12 Things to Do in Dubai For Free (An Expat’s Guide)
Taking a trip to Dubai can be expensive. Bucket list things like taking a desert safari, going to the top of the Burj Khalifa, and cruising along the Dubai Marina can be shockingly expensive. But if you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll be pleased to know that there are tons of things to do in Dubai for free!
When I moved to Dubai in 2022, I thought everything in this city would be way too expensive for me to enjoy. And while certain things here can be expensive, I was totally mistaken.
If it’s culture you’re after, you’ll love wandering around the souks and heritage buildings in Old Dubai. Or if you prefer modern marvels, you’ll be able to wander around the massive Dubai Mall, marvel at the famous Dubai Fountain Show, and take endless photos of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building) without spending a single dirham.
Looking for free things to do in Dubai? I’ve got you covered with my 12 top picks, each one based on my personal experience!
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Things to Do in Dubai For Free
1. Explore Souk Madinat
If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai for free, pay a visit to Souk Madinat. This entire place was designed to look like an old-school Arabian village and you really will feel like you’ve been transported to a different world.
Inside, you’ll find souk-inspired alleys and small shops hawking everything from rugs and lanterns to jewelry and traditional clothing. But step outside, and you’ll get the perfect blend of historical and modern, with a range of international bars and restaurants set inside the sandstone buildings and spilling out into the courtyards. Many of them are set right on the picturesque canals.
If you feel like spending a bit of money, you can even take a cruise on an abra (a traditional wooden boat) and glide through the waterways while taking in views of the old-world-inspired architecture and the iconic Burj Al Arab in the background.
2. Take Fun Photos in Chinatown
The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest, so rest assured, you’re going to find lots of free activities and attractions in this massive mall! One of the newest attractions in the Dubai Mall is the massive Chinatown.
Hunt this gem down and you’ll be able to walk through an alley of neon signs and a room full of red Chinese lanterns. There are all sorts of Instagrammable corners in Chinatown, including a larger-than-life panda bear.
If you’ve got a bit of money to spend, I highly recommend eating at the food court. From dan dan noodles to steamed dumplings and boa buns, the food here is authentic and affordable!
3. Get Weird at Last Exit
I’m all about quirky attractions, especially when they’re free, and Last Exit did not disappoint. In my opinion, this place is a must if you’re driving from Dubai to Abu Dhabi. It’s about 15 minutes from the Dubai Marina and you really can’t miss it.
This place is Mad Max-themed so expect weird, dystopian vibes. But the coolest thing about Last Exit is that instead of traditional fast food restaurants, you’ll find a bunch of cool Mad Max-themed food trucks. When I was there, there was even a Johnny Rockets and a Starbucks food truck, as well as some cool local food and drink options.
Trust me when I say this is one of the most unique free things to do in Dubai!
4. Go Back in Time in Al Seef & Al Fahadi
A lot of people know Dubai for its modern malls and architecture, but my favorite parts of the city are found in Old Dubai. Take some time to explore the Al Seef and Al Fahadi historical areas and you’ll get a glimpse of the Dubai of old.
These areas are chock full of culture and heritage-inspired architecture, souks, and shops. Plus, they’re situated along Dubai Creek, which makes the setting even more magical. If you’re looking for things to do in Dubai for free and you’re yearning to see the city’s cultural side, you’ll love this part of town.
5. Marvel at the Dubai Fountain Show
If this is your first time in Dubai, seeing the Dubai Fountain Show should be on your to-do list. This is the “world’s largest choreographed fountain system” and if you’ve been to the fountain show at the Bellagio in Las Vagas, Dubai’s puts it to shame.
You can catch the show every evening starting from 6-11 pm (every 30 minutes). Expect mobs of people but it’s totally worth it and the people-watching is top-notch too! Oh, and did I mention the show is totally free?
6. See the World’s Tallest Building
While you’re enjoying the fountain show, it’s impossible to miss the sky-high Burj Khalifa in the background. This towering building juts 828 meters (2,716.5 feet) into the air. And while you may not be able to swing the hefty ticket price to take in the views from the top, trust me when I say the free views from the ground are nothing short of spectacular.
7. And Then See the World’s Tallest Ferris Wheel
You’ll find the towering Ain Dubai on Bluewaters Island, just across the way from JBR. This is the world’s tallest Ferris wheel and one of the most iconic Dubai attractions. You can either take in the views from the beach at JBR or take a scenic stroll across the bridge to Bluewaters Island to get neck-craning views of this 250-meter (820-foot) structure.
8. Work on Your Tan at Kite Beach
A visit to Kite Beach is one of the most popular things to do in Dubai for free. Not all beaches are free in this city, so the fact that this particularly beautiful stretch of sand is still free to frolic on is much appreciated.
Kite Beach is popular among kitesurfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. As you can see above, there are even some cute and affordable food trucks dotted around the area in case you get peckish. Sunsets here are particularly gorgeous too!
9. Photograph the Dubai Marina
The Dubai Marina is one of the most photographed places in town — and for good reason. It’s simply gorgeous! You can walk around the 7-kilometer Marina Walk and take as many photos as you’d like. Or, if you’re short on time, head over to the Al Sayorah Bridge just before sunset, and you’ll get excellent magic hour views of the green waters and towering buildings.
10. Hunt Down Some Street Art
Dubai has a reputation for being a sterile city, but it’s actually quite artsy! If you’re looking for things to do for free in Dubai and you’re a street art fan, it’s well worth seeking out some public works of art. (FYI, you’ll find the pictured piece right outside Dubai Opera with the Burj Khalifa in the background!)
Some popular areas to see street art include Al Serkal Avenue, Karama, Dubai Design District, Satwa’s 2nd December Street (Diyafah Street), Jumeirah Beach Road, Kite Beach, and more!
11. See Wild Flamingos at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
One of the coolest free things to do in Dubai is to spot the wild flamingos at the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. You’ll find these protected wetlands just 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai. Each year from September to March thousands of flamingos migrate to Dubai for the winter. And you can see them for absolutely no cost from one of the sanctuary’s bird hides!
12. See All the Free Attractions in Dubai Mall
OK, I already mentioned Chinatown and the Dubai Fountain Show above. But the massive mall is also home to quite a few other cool things to do in Dubai for free. You can marvel at thousands of sea creatures outside the entrance of the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, see the four-story Dubai Waterfall, stroll around Souk Al Bahar, and so much more.
Plus, the Dubai Mall is pretty much a must-visit when in Dubai. It’s so big, you will get lost!
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