26 Free Things To Do In Dubai And Experience Over The Top Luxury Without Spending A Penny In 2021
March 4, 2021
What to do in Dubai for free? Confused, aren’t you? The name of Dubai gives a picture of sky-touching buildings, luxury and traditions wrapped with a blanket of deserts and exotic man-made islands. And with a reputation for over-the-top luxury, the cosmopolitan Mideast Sheikdom is hard to relate to ‘free things’. Isn’t it? But believe it or not, there are plenty of free things to do in Dubai. And the list includes those things which you would not be even able to believe upon! From museums to art galleries, Dubai offers various spots where you can have a no money spent experience. So, aren’t you excited? Well, read along!
26 Free Things To Do In Dubai
If you are still under the shock and wondering about the things which can be enjoyed without spending a penny, then here’s a quick list of 26 free things to do in Dubai which will definitely let you enjoy the luxury just like anything.
1. Free Experience Of Dubai’s Culture And Heritage
Exhibits of potters, weavers, and practitioners of other traditional crafts, and demonstrations of pearl diving make the experience of Dubai’s culture and heritage at Al Shindagha one of the best free things to do in Dubai.
Location: Al Shindagha Area, near the mouth of Dubai Creek
Timings: Saturday – Thursday 08:30 am – 10:00 pm; Fridays 3:30 pm – 10:00 pm.
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2. Free Entry At Camel Museum
Also in the Al Shindagha Area, the Camel Museum is another free place to visit in Dubai. Different sections in the museum are dedicated to the history of camels in UAE, the relationship between camels and Arabian people, the camel racing, and the camel anatomy. It also houses an auditorium for presentations. This is one of the best free things in Dubai.
Location: Al Shindagha Heritage Village
Timings: Sunday – Thursday; 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
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3. Free Yoga Classes
There are a lot of options for cheap things to do in Dubai for the fitness freaks. But the best among those is the free yoga class from Friends Of Yoga. Spread over 5 locations across the city, these 1-hour classes will keep up your fitness routine while on the Dubai trip.
Location: Deira Creek, BurDubai Creek, Zabeel Park, JLT Park, and Internet City
Timings: 5:30 am – 6:30 am, 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm; Daily
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4. Free Movie Under The Stars
You wouldn’t like to head out on a Sunday evening to watch a movie while on a trip to Dubai; now, would you? But since it is free and you get to watch it under the blanket of stars, it becomes one of the must free activities in Dubai every visitor should experience.
Location: Pyramids Rooftop Complex in Wafi complex
Timings: Sundays; 8:30 pm onwards
Check out what movie is currently playing before you head for this rooftop theatre.
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5. Free View Of Dubai Aquarium
Why spend 70 Dirhams to go inside the aquarium when you can view the main tank for free from outside the entrance in Dubai Mall! The home to the world’s single largest acrylic panel in the massive aquarium puts it next on our list of places to visit in Dubai for free.
Location: Outside Dubai Aquarium
Timings: 24 hours open
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6. Free View Of The Dubai Fountains Display
One of the most popular things to do in Dubai for free is to watch the beautiful display of the fountains outside Dubai Mall, dancing in sync with a musical soundtrack.
Location: Outside Dubai Mall
Timings: 3 – 4 minutes; every 30 minutes
Tip: Being very popular, the fountain is surrounded by a large crowd. Try and be there early to catch a good spot for the best view.
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7. Free Entry To The Jumeirah Beach Corniche
The Jumeirah Beach Corniche is a recent entrant in the list of free attractions in Dubai. It offers 800 meters of beach front, jogging track, showers, children’s play areas, and shaded picnic areas. The 14 km long corniche runs from Dubai Marine Beach Resort down to Burj Al Arab Hotel.
Location: Next to the Dubai Marine Beach Resort
Timings: 7.30am to 10.00pm
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8. Free Wandering Through The Old-Style Gold And Spice Souks
The bustling old souk in the Deira district is one of the popular places to visit in Dubai for free. The old market is famous for the glittering wares of the gold merchants, spices of all kinds, exotic frankincense, and the pashmina shawls. No, you can’t buy any of these things for free. But that doesn’t mean that wandering through the market costs you either.
Location: Northern side of the Deira Creek near the Ras Metro Station 1
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9. Free Car Gazing
If you do not want to spend money on visiting car museums, yet want to view the best hot rides in the town, The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence is the place to be. With the locals showing off their over-priced cars, the restaurant-lined waterfront promenade tops among the places to visit in Dubai for free car-gazing.
Location: Along The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence
Timings: Evenings; especially on Saturday nights
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10. Free Pehlwani Wrestling
Also among the best things to do in Dubai for free is watching the local wrestling. Every Friday, hundreds of laborers of Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi origins gather around to watch the brave men wrestle for glory.
Location: Deira (sandlot behind the fish market)
Timings: Fridays; 5:00 pm onwards
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11. Free Dance To The Peppy Numbers
A shabby-chic environment, leather sofas, and oversized lampshades – these are the traits attributed to the Societe Dubai. Visit the newly-opened nightclub on a Friday night and enjoy the best hits from ‘80s and ‘90s. And yes, the entry is free!
Location: Societe Dubai, Marina Byblos Hotel, Dubai Marina
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12. Free Visit To St. Mary’s Catholic Church
St. Mary’s Catholic Church came into existence in 1967. It is one of the oldest churches in Dubai. It is located in the heart of Dubai has served and continues to embrace the diverse generations of Catholics. Registration for the new Catechetical Year for admissions, renewals and also collection of books is held in August at the Catechism Office every Friday.
Location: 247 Oud Metha Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings: 5.00am to 9.30pm
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13. Seek Blessings At Emirates Baptist Church International For Free
The congregation at EBCI is very diverse with people from many nationalities, comprising of families, and children of all age groups, youth and singles. While they may have chosen to attend or join a Baptist church, they come from diverse denominational backgrounds from their home countries. Given that the entire membership and attendees are expatriates, they live in the country either because they are employed here.
Location: 7 69 A St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates, Grand Excelsior Hotel
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14. Pray At Pentecostal Church For Free
Pentecoastal Church is one of the biggest churches in Dubai. It is also one of the most beautiful places in this region. You will see people from diverse faiths congregate here. Earlier known as the King’s Revival Church International has sermons being read from time to time and boasts of many miraculous happenings. Visit the church yourself for those positive vibrations and getting in touch with your soul and to rejuvenate.
Location: Al Barsha
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15. Meet The Holy Father At United Christian Church For Free
The denomination known as the United Christian Church is a small evangelical body of Christians with roots in the Radical Pietistic movement of Martin Boehm and Philip William Otterbein. This group may often be confused with local congregations and churches of other denominations that also use the name United Christian Church. Those who began the United Christian Church separated from the Church of the United Brethren in Christ between the years of 1862 to 1870 over doctrinal differences of opinion. It is truly one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free.
Location: Dubai Evangelical Church Center – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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16. Pray At Grand Mosque For Free
Exhibiting the true Islamic architecture, Grand Mosque in Dubai is the epitome of Dubai’s cultural and religious heritage. Quranic inscriptions on the entrance facade, tallest Minaret in the city, small and large domes, and authentic Islamic interiors provide the visitors first-hand experience about Islamic traditions and culture. The essence of peacefulness and spirituality fills the ambiance of this charming place of worship.
Location: Opposite Dubai Museum, Near Rulers Court Office – Ali Bin Abi Taleb St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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17. Take A Selfie Against Burj Khalifa For Free
Being the tallest building in the world, Burj Khalifa not only showcases brilliant modern architecture and engineering but also marvelous imagination and implementation. Standing 160 storeys tall, this monument allows the visitor to witness the mesmerizing 360 aerial views of the city of Dubai. To add to this surreal experience, the base of this mighty building is nothing less than a vibrant hub of dining and entertainment. This is one of the most famous places to visit in Dubai for free.
Location: 1 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings: Open 24 hours
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18. Visit Burj Nahar For Free
Built in 1870, Burj Nahar blankets three watchtowers that were constructed to protect the old city from invaders. Constructed with mud and coral-stone, this monument has historical importance attached to it. Located on the outskirts of Deira, this monument was fully restored and now is surrounded by scenic gardens, making it a popular attraction for tourists worldwide.
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19. Climb Burj Al Arab Jumeirah For Free
Connected with a bridge to the shore, hotel Burj Al Arab Jumeirah earned its place under the list of Dubai monuments by virtue of its sail-like architectural silhouette. This state-of-the-art construction is the third tallest hotel in the world. Highest level of lavish and luxurious interiors, establishment on an artificially created island, and unique architecture have shot up the hotel to the first rank on the list of most expensive hotels in the world.
Location: Jumeirah St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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20. Visit Infinity Tower For Free
Also known as Cayan Tower, Infinity Tower is a contemporary architectural marvel that took the phrase ‘putting a twist’ a little too seriously. One of the most photographed buildings of Dubai, the dynamic and twisting shape of this luxurious residential building that turns 90 degrees over its course of height has challenged the conventional styles of architecture in the city. The unique and futuristic design of this Dubai monument takes the breath away of almost all spectators.
Location: 1202, Al Barsha Heights, Teacom, Dubai Marina – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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21. Pray At Jumeirah Mosque For Free
Jumeirah Mosque has been tagged as one of the most beautiful mosques in the city. Built entirely with snowy white stones, this place of worship is the perfect place to have your questions about the Islamic religion answered. Following the policy of ‘Open Doors. Open Minds’, doors of the mosque are open to humans of all faiths. Local representatives of the mosque conduct guided tours of this beauty and offer to make the visitors learn about their religion and traditions.
Location: Dubai – United Arab Emirates
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22. Play Watersports At Kite Beach For Free
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The Kite Beach is not just a tourist favorite but locals love this place just as much. It is situated in the Al Manara Road junction and the name of the beach is apt for the kind of activities you can indulge in around the place. The wide range of water sports along with the kitesurfing make up for the amazing activities that majority of the tourists indulge in the entire year around. The pristine white texture of the soft sand is definitely something that will satisfy your heart and soul. The Burj-Al-Arab can be seen clearly from there.
Location: Kite Beach – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings: 10.00am to 10.00pm (Sunday to Wednesday) and 10.00am to 12.00am (Thursday to Saturday)
Ideal for: Friends, Family, Kids
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23. Visit Coffee Museum For Free
If you are a coffee lover, then you must visit this coffee cum shop in Dubai. The entrance is free and upon entering you will be taken to a world of coffee. In the museum, you will get to know about the history of coffee and will get to witness the different kinds of it. It is one of the best free things to do in Dubai. It is also home to artefacts associated with coffee including books and more and is one of the free attractions in Dubai.
Location: Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings: 9am – 5pm
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24. Stroll At Alserkal Avenue For Free
Among all the free things to do in Dubai is included this famous spot. Alserkal Avenue is free to visit and is home to several interesting spots like galleries, pop-up shops, and more. One of the most famous places amongst those is Al Quoz gallery which exhibits unique paintings and other artefacts that will treat the culture vulture in you. You can also enjoy coffee at one of the coffee shops. Visiting Alserkal Avenue is one of the top free things to do in Dubai.
Location: 17th St – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings: 10am – 7pm
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25. Watch Flamingos For Free
Witnessing the pink flamingos in Dubai is one of the best free things to do in Dubai and the best part is that you can do it for free. Flamingos can be found near Ras Al Khor road in Dubai in abundance. Apart from that, if you want to see them closely then visit the Ras Al Khor wildlife sanctuary which has no entry fee. It has hiding huts wherein you can take binoculars and watch the beautiful birds. This is one of the best things to do in Dubai for free with kids!
Location: Oud Metha Oud Metha Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timings: 7:30am – 5:30pm
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26. Ride An Abra Boat For Free
If you are looking for cheap things to do in Dubai, then you should try riding an abra boat at Dubai creek. Abra boats are small wooden boats that are known for offering budget tours. Dubai old souq and Dubai Gold souq are the two stations from where you can take a boat and go riding while enjoying the picturesque views of the surroundings of creek.
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So now when you know that Dubai is not all about grandeur. There are many free things to do in Dubai. Plan your Dubai vacay and experience these things to do which will ensure that your trip doesn’t put much of a burden on your pockets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Free Things To Do In Dubai
What things are to be kept in mind before traveling given the coronavirus situation?
Do keep in check the following things before planning a trip: Carry hand sanitizers, masks, tissues, and disinfectant wipes, book your trip well in advance, avoid contact with the surface, and maintain social distancing.
What to do in Dubai on a low budget?
There are many things to do in Dubai on a low budget which includes window shopping or one can go and learn more about the city at SMCCU. Apart from that there is the Dubai Desert Safari, Abra Ride at Dubai creek, Jumeirah Beach where people can enjoy some free things to do in Dubai.
Where can one go in Dubai for free at night?
While you’re in Dubai at night make sure to try out these things like visit the Dubai Aquarium, Ski Dubai at Emirates mall, climb the Burj Khalifa or see the Dubai fountains.
What can one do in Dubai in 3 days?
While you’re in Dubai for around 3 days, make sure you enjoy a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus and enjoy a sightseeing tour. Apart from that also enjoy the Ski Dubai, or enjoy the cityscape standing at the Burj Khalifa. Also one can enjoy an adventurous Kayak tour of Palm Jumeirah.
How much does a Dubai trip cost?
The round trip cost for a Dubai trip is around INR 14,500 per person for 3 nights. And alongside the food cost must be around INR 3,123 and including the miscellaneous expenses the trip will cost around INR 24,500 per person.
How do tourists dress in Dubai?
Women are advised to wear clothes which are modest and less revealing. Women can wear dresses, knee-length skirts or full-length trousers along with t-shirt sleeves which covers the upper arms of the body.
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