50 free things to do in Dubai in June
Feeling the pinch? Enter free things to do
City life can come at a cost, but, believe it or not, there are loads of free things to do in Dubai.
Whether you’re after a free touristy day out, getting back to nature gratis or sightseeing for nada, we’ve rounded up the most fun, pocket-friendly things to do in Dubai (which are super handy to know when you are feeling the pinch).
With the summer season arriving, make sure to make the most of the outdoors while you still can. Or if you’re already boiling, don’t panic, there’s lots of things to do that have AC too.
Free things to do in Dubai: Attractions
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
We’d forgive you if you were so immersed in dessert at The Cheesecake Factory that you missed the aquatic amazement over your shoulder. But no trip to The Dubai Mall is complete without some gratis gawping at a selection of the marine life on offer at the Aquarium. Undoubtedly one of the top free things to do in Dubai. Selfie with a shark? Rude not to.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-midnight, Thu-Sat 10am-1am. The Dubai Mall, thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382 246 255).
Dubai Canal Waterfall
One of the city’s most spectacular developments in recent years, the Dubai Water Canal is one of the top free things to do in Dubai. It has its fabulous focal point thanks to the colourful cascade where the waterway meets Sheikh Zayed Road. Whether you’re blissfully boating, joyfully jogging or simply sauntering along the Canal, stop awhile and bask in this remarkable rainbow’s glow.
Open 24/7. Dubai Water Canal, rta.ae.
Go for a night swim at Umm Suqeim Beach
Dubai opened up three of its beaches for night swimming in May this year, with extra lighting, dedicated electronic screens with safety information and dedicated lifeguards. Our top pick is an 800m-stretch near Sunset Beach, but there are also options in Jumeirah 1 and 2.
Free. Daily from sunset-sunrise. Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1.
IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City Mall
Get ready to be awestruck, as you can see this multi-Guinness World Record holder at Festival Bay every night of the week. A fabulous feat of engineering and choreography, the show uses high-powered lasers, more than 70 searchlights, water screens, projections, music, flames and fountains to wow the crowds with a stunning show of light and colour.
Free. Mon-Thu 7pm-10pm, Fri-Sun 7pm-11pm (every hour). Dubai Festival City Mall, dubaifestivalcitymall.com (800 332).
Stroll around Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Located on the first floor opposite the Dubai Ice Rink with direct access to Address Fountain Views, the new destination promises to offer an authentic Asian experience that you can stroll around for free.
Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. thedubaimall.com/chinatown
Take your photo at The Wings of Mexico statue
This place has cult status in the world of Instagram, and for good reason. The now iconic pair of wings, set against a backdrop of the world’s tallest tower, make for a stunning photo op, and though it won’t cost a thing, a snap here is worth its weight in gold when it comes to its value on the ‘gram. If this particular frame isn’t on your grid yet, get yourself in gear, now.
Open 24 hours. Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai.
Take in the sights from The Viewing Point
Ready to see the city from a different angle, all for free? The Viewing Point is a 70-metre walkway at Dubai Creek. Sat 11-metres above sea level, walking along the deck, which juts out across the Creek, affords you stellar views of the Downtown Dubai skyline. Along with the towering Burj Khalifa, you also get a unique vantage point Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.
Open 24/7. Dubai Creek Harbour.
Visit Dubai Fountain
Regardless of our visiting family’s ages, we always seem to take on the role of an avuncular uncle when it comes to this most awe-inspiring of attractions. You might have clocked a theme for this section but for a country that found wealth out to sea, it’s hardly surprising homages to H2O are so prevalent. This is one of our all-time favourite free things to do in Dubai.
Daily every 30 minutes from 6pm-11pm, plus Sat-Thu 1pm, 1.30pm & 2pm, Fri 1.30pm, 2pm & 2.30pm. Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com (04 567 2030).
Window shop at Mall of The Emirates
If you’re in the mood for window shopping there’s plenty to see, and get your step count up, too, Not only are there plenty of shops to explore – from Hamleys to Harvey Nichols – you can also head along to Ski Dubai to watch the skiers whizz down the slopes. Splash out for hot chocolate for all those après-ski vibes.
Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Al Barsha, malloftheemirates.com.
Wander around Souk Madinat
Want to get some prime tourist snaps? You’ll get a mega view of Burj Al Arab, by day or night, and it’s always hustling and bustling with people ensuring a welcoming atmosphere.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah. (Shops) open daily 10am-11pm. (Restaurants) open daily 8am-2am. Al Sufouh 1, jumeirah.com (04 366 8888).
Free things to do in Dubai: Cultural experiences
Wander around Al Seef
Located in Bur Dubai right by the Dubai Creek and close to the Al Fahidi district, Al Seef is a super destination that brings together the contemporary elements of Dubai today and marries them with historical nostalgia and influences from the mid-late 1900s. The 1.8km strip is split into two very distinct regions; there’s the modern site that has contemporary shipping container buildings – while the other side is modelled after Old Dubai. Expect narrow corridors, market stall traders and buildings that have been created to look as if they’ve been there since the ’60s. It’s definitely a spot to check out.
Bur Dubai alseef.ae/en (800 738245).
Alserkal Avenue
Arguably the hippest and artitest part of town, Alserkal Avenue in Dubai’s Al Quoz is abundant with art galleries, performance spaces and some rather wonderful culinary delights. This former industrial estate has swapped engine oil for oil on canvas and is a permanent hive of artistic activity. There are loads of free things to do in this area of Dubai, from gallery exhibitions to browsing through shops and it’s an excellent way to immerse yourself in a bit of culturewithout spending any money. Plus there are loads of Insta-tastic spots dotted around.
Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz, alserkalavenue.ae (04 333 3464).
Antique Museum
Despite being a complete misnomer (it’s not a museum, more of a bizarre bazaar), this vast network of narrow passages is filled to the brim with antiques and knick-knacks from Asia and the Middle East. Just browsing through the mind-boggling array of goods is great fun, and it’s all free to do – you’ll just have to hold back from buying that antique sideboard that would look perfect in your sitting room…
Open daily 9am-8.30pm. Al Quoz, antiquemuseum.ae (04 347 9935).
Browse the books at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
If you love to read and are counting the dirhams (buying all the latest books can get expensive), it’s time to head to Mohammed Bin Rashid Library at Al Jaddaf. The library is home to different genres of books; general use, young adults, children, information, maps and atlas, media and arts, business, emirates, periodicals and special collections, with more than 1.1 million printed and digital books in Arabic and foreign languages. The building itself is an impressive structure to admire – shaped like a rehl, the traditional wooden book rest used to hold the Quran. It has seven floors with a garden and café, all nestled next to Dubai Creek, making it the perfect place to visit. It’s free to enter, but you’ll need to reserve your time slot online and it’s open to everyone over five years old.
Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm, Fri, 2pm-9pm, Sat, 9am-9pm, Sun, closed. Al Jaddaf, mbrl.ae (04 222 2025).
Burj Khalifa selfie opportunities
The Burj Khalifa is one of the most impressive feats of human engineering on the planet, and since opening to the public back in 2010 has relentlessly smashed world records at a canter. But if heights aren’t your thing, or you’d rather not pay for the viewing platform, there are plenty of opportunities in Dubai to take a selfie in front of the iconic building. Why not give it a go?
Open 24/7. Downtown Dubai.
Gold Souk
One of the biggest marketplaces for that glistening of precious metals, you might want to keep your sunnies on when you set foot inside the Gold Souk. Stall after stall sells shiny new jewellery and other fineries. One for any checklist, even if your haggling skills don’t dazzle and you can wander around and enjoy all the sights of Old Dubai for free (even if you can’t stretch to the price of actually shopping). Fork out an extra Dhs2 and you can hop on an abra too, for what will be the cheapest scenic boat trip you’ll encounter.
Open daily 9am-9pm. Deira.
Jameel Arts Centre
This thoroughly funky building on the Jaddaf Waterfront is original in its programming and forward-thinking in its research. Fiercely independent, it supports artists from the MENA region like few other establishments. And you can too by popping along and immersing yourself in this cracking creative centre, which offers plenty of free things to do in Dubai.
Open Sat-Mon 10am-6pm, Wed-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri noon-8pm. Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org(04 873 9800).
Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
The vision of a pioneering poet, this structure remains an homage to the great man himself and gives visitors a real taste of what inspired his work. Some of his original, handwritten collections (oh, how we’d love to ditch the keyboard) can be discovered here, along with his writing desk and the pens he so perfectly put to paper.
Open Mon-Thu 9am-2pm, Fri 8am-11.30am. Al Ras, Deira, dubaiculture.gov.ae (04 515 5000).
Shindagha Museum
Get a bit of culture in and visit the UAE’s largest heritage site, where you can learn more about the tales of the first residents of Dubai Creek. Get a flavour for Emirati life in years gone by, and what’s more, if you arrive at the museum via an RTA abra, your entry is completely free instead of the usual Dhs50 – what a summer saving!
Open daily 10am – 8pm (last entry 7pm). Al Shindagha Museum, Al Shindagha, alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae (800 33 222).
Spice Souk
This Old Dubai souk is brimming with culture, sights, sounds and smells. Easily the most aromatic free thing to do in Dubai, a trip to the Spice Souk is an absolute must for anyone handy in the kitchen. You’ll find the full gamut of Arabic spices for sale here, along with oils, nuts and a tasty selection of sweet treats. Even if you don’t buy anything it’s fun to wander around and take in a bit of Dubai’s history.
Open daily 9am-11pm. Al Ras, Deira.
Street Art
Unless you spend your time walking around the city blindfolded, you’d know there is street art around plenty of corners, all of which you can admire absolutely for free. From JBR to Karama, City Walk to Satwa and La Mer to Jumeirah Beach Road, the city is awash with colourful creations from some truly great artists.
Various locations across Dubai.
Textile Souk
Across the Dubai Creek from its Gold and Spice sisters is the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, home to myriad traders selling wonderfully colourful fabrics along with all the accessories a fashion designer could want. You might not be Alexander McQueen but don’t rule out an afternoon’s browsing for free in Dubai here.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-2pm and 4pm-8pm. Ali Bin Abi Talib Street, Bur Dubai.
Waterfront Market
There were a few tears (and scales) shed when the old Deira Fish Market slung its hook but this massive, bargain-laden venue is a fitting substitute. We could spend hours admiring the various catches. As days out go, this is a different kettle of fish entirely. Free to browse around even if you’re not shopping (and there’s no charge for dinner inspiration).
Open 24/7 (except during deep cleaning). Deira Enrichment Project, Al Khaleej Road, waterfrontmarket.ae (800 627 538).
XVA Gallery
Specialising in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran and the Subcontinent, XVA has done more to champion both established and up-and-coming talent from the UAE and beyond than most galleries could even dream of. Exhibitions are on a regular rotation so you’re bound to find something new.
Open daily 7am-10pm. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, xvagallery.com (04 353 5383).
Free things to do in Dubai: Historical experiences
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
One of the best free things to do in Dubai, for anyone who appreciates history. Leave the city’s skyscrapers behind for a day to discover what Dubai used to look like back before it struck oil. Just meandering through its narrow streets gives you a feel for Al Fahidi’s past as both the cultural and commercial hub, the home of the ideas that shaped Dubai’s history.
Open daily 24/7. Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai (04 515 5000).
Coffee Museum
One of the best free things to do in Dubai if you’re a coffee-lover. Some say Emirati life is not fuelled by oil but by coffee, and this place is a celebration of all things caffeine-based. The ground floor showcases different roasting techniques and associated antiquities, while upstairs you can try a cup while reading up on why coffee makes us full of beans.
Open Sat-Thu 9am-5pm. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, coffeemuseum.ae (04 353 8777).
Coins Museum
Although we long for the return of a barter system, you can’t get far these days without some coin. This gorgeous building in Bur Dubai has eight rooms brimming with information about historical money from the UAE and beyond. You’ll certainly see different sides to the same coins here. And it’s free to get in.
Open Sun-Thu 8.30am-2pm. Al Shindagha Historical Area, Bur Dubai (04 392 0368).
Hatta Heritage Village
Ever wondered what Dubai’s first villages looked like? Well, this faithful recreation is as close as you’ll get to the real thing. See how the local rulers lived by having a gander at their house (Bait al Wali) before taking out your enemies (or at least dreaming of it) from one of the watchtowers. Admittedly gory, but one of the best free things to do in Dubai.
Open Sat-Thu 7.30am-8.30pm, Fri 2.30pm-8.30pm. Hatta (04 852 1374).
Naif Museum
Dubai’s first police station, Naif Fort was built in 1939 and its museum is a testament to why the city became one of the safest on the planet. Full of artefacts including old uniforms and weapons, if those rifle-toting mannequin cops weren’t enough to scare you off a life of crime we don’t know what would be.
Open Mon-Thu 8am-3pm, Fri 8am-11.30am Deira (04 227 6484).
Free things to do in Dubai: Nature
Birdwatching at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
For those of you who know twitching doesn’t only involve involuntary spasms, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be. This avian haven is home to many a feathered friend, and while the flamboyant flamingos top the bill you can also spot herons, cormorants and ospreys from the free-to-use hides. Truly unforgettable, it’s one of the best free things to do in Dubai.
Open daily 7.30am-5.30pm (Oct-Mar), 6am-6pm (Apr-Sep). Ras Al Khor, rasalkhorwildlife.ae (04 606 6822).
Camping at Al Qudra Lakes
Should you struggle to go wild camping, a night camping at Al Qudra Lakes could be just the ticket. Clean and calm but chilly at night make sure you build a campfire before sundown and bring plenty of marshmallows to keep those energy levels up. For more places to camp in Dubai visit timeoutdubai.com.
Open daily 24/7. Al Qudra.
Go leaping at Big Red
You haven’t done Dubai if you haven’t done the desert. And you haven’t done the desert if you haven’t had a photo taken of you mid-air, legs and arms flailing atop the Emirate’s biggest dune, Big Red. Snap taken, rest awhile and enjoy the view out over the Empty Quarter. True, petrol costs money but it’s free to get there if you have a car in Dubai.
Open daily 24/7. Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter).
Have a picnic at Al Barsha Pond Park
Home to countless winter picnics, this (unsurprisingly) pond-side spot is a brilliant spot to unfurl your blanky and kick back for the afternoon. There’s a huge lawn overlooking the pond – which is more lake-sized than pond-sized, really – and once you’re done scoffing your cherry tomatoes and piccalilli you can lie back in the sun or go for a stroll.
Open Sun-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri-Sat 8am-11pm. Al Barsha (800 900).
Watch the sunrise at Al Jaddaf
Just south of Dubai Creek, Al Jaddaf is home to more than solely hotels – as its name (meaning ‘The Rower’) refers to its dhow-building history. But you don’t have to set sail at dawn here as you can enjoy unobstructed views of the sun sauntering above the Downtown skyline first thing. What a way to start the day.
Open daily 24/7. Al Jaddaf.
Surprise your partner at The Love Lakes
Looking for the ultimate romantic spot? The “Love Lakes” – two intertwined heart-shaped lakes set up near Al Qudra Lakes, is one for you. It can even be seen on Google Maps with the shape of the two hearts, right next to The Last Lake of Al Qudra. The best way of getting there is by heading along the D63 route, past Last Exit and by turning right on the road that also leads to Al Qudra Lakes. Take a picnic when the weather cools and enjoy a quiet stroll at this serene spot.
Al Qudra.
Take a Desert Drive
This one requires a 4×4 and some skilled driving but even if you’re not neighbours with rallying legend Sébastien Loeb, surely one of your mates has a suitable vehicle that can take you for a spin among the dunes of the Dubai desert. Roam free (you might have to give them an IOU) but make sure your sat-nav is up to scratch or it might cost you something to
get back.
Open daily 24/7 (best to go during the day, though). Various locations on the outskirts of Dubai.
Free Fitness, Sport and Activities in Dubai
Cheer on the horses at Jebeli Ali Racecourse
Everyone’s heard of the Dubai World Cup, but the horse racing runs all winter in Dubai. And the best news? You don’t need to spend a fortune on tickets to get in. Head along to Jebeli Ali racecourse (which is near The Greens and Emirates Hills) and there’s free access. You can get up close to the rails to hear the racehorses thundering past, while the atmosphere is electric with the crowd cheering on the horses (especially if a locally trained horse wins). You don’t need to dress up or wear a fancy hat, just head along for a different afternoon out, with racing happening through until the end of March.
Free. Jebel Ali Racecourse, dubairacingclub.com.
Cycle at Al Qudra
Another sublime spot for sunrise (and sunset), the Al Qudra Cycle Track is a purpose-built circuit spanning some 50 miles. Now we’re not suggesting you tackle every inch of this superb facility in one go (unless your name’s Chris Froome that is) but head here early doors, or late in the day, and beat the heat – and your personal best.
Open daily 24/7. Al Qudra.
Grab a free ClassPass
No one likes being tied down to a gym contract so if you don’t discover some sessions that suit you then ClassPass will let you pack up your troubles in that old kit bag and just try the next. Maybe you’ll be brilliant at boxing, a pro at Pilates or a natural-born yogi. Either way, hopefully, you’ll find the form that isn’t temporary and a permanent class. Just remember your towel and water bottle and enjoy one of the top free things to do in Dubai.
Various times and locations. classpass.com/pricing/united-arab-emirates/getclasspass.
Hike around Hatta
Your hastily-bought-then-hidden-in-the-wardrobe hiking boots were made for walking and there is the only place to really let them do the talking. Hatta has five routes of varying difficulty, all set among the Hajar Mountains that you can do for free. This is Dubai’s
largest national park so go and explore, all for free. Blisters? What blisters?
Open daily 24/7. Hatta, visithatta.com.
Jog along Kite Beach
As much as we adore flying a kite (up to the highest height), when we’re in the mood for something less leisurely then we can’t resist the stretch of running track that snakes back and forth past this beautiful beach. The run’s superb sights will send you soaring, too, on a trip to Dubai’s Kite Beach. The best news? You don’t have to pay for the pleasure.
Open daily 24/7. Sunset Beach-Kite Beach-Jumeirah 1.
Take a road trip and climb up Jebel Hafeet
Al Ain may be known as the Garden City, but it’s the rugged good looks of the nearby Jebel Hafeet mountain range we are interested in. It will take four hours to move from base camp to more suitable vantage points, where hikers can gaze out over the vast open desert, as well as Al Ain below. One for the more advanced hikers, don’t forget to wear in those walking shoes before taking the first steps – lest you incur some serious blisters. The best views are at the top, but you’ll need serious stamina to reach the summit, so we recommend sticking those headphones in and drifting away with a good podcast.
Jebel Hafeet.
Rattle around the mountain bike track at Mushrif National Park
Love rattling through the wild on two wheels with the wind in your hair? Saddle up, sports fans, because Dubai has a 50km mountain bike track in the Mushrif National Park. Set among a picturesque, lush forest of some 70,000 trees, the epic new track has been designed to weave seamlessly through the emirate’s natural beauty, all while providing a wild ride for cyclists. The track is the first of its kind for Dubai, and phase one of the ongoing development already stretches for 20km. A further 30km is on the cards for phase two.
Open daily 8am-10pm. Mushrif Park, dm.gov.ae/historic_item/mushrif-park/ (04 288 3624).
Sunset strolls around Dubai Marina
This 7km walkway around Dubai Marina is the ideal place for a stroll, brisk walk or jog, and during the winter you’ll see plenty of fellow fitness fans doing the same thing. It’s never overcrowded so you’ll be able to enjoy some peace and quiet as you make your way around. It’s an easy walk – being flat and looping, although you’ll need to head off course, up some stairs and along the path on the main road to cross over the bridge at the far end of the Marina near Bluewaters. There’s loads to see en route and the views are pretty special, making for some top snaps too. The yachts gliding in and out of the Marina give it an exclusive feel without having to splash out.
Stroll along The Boardwalk at Palm Jumeirah
Most of us can only dream of being able to afford to live on Dubai’s The Palm, but thanks to this seven-mile stretch of purpose-built path you can take a leisurely stroll with the Arabian Gulf by your side without having to take out a massive loan for the pleasure. Save the food trucks for afterwards. Some calories just can’t be walked off.
Open daily 24/7. Palm Jumeirah.
Swim at The Beach
Take a dip at The Beach on Dubai’s JBR as entry to this Dubai beach is totally free. There’s some great swimming to be had here and there are plenty of restaurants to refuel at afterwards.
Open daily 10am-10pm. Jumeirah Beach Road, thebeach.ae (800 637 227).
Walk around Bluewaters Dubai
For a stunning combination of sea and city views head for a walk around Blue Waters Island. Situated just across the water from Dubai Marina, the artificial island is accessible via a pedestrian link bridge from Jumeirah Beach Residence. The views across to JBR and The Beach are stunning and there are a couple of viewing platforms along the bridge if you need to rest weary feet and take a snap or two. Once you arrive at the main stretch of the island there are shops to browse in and restaurants to dine at. You can also get a close-up view of Ain Dubai (the giant wheel) which doesn’t go around but is still a pretty impressive landmark.
Bluewaters Dubai (04 399 9039).
Other awesome free things to do in Dubai
Laugh at a free improv night at The Courtyard Playhouse
Laughter makes everything better, so it’s time to head along for a free evening of giggles at The Courtyard Playhouse. This cute theatre in Al Quoz has hilarious improv shows every Monday and Wednesday, as well as one-off shows here and there (check the website), which will have you in stitches in no time. And the best news is tickets are free – you just need to register in advance to secure your spot.
Free. Mon & Wed, Courtyard Playhouse, The Courtyard, Al Quoz, courtyardplayhouse.com.
Free pool day at Barasti
Most beach clubs charge for the use of their facilities, but our buddies at Barasti beach club have created one of the top free things to do in Dubai. They made their pool totally free and while the early bird catches the worm (or sunlounger in this case) if you want to catch some rays, listen to top tunes and cool off in the water then this is the place to be.
Open Sat-Wed 9am-2am, Thu-Fri 9am-3am. Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina, Al Sufouh (04 318 1313).
Listen to amazing talent at Time Out Market Dubai
If you didn’t already know, Time Out Market Dubai is the place to go for the best bites and beats. And almost every day of the week (except for Thursday) a raft of incredible live acts take to the stage to serenade you as you gorge on the Market’s rockstar plates. Time Out Stage Presents series showcases the hottest new local musicians, DJs and entertainers. What are you waiting for? It’s one of the top free things to do in Dubai. Easily.
Time Out Market Dubai, Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com/dubai.For more amazing things to do in Dubai click here.