Want to visit Dubai with the least amount of money?
Then follow this Top 15 free tours, museums and activities to do in Dubai that we have created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
[Dubai is the tourist, economic and commercial center of the United Arab Emirates and attracts thousands of tourists every year. A city of luxury and excess, Dubai is full of hotels, chic restaurants, stores, bars and clubs, but also and above all, skyscrapers. So for many people, free money does not rhyme with the lifestyle imposed by the city of gold. And yet, there are many things you can do for free in Dubai. Yes… You are not dreaming! Follow me, I’ll show you 12 must-do activities to do for free in Dubai. [/read]
Table des matières
Discover the fountains of Dubai
If usually the airfare to Dubai can be expensive, the reality is quite different upon arrival. Beyond the luxurious hotels, there are activities you can experience without touching your wallet
One of these is to discover the wonders of Dubai’s fountains. I really recommend going there to admire and enjoy a unique and grandiose show. Such a show could only take place at the feet of the highest tower in the world: the famous Burj Khalifa
The scenery is both breathtaking and monumental. The fountains of Dubai let dance an average of 83,000 liters of water projected at a height of about 275 meters
To enjoy it, note that the fountains offer their show every day of the week at 1pm and 1:30pm, except on Fridays (1:30pm and 2pm). Did you miss it? It’s okay, you can make up for it in the evening from 6pm to 11pm (every 30 minutes).
Visit the largest shopping mall in the universe, Dubai Mall
Also well installed at the feet of the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is a gigantic shopping mall. Opened since November 2008, this mall has nearly 12,000 stores
There is nothing you can’t find in the Dubai Mall. Built on an area of about 1.1 million m2, the only advice I can give you is to avoid getting lost
On the other hand, I really recommend you to go there to discover the souk dedicated to the gold trade, the famous giant aquarium housing stingrays but also sharks, the multiple amusement parks for children or the Olympic ice rink… It is thus a place to visit at all costs for free with your children for a family vacation in Dubai.
Visit the fishing villages in Dubai for free
These are other places where you can learn a lot about the customs and history of Dubai. If you take a detour around Dubai Creek, you will come across two traditional villages: Heritage village and Diving village
In the first village, you will have the opportunity to learn all about the traditions of the city of gold
In the second village, you will be able to revisit the richness of the pole fishing activity. And don’t forget, it’s all free.
Going to the beach
Dubai is one of the hottest places in the world. So, to endure the heat waves, a trip to the beach is a must. It should be noted that Dubai’s beaches are numerous and varied
Some are private while others are open to the public. I recommend you to go and relax in the many free beaches of the city of gold. In this regard, I suggest you choose family beaches where bikinis and chadors will have plenty of room
Among the public beaches I fell in love with, you can note the Umm suqein Beach. This beautiful beach, located at the foot of the Burj al-Arab, is the perfect setting to enjoy the Dubai sun with family and friends.
Communing with tradition by exploring the souks of Deira
Deira is the traditional neighborhood of the city of gold. So, if you are more interested in the history and culture of the city, I suggest you go to Deira to discover the famous souks
I suggest you start your exploration with the gold souk. It is the largest souk in the world. Then you can continue by exploring the spice souk
Finally, after hours spent in the various souks, you can enjoy the delights of the local cuisine for almost nothing.
Free boat ride to Dubai Creek
When you have finished exploring the souks of the old quarter of Dubai, I advise you to take a mini-cruise to the modern areas of Bur Dubai. To do so, you have to pass through the Dubai Creek inlet connecting the old quarter and the modern city
And to make the crossing, I suggest you to take the Abra. It is a traditional water cab. For the transfer, you will have to pay only one dirham. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the sunset in Dubai..
Going to the free Dubai Museum
Built in one of the oldest forts in the world (Al Fahidi, built in 1787), the Dubai Museum is the perfect place to revisit the history of the city before the discovery of gold and its rapid development
When you step inside, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of the colorful exhibits depicting the daily life of the people of Dubai before the economic and industrial boom
You will also see an exhibition of pearl oyster fishing activities and the measuring devices of the merchants of the time
Finally, you will have the opportunity to contemplate rare objects from various archaeological digs. Note that the entrance is almost free. Indeed, you will only pay 3 dirham to enter the Dubai Museum.
Finding a small souvenir in the souk of Bur Dubai
I really advise you to also include in your list of things to see for free in Dubai the Bur Dubai Souk. It is simply the perfect place for anyone looking for a little souvenir of their visit to Dubai
It should be noted that the place is very welcoming but also pleasant to visit. The only small drawback is that the salesman can sometimes be “a little” insistent.
Visit the property of Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum
This is the home of the former Emir of Dubai, the well known Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum (1921-1958). After his death, his former property was transformed into a museum
Built in 1896, the house of Sheikh Saeed Al-Maktoum now houses an incredible collection of coins, stamps, unpublished photographs and documents
In addition, you can admire the beautiful and traditional architecture of this unusual property. It should also be noted that the towers of the house provide natural air conditioning
From the top floor of the house, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the whole of Dubai. The entrance to this property is also almost free as you will have to pay only 2 dirham.
Admire the architectural beauty of the Jumeihra Mosque
What would a visit to Dubai be without the traditional visit to the Jumeihra Mosque? Your stay would be anything but complete. It is the only mosque in the city where access is open to non-Muslims
I really suggest you go there to see the architectural masterpiece. I draw your attention to the fact that you will have to do everything to be there on time. Indeed, the spiritual guide always starts the visit at 10 am. After this time, you will not be able to enter the Jumeihra Mosque.
Visit the canals of Madinat Jumeihra
One thing is for sure, it is not the most glamorous place in the city. But, you can still love it. Indeed, Madinat Jumeihra is a complex of canals with restaurants, stores but also luxurious hotels. From there, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the sumptuous Burj Al-Arab.
Visit Dubai’s art galleries for free
I close this review of things to do for free in Dubai with a visit to the city’s magnificent art galleries. It should be remembered that Dubai has become a very popular destination for art aficionados these days
Indeed, in recent decades, art has become the new investment ground for the powerful emirs of the region. That’s why you’ll find several galleries in Dubai
Every year in March, you can enjoy the “Dubai art season”. I really advise you to go and discover these art galleries. Especially since the access to all the galleries is totally free!
Dubai is a beautiful city that gives you the opportunity to do many activities for free. So, I hope my selection will help you to prepare your next stay in the city of gold. Don’t hesitate to share with me your adventures in Dubai in the comments of this article!
Leave a reply