking.com reservation. Yes, Dubai Mall is in partnership with Booking.com. By presenting the unique offer code to one Guest Service Desk of the mall, I took one brochure and got many exclusive deals and offers from different Eat & Beverage, Fashion, and Department Stores. Sounds cool, right?

Furthermore, you can also grab such offers by using many coupon apps like The Entertainer. Besides summer deals you can get big sales offers during a festive time like Eid from various participating stores. Dubai is a shopping haven, so it is wise to save some money and try some of the lucrative deals. That’s why the majority of the tourists visit Dubai during the time of the Dubai Shopping Festival and get many sales offers from almost all outlets. This festival is the biggest ever shopping event in the Middle East and occurs two months from January to February.

Top Things To Do in Dubai For Free

Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek

There are many places to visit in Dubai for free. Taking an abra or traditional boat ride across Dubai Creek will give you a simple yet fresh experience. The ride in the evening hour is more relaxing. It will cost you only 1 AED per person to ride. This 14 km long artificial creek connects the old towns Deira and Bur Dubai. After the ride, you can enjoy a free walking tour around the most popular Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira. And Textile Souk in Bur Dubai. You can also book an abra for dinner cruise if you want to spend a bit.

Roaming Around Old Towns Deira and Bur Dubai

Roaming around the old Dubai will give a completely different experience. You’ll get to see many old buildings. Deira is more famous for Gold Souk or traditional gold markets. Gold Souk here is world-famous for tax-free jewelry shopping. No fake golds are allowed to sell in Gold Souk. You can even exchange your old golds here. Spice Souk is a must-visit for many varieties of spices.

Would you like to see the world’s most massive gold ring? Yes, it is at Gold Souk in Deira only, and they have also got the certificate from Guinness World Records. By the way, you can also visit Deira and Bur Dubai by taxi.

Many textile souks are best to visit from Bur Dubai. There is also one Iranian Mosque near the old Textile Souk. The colorful and details Persian tile work with floral patterns and Islamic calligraphy is genuinely striking. It was great to take some quick snaps with the artistic artwork of this architecture.

Watch The Spectacular Dubai Fountain Show on the Promenade of Dubai Mall

You can watch the world’s tallest (900 ft) in length performing fountain show every day at a free of cost on the Waterfront Promenade of Dubai Mall. Undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Dubai at night. The Dubai Fountain merely is spectacular, which features more than 1000 various water expressions and reaches up to 150 ft high into the air to a range of different music.

The Dubai Mall Fountain showtime starts from Saturday to Thursday at 1 PM and 1:30 PM. The timings vary on Friday from 1:30 PM and 2 PM. Daily evening show you can watch every half an hour from 6 PM to 11 PM. In the evening, a walk on the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk will give you a more enchanting experience. But this is not free, and you’ve to get the ticket. You can also enjoy at night the light show of the Burj Al Khalifa from the promenade of the mall.

Fun Time at the Waterfront Promenade of Dubai Mall

The Waterfront Promenade of the Dubai Mall became a popular spot among tourists for the top view of the iconic Burj Al Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and the Dubai Fountain. It is fun to walk around this promenade and free for all.

There are many restaurants and shops as well at Souk Al Bahar along the fountain lake. The view of the entire promenade with Souk Al Bahar Bridge is merely fabulous from the Dubai Mall. Many enjoy Dubai Fountain Lake ride to watch the show of the fountain from the traditional abra. For riding either, you can buy a ticket from the mall or online.

You’ll see here almost all busy to frame themselves with 828 meters long Burj Al Khalifa. There is also one big heart-shaped, Love Me sculpture where you can snap a great photo with the Burj Al Khalifa.

Admire the Massive Dubai Mall Waterfall

The massive Dubai Mall Waterfall on the ground floor is another beauty to admire. This beautiful waterfall is to show gratitude to the pearl divers who used to dive for the best pearls to trade before sunrise to sunset. Once upon a time pearl diving or pearl hunting used to be the UAE’s primary income source.

Walk Along the Palm Jumeirah Promenade

The Palm Jumeirah of the artificial palm tree-shaped Palm Island is one of the top fascinating attractions in the entire United Arab Emirates. It is cool to pass through the beautiful road with palm trees on the Waterfront Promenade of the Palm Jumeirah. Undoubtedly very relaxing to walk along the Palm Jumeirah Promenade with the gentle sea breeze, blue waters, and the skyline. During summer, you’ll see an 11 km long boardwalk or walkway is almost empty, very few tourists can found. The big wheel of Ain Dubai is also visible from the sidewalk.

While walking doesn’t miss to take photos with the iconic 5-star luxury Hotel Atlantis The Palm. You can get a great picture with the backdrop of this beautiful landmark.

Dubai Marina Walk with the View of Skyscrapers

Another popular tourist spot is the Dubai Marina, walking around nearby the bridge area is unusual for the gorgeous view of the Cayan Tower along with other skyscrapers. You’ll enjoy here to click many photos that face the Cayan Tower, which is the world’s second-tallest 90 degrees twisted building.

You can also enjoy the magnificent view of the Bluewaters Island and frame yourself with the big wheel of Ain Dubai, which is very close to JBR and Dubai Marina.

Birthday Celebration at Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis The Palm

How about celebrating your birthday at Aquaventure Waterpark, the gorgeous Atlantis The Palm resort? No worries, you don’t have to buy any tickets to visit. You need to reserve the booking online by showing your ID/Passport as proof. Aquaventure Waterpark gives free tickets as a gift to celebrate your birthday exactly the same day. You’ll be able to use their private beach as well as all fun rides to make this day a memorable one. Either take a metro or tram to reach this waterpark.

You can also take the service of the Palm Jumeirah Monorail which runs down the trunk of the Palm Jumeirah Island. This 3 miles long journey will take you directly to the Aquaventure Waterpark. Though it will cost you a bit more, you’ll love to enjoy the best view of the Atlantis The Palm from the Monorail.

Ultimate Fun in the Dubai Beaches

Dubai got much white sand and blue water beaches. All are free to visit unless it is the private one. Most of the tourists prefer to stay nearby the beach areas. The beach rules and safety strictly maintained in the Dubai beaches, so it is wise to follow by every beach lover. I’ve visited several beaches in the summer and loved how nicely they preserve the beauty of each beach. Almost all beaches are family-friendly and got a changing room with all facilities. Here are some of the best beaches to visit during your trip to Dubai.

Jumeirah Beach

You’ll see many beaches on Jumeirah Beach Road. Jumeirah Beach is popular for the close backdrop of the Burj Al Arab, world’s only sail-shaped 7-star hotel, and the 5-star sea wave-shaped Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Close to this beach, you’ll see Jumeirah Public Beach and Open Beach as the name says open for all to visit and swim. The lifeguard is there at every beach, therefore it is safe but not to swim when it is prohibited. Water sports activities are allowed. Many prefer to swim at night in Jumeirah Beach.

JBR Beach

The Beach or JBR Beach is located in the Jumeirah Beach Residence area and open for the public to visit. Here you can have lovely photos facing Ain Dubai. There are many restaurants and food stalls, fitness equipment near the beach. The Beach is family-friendly, and you can spend some chill time here.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is very colorful and one of the best free beaches for beachgoers located in Umm Al Sheif Road. Kitesurfing is the most popular activity at Kite Beach besides kayaking. I loved spending my time here. It was fun to capture many photos facing the top iconic Burj Al Arab. Furthermore, you’ll get the remote view of Burj Al Khalifa from the exit point of the beach.

La Mer Beach

Not swimming no problem, simply lazing around is fun at La Mer Beach which located in Jumeirah 1. I loved the beach vibe of La Mer Beach. You couldn’t without enjoying the outstanding decoration every corner of La Mer. There are many beautiful walkways around. Waterpark and free shower are also available for all.

You can get some crisp photographs (Featured Image) facing Dubai’s most iconic Burj Al Khalifa at La Mer. Many cool restaurants and cafes are there inside the beach area and evenings are the best time to enjoy the relaxing time with friends or families.

Al Mamzar Beach Park

The beautiful Al Mamzar Beach Park is located close to the Dubai Sharjah border in the Al Mamzar Residential Area. This beach is popular among locals than tourists. However, the park is not open to visit without an entrance fee, you can take some great photos from the outside beach area facing the skyline of Sharjah. In addition, Al Mamzar Beach got blue flag beach status and best for families to spend the whole day while enjoying many water sports.

Culture Trip To Iconic Jumeirah Mosque

How about a culture trip to the iconic landmark Jumeirah Mosque in Dubai? This mosque is not a large one but the architecture is beautiful, the beauty is remarkable at night. Jumeirah Mosque follows Open Doors & Open minds policy and welcomes all to visit to know and learn about Islam and the Emirati custom and culture. The entry is free, and you must follow the dress code to visit the mosque.

Visit Dubai’s Promise Bridge in Last Exit Dubai

Last Exit Al Khawaneej by Meraas is more than a food court. The rustic fun trailer park Last Exit Dubai located in Al Khawaneej. It is easy to reach here by taxi. Here you can visit Dubai’s first-ever Promise Bridge or Love Locks Bridge without any entry fee. The entire Yard of this park got a quirky farm vibe and a very relaxing spot. Furthermore, you’ll find many food trucks and can try the best street food in Dubai here.

Visit Educational Quranic Park in Al Khawaneej

Educational Quranic Park in Al Khawaneej is best to visit for getting a better understanding of Islamic heritage. The entire 64 hectares park has mainly designed based on many quotes and miracles from the Holy Quran. There are a total of 12 gardens, a split lake, a glasshouse, and miracle cave inside the park. I’ve loved the whole idea of this most beautiful attraction in Dubai. You can take a free entry, but the entrance fee is there for cave and glasshouse.

Watch Flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The 620 hectares Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is best to watch more than 20,000 pink flamingos along with other migrating birds. May be winter is the best time to visit this place. Therefore, I could only manage a remote view of those flamingos during my summer visit to Dubai. There are binoculars to view the birds from the sanctuary.

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Share your thoughts. Any other recommended top things To do in Dubai for free? If you’re visiting some other emirates don’t miss to check out all travel tips and a complete guide to travel UAE.