Dubai is an extremely expensive travel destination, and the sky’s the limit in terms of what can be offered in terms of the city’s most extravagant activities. But don’t give up if you’re trying to save money! There are numerous low-cost activities as well as amazing free activities available in Dubai, and none of them will cost you a single dirham.
In this article, we will provide a concise rundown of the most enjoyable activities in Dubai that are both cheap and free. These activities are not only inexpensive in Dubai, but they are also among the most enjoyable. Each of these top Dubai experiences is well worth your time, whether you are traveling to Dubai on a budget or not! You can enhance this experience by taking advantage of Emirates airline booking and planning a trip for yourself that is well worth the money.
The Fountains of Dubai
The Dubai Fountains are the city’s most popular tourist attraction, located right next to The Dubai Mall and at the base of the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Both the magnificent musical fountains and the light show are completely free to view.
Every day, the world’s largest dancing fountain puts on a show. There are three different afternoon shows that begin at 1, 1.30, or 2 p.m. (depending on the day). There will be a show every half hour from six o’clock in the evening until eleven o’clock in the morning.
A helpful tip for those who want to try something new is to take a ride in a classic boat to get a better view of the moving fountains. This tour is not free, but it is one of the least expensive things to do in Dubai, and many visitors consider it to be an absolute necessity.
The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the world’s largest shopping centers. It has 1200 stores, including some of the world’s most luxurious brands. A trip to the shopping mall, on the other hand, will cost you nothing (as long as you can control yourself in the stores) and will be time well spent. The sheer size of the location, the sheer number of people, and the enormous variety of stores will astound you. Come for more than an hour or two; you could easily spend a day or two in this location!
The Dubai Waterfall and the Dubai Aquarium are two of the most popular attractions in the Dubai Mall and must-sees. Although admission to the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo costs more than $30 (USD), you can get a free look at the massive aquarium located within the shopping center. That is amazing!
Another free thing to do in Dubai Mall is to take in the breathtaking view of the waterfall. A massive waterfall with diver sculptures connects the four levels of the indoor shopping center.
Dubai Marina
The city of Dubai, including the bustling neighborhood of Dubai Marina, comes to life after the sun goes down. The Dubai Marina Promenade is a 7-kilometer-long stretch of walkways that is regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Dubai. Furthermore, there are no admission charges!
The most active part of the Marina can be found between The Marina Walk and The Marina Mall. This is where you’ll find the majority of the shops and restaurants, so start here.
The dancing fountains at the entrance to the Marina Walk, right next to the Dubai Marina Towers Shows, are not to be missed. The shows are held every twenty minutes during the evenings and all day on weekends. It’s useful to know that in Dubai, Friday and Saturday are the days off that make up the weekend.
Throughout the year, the Dubai Marina hosts a variety of different events. During the Christmas and New Year holiday seasons, there are numerous parades, music festivals, boat parades, and other types of parades. Check ahead of time to see if there will be anything noteworthy happening during your stay at the location in question.
Ras Al Khor is a wildlife sanctuary
Another free thing to do in Dubai worth mentioning is the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary. A wetland conservation area in Dubai is an excellent place to see flamingos and other types of birds. You will also not have to pay anything for it.
Visitors can observe the flamingos from a viewing platform. While you’re there, you can also see flamingos being fed (usually between 10 and 11 a.m.). The best time to go is first thing in the morning, just before the feeding begins. There are fewer people here, but there are more flamingos.
Dubai Beaches
A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without at least one visit to the city’s beaches. The good news is that Dubai has several public beaches that are open to the public and do not charge admission. The most popular beaches in Dubai are Jumeirah Beach, which is near the world-famous Burj Al Arab Hotel, and Marina Beach, also known as JBR, which is near The Walk.
Although a visit to the Burj Al Arab is mandatory when in Dubai, Marina Beach is the place to go for a day at the beach. In addition to the numerous dining establishments on The Walk, there are several playgrounds for children to enjoy. It is most likely the busiest beach in Dubai at any given time.
Dubai’s Al Qudra and Love Lake Districts
One of the free and enjoyable things to do in Dubai is to visit the Al Qudra neighborhood, which is located in the city’s southern outskirts. Because of the construction of a few artificial lakes, this area has become a desert oasis. Furthermore, it is an excellent location to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Love Lake, which is shaped like a heart, is one of the most well-known lakes in the area. Beautiful walkways that follow the heart-shaped lakes can be used to explore the area, and the lakes themselves are home to a diverse range of bird species and fish of various colors (feeding is not allowed). There are also several heart statues on the beautiful grounds that surround the lake, making it an ideal location for a romantic evening in Dubai.
This is a more well-known location among locals, but it is less well-known among tourists. Restrooms, picnic tables, barbecue pits, and board games are among the amenities available. It’s ideal for a sunset stroll with your significant other, a nighttime stargazing expedition, or a day trip with the kids.
It is free to visit Love Lake or any of the other lakes in Al Qudra. However, due to its distance from the town center, access is only by private automobile.