Free Things To Do In Dubai in 2024: Unveiling Budget-Friendly Adventures

The best way to fully utilise a trip is to get hold of the free things you can do while you’re there. Dubai, the city with a skyscraper-filled skyline and luxury, believe it or not, has numerous things to do for free to make the most of your trip. This article consists of all the free things you can do in Dubai, ranging from the vibrant heritage to the luxurious malls. How exciting does it sound to get the best of experiences without having to spend a single penny? Or, should I say, a single dirham? Tune in to find out.

1. Visiting the Bastakiya Quarter

This historical district is, hands down, the best neighbourhood in Dubai, with absolutely no entry fee. The ancient quarter, though much restored, is a beautiful reminder of Dubai's historic origins and sits quite incongruously amidst a sea of office blocks and skyscrapers.

Location: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bastakiya, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Timings: All day, every day

2.  Experience the vibrancy of Dubai: The gold and spice souks

There is no other place to experience the rich vibrancy of Dubai than the gold and spice souks. Here, all that glitters is, indeed, gold and diamonds. It is truly a spice heaven, with blending aromas all around. Visiting this traditional Arab market is one of the top free things to do in Dubai.

Location: Deira Creek, Ras Metro Station 1

Timing: 9:30 a.m.–9:30 p.m.

3. Spend a day on the Jumeirah beach

Named after the Jumeirah district of Dubai, this beach is backed by high-rise hotels and restaurants. With the view of the Dubai coastline and the sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, this clean and free public beach will let you have a little time off the city and relax. 

Location: Near Dubai Marine beach resort

Timings: 7 AM to 10 PM

4. The Dubai Mall

When it comes to the world’s largest, located just beside the tallest building in the world, you might feel like it is impossible to experience anything for free in there. But in reality, there are actually a lot of free things you can do here.

•   Free Sights of the Dubai Aquarium

It might cost you a hefty amount to get a complete experience but, on the other hand, there’s a quick and easy way to get an insight into the largest suspended aquariums in the world. With a total capacity of 10 million litres, it illuminates the marvels of one of the most diverse collections of marine animals worldwide. It is, indeed, one of the best free things to do while you’re in Dubai.

Location: Outside the entrance of Dubai Mall

Timing: All day, every day

• Watch the Dubai fountain

Watching the world’s largest water fountain ranks number one on the list of things to do in Dubai and rightfully so because it is free of charge. Locals and tourists agree on this being the most popular attraction in Dubai at any given time. Get this breath-taking experience, free of charge, right outside Dubai Mall. 

Location: Outside Dubai Mall

Timings: Every 30 minutes

• Hangout with Dubai Dinosaur

Digging into the history of the late Jurassic period, the 24-metre-long and 7.6-metre-high dinosaur stands high at Dubai Mall. This gigantic dinosaur is a 115 million years old skeleton and is made up of 90% original fossil bones. Do not miss out on this free visual magic. 

Location: Souk Dome, Dubai Mall

Timings: Open 24 hours

5. Explore Dubai’s history

Dubai is known to have steeped itself in rich historic culture and architecture. These cultural highlights are the most popular additions to the free attractions in Dubai. 

• Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort

Opened in 1971, the year the federation was formed, the Dubai Museum stands as the official museum of the history of Dubai and its heritage. The only way to truly understand the place you are visiting is to learn about its history, especially when you can do that for free.

Location: Al Fahidi area, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Timings: 8:30 AM – 8:30 PM

• Visit the Coffee Museum for free

What is a day without coffee? And what better way to learn more about it than by visiting the Dubai Coffee Museum for free? A place with rich historic significance and a true art of coffee brewing easily makes up for one of the best things to do in Dubai for free.

So, it turns out there are a lot of free things to do in Dubai. Plan your trip out with these exciting things to explore and save some of those extra bucks in your pocket.