51 free things to do in Dubai in 2026

How many free things in Dubai do you know of?

Whether you’re after a full family day out, a solo trip or simply want to feel like a newbie again, we’ve rounded up fun and budget-friendly things to do in Dubai (which are super handy to know if you are on a tight budget).

Whether you want to make the most of all the outdoor activities during the cooler months or want to head indoors when temperatures soar, there’s lots to do for free.

Not sure where to begin? Keep reading for free places to visit and free things to try.

Free things to do in Dubai 2025: Attractions

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

No trip to 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. Although you have to pay to enter the aquarium, you can get a cracking view of it from inside the mall, and it won’t cost you a thing.

Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. The Dubai Mall, thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382 246 255).

Visit 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. If you want the best view of the colours, be sure to head there after dark.

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 with extra lighting, dedicated electronic screens with safety information and dedicated lifeguards.

Our top pick is an 800 m stretch near Sunset Beach, but there are also options in Jumeirah 1 and 2. One of the best free things to do in Dubai.

Open 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.

Open Mon-Thu 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sun 6pm-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. If you need something new and edgy for the gram, you’ll definitely find some spots to take a snap (the neon signs will definitely get the likes in).

Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm; Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com (800 382246255).

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 24/7. 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 of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library.

Open 24/7. Dubai Creek Harbour.

Wander the Al Serkal Classic Cars Museum

 

Thanks to the Private Classic Car Collection, you can take a look at over 70 preserved vintage vehicles and even a retro plane at this entirely free mini museum.

It’s open from Monday to Friday, inside the Al Serkal Building in Deira letting you check out some cool models and snap a photo or two in the comfort of AC.

Open Mon-Fri 8am-5.30pm. Al Serkal Building, Deira (04 295 5000).

Window shop at the 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 (800 6636255).

Wander around Souk Madinat Jumeirah

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.

The souk is packed with stalls selling traditional goods from bags to jewellery, perfumes and so much more. You might not be able to spend, but there’s no harm in looking.

Open daily 10am-11pm. Al Sufouh 1. soukmadinatjumeirah.com (04 366 8888).

Visit Al Wasl Plaza

This gigantic steel dome stretches over 67 metres in the air, and you can stroll around inside it for no cost at all.

Housing the largest 360-degree projection surface in the world (Dubai doesn’t do things by halves), every day after sunset, you can head along to watch the incredible light shows at the Expo City venue.

One of the best free things to do in the city, the venue has even hosted the likes of Coldplay and Alicia Keys (that’s how cool it is).

Open 24/7 (projections start from sunset). Al Wasl Plaza, Expo City, expocitydubai.com (800 39762489).

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 arty-est 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 culture without spending any money. Plus, there are loads of Insta-tastic spots dotted around.

Open daily 7am-10pm. 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 the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library at Al Jaddaf.

The library is home to different genres of books, 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 and is open to everyone over five years old.

Open Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm, Fri, closed, Sat, 9am-9pm, Sun, closed. Al Jaddaf, mbrl.ae (800 627523).

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 Dhs1 and you can hop on an abra too, for what will be the cheapest scenic boat trip you’ll encounter.

Open daily 10am-10pm. 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-8pm, Tue, closed, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm, 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 9am-noon, Sat-Sun, closed. Al Ras, Deira, dubaiculture.gov.ae (800 33222).

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 10am-10pm. 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.

The Old Library: Take the kids for story time

 

Every Monday morning, little bookworms are invited to attend story time at The Old Library. A storyteller reads to the tots from 10am and the first time is free for non-members to take their children to. After the first complimentary session, the parent/guardian must join as a member.

Mon-Friday 10am-5pm, Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, noon-4pm, The Old Library, Gold & Diamond Park.

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-Fri 9am-2pm and 4pm-9pm. 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 10am-6pm. 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 7am-8pm. Al Fahidi, Bur Dubai, dubaiculture.gov.ae (800 33222).

Camel racing in Al Marmoum

All this will cost is some precious time in bed, as races usually start early in the morning from between 6am and 9am. You don’t even need Dhs1 to watch the racing at Al Marmoum, as watching on is completely free for this unusual sport. Races run regularly between December and March.

Call for timings. Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack, Dubai-Al Ain Road , dubaicrc.ae (04 718 8888).

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 Mon-Thu, 8am-3pm, Fri, 8am-11.30am, Sat-Sun, closed. Al Shindagha Historical Area, Bur Dubai, dubaiculture.gov.ae (058 935 4529)

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.

Open daily 8am-8pm. Hatta (800 33222).

Free things to do in Dubai: Nature

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.

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 if it’s cool enough.

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.

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, are 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 the 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.

Open 24/7. 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). Various locations.

Free fitness, sports 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 fun afternoon.

Jebel Ali Racecourse, jarc.ae (04 347 4914).

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.

Hike around Hatta

Your hastily-bought-then-hidden-in-the-wardrobe hiking boots were made for walking and there is only one place to really let them do the talking when the weather is cool enough.

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, 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.

Children under two go free at the park; however, anyone over this age will need to pay a Dhs3 walk-in fee (which seems more than reasonable).

Open Sun-Wed 8am-10pm, Thu-Sat 8am-11pm. Mushrif Park, dubaipublicparks.ae (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 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 are 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.

Open daily 24/7. Dubai Marina.

Stroll along The Boardwalk at Palm Jumeirah

Most of us can only dream of being able to afford to live on Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah, 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. You can even watch the newly reopened Ain Dubai spinning round as you bob in the water.

Open daily 24/7. Jumeirah Beach Road, thebeach.ae (04 590 5090).

Try the longest cycling trails in the UAE

The longest mountain trails in the UAE have now opened, so why not pack up your wheels and drive up for a morning pedal? Head over early before the heat really kicks in, and try any of the 21 routes that stretch over a total of 86km. If you’re not mad for cycling, the green trails are great for walking too.

Open Mon-Fri 6am-6pm; Sat-Sun 6am-6.30pm. Hatta Mountain Bike Trail Centre, Hatta, visithatta.com.

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.

Open daily 10am-midnight. Bluewaters Dubai, bluewatersdubai.ae (04 399 9039).

Wander around Ibn Battuta Mall

Themed around world-renowned ancient explorer Ibn Battuta, there are six ‘courts’ inside this mall for you to explore.

Free to stroll around, you’ll be stunned at the decorations in each area, from carved ceilings and an Elephant Clock in the Indian court to hieroglyphics and papyrus columns in the Egyptian pavilion.

Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Jebel Ali Village, ibnbattutamall.com (800 6254335).

Other awesome free things to do in Dubai

Chill at a free co-working space

 

Feel like you’re working from a leafy green garden and spend the day on your laptop at the cute (and free) spot.

Co-Working Zone at B HIVE in BurJuman Mall has comfy seating, WiFi and plenty of charging stations. All you need to do is register online to get your QR code and settle in for free.

Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm; Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. Burjuman Mall, burjuman.com (04 352 0222).

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.

Open Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm, Sat-Sun, 9am-6pm. Courtyard Playhouse, The Courtyard, Al Quoz, courtyardplayhouse.com (050 986 1760).

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.

Open Mon-Thurs, noon-midnight; Fri, noon-1am; Sat, 10am-1am; Sun, 10am-midnight (performance times vary). Time Out Market, Downtown timeoutmarket.com (054 375 2421).

For more amazing things to do in Dubai click here.

Visit Surreal

The incredible experience at Expo City will have you standing at the centre of the water and fire display, created by the towering immersive walls around you.

Expect splashes of water, incredible colours and free entry.

Open daily 10am-10pm. Expo City, expocitydubai.com.