Updated: April 9, 2024

10 Free Things To Do In Dubai – Headout
Dubai offers plenty of opportunities for spending money. But if you’re looking to enjoy the city without breaking the bank, there are plenty of things to do in Dubai for free.

Jump to your favourite free things to do in Dubai:

00:00 – Introduction
00:42 -Dubai Fountain Show
01:17- Dubai Aquarium
02:08- Aquaventure
03:10- Birdwatching at Ras Al Khor
03:37- Buried Village of Al Madam
04:32- Gold and Spice Souks
05:31- Al Fahidi Historic District
06:02- Hatta Hiking
06:49- Al Qudra Lakes
07:17- Alserkal Avenue

1. Dubai Fountain Show
The Dubai Fountain Lake Show is one of the most popular free attractions in Dubai. In the shade of the mighty Burj Khalifa, the show takes place every 30 minutes from 6pm and 11pm. The best place to watch the show is from the lakeside promenade near Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

2. Dubai Aquarium
Situated right next to the Dubai Fountain is the largest mall in the world, Dubai Mall. Walk in and you will be greeted by another record breaking construction, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. Its 10-million litre tank makes it the largest suspended aquarium in the world. While walking under its tunnel does require a ticket, the aquarium’s gigantic facade is free for anyone’s viewing.

3. Aquaventure
The biggest and most popular waterpark in Dubai is free on your birthday with entry discounts for your friends as well.

Aquaventure has over 105 record-breaking slides and attractions that include the world’s tallest waterslide, the tallest vertical drop in a slide, wave pools, scuba-diving facilities and much more. Aquaventure also has a private beach on its grounds with a range of water-sports to choose from.

4. Bird-watching at Ras al Khor
Just kilometers out of Dubai are the wetland areas of Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, home, surprisingly, to tens of thousands of birds. Bring along your binoculars to spot magnificent migratory and resident birds – flamingos , grey herons, great egrets, cormorants, ospreys and many more colourful species of birds.

5. Buried Village of Al Madam
Not too far from Dubai lies the abandoned village outside of Al Madam. Out in the desert, the buried town is a relic of an unknown past. This tiny ghost village consists of two rows of colourful houses and a mosque, all long-deserted and engulfed by the dunes.

The village was built in the 70s in a drive to permanently settle down the Bedouin tribes of the desert. It was abandoned not long after when the desert began encroaching upon the houses. Situated about 30 miles out of Dubai, traveler’s must take a small sandy road out into the desert to visit the village. The popularity of the abandoned village has increased in recent years with more traveler’s becoming aware of the site.

6. Gold and Spice Souks
What makes Dubai’s gold souk special is the wide variety of gold jewellery on offer – from traditional gold jewellery to contemporary designs, coins and gold bars.

The spice souks in Dubai are a must-visit for anyone interested in spices. The souks are a maze of narrow alleyways crammed full of spice stalls, each selling a variety of different spices.

7. Al Fahidi Historic District
Sticking to the old and looking deeper into Dubai’s past, we have the city’s historic Al Fahidi district. The district is home to several old mosques and houses, with glimpses of ancient Emirati architecture in every corner. Walk through the narrow alleyways flanked by buildings made of traditional materials like coral stone, teak wood and palm fronds.

8. Hiking in Hatta
The journey from Dubai to Hatta is a scenic one, and takes about an hour. The area is a popular spot for hiking, camping and adventure sports. There are a number of hiking trails in the area, including one that leads to the top of Hatta Dam. Camping along the banks of Hatta Dam is a truly delightful experience.

9. Al Qudra Lakes
Set amidst the rolling dunes of the deserts that surround Dubai, the sprawling manmade lakes offer the perfect tranquil getaway from the city. This modern oasis blends beautifully into the surroundings and is a haven of trees and water food for both birds and insects. To add a touch of romance to your day, head to the nearby Love Lake – a waterscape shaped to resemble two intertwined hearts.

10. Alserkal Avenue
Once an industrial area, Alserkal Avenue has been transformed into the capital of Dubai’s bustling and diverse cultural scene. The Avenue comprises around 40 warehouses, converted into galleries, dance studios and artisanal cafés. There are quite a few galleries that are free to enter and flaunt beautiful displays of contemporary artwork, as well as seasonal events and open-air community days.

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