Free Things to do in Dubai

Dubai is an exemplary city that epitomizes the perfect blend of modernity and tradition. It offers a wide range of activities and attractions to suit different interests and budgets. Dubai has lots of free things to do that enable tourists to learn more about its vivid culture. In this blog, we will cover some of the best free offerings in Dubai.

Exploring Dubai’s Iconic Free Attractions

The Dubai Fountain

Dubai Fountain cannot be missed while in Dubai as it is an incredible water show. Situated at the bottom of the renowned Burj Khalifa. This fountain houses the world’s biggest choreographed fountain complex. Here water combines with music and lighting. The show itself is absolutely free.

Best Viewing Times

This means that watching fountain shows during sunset is more preferable because they are brighter at nightfall. If you don’t like crowds, go there during weekdays or before darkness falls.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds

If you wish to have some privacy, kindly visit fountains from the lakeside or rooftop of Dubai Mall. These areas offer quieter surroundings. Where visitors can enjoy shows at more comfortable conditions. than those located along sidewalks.

Burj Khalifa Light Show

Burj Khalifa Light Show is another iconic tourist site in Dubai where you are allowed to enter free of charge. At the show, an amazing display of lights and colors illuminates the outside of the tallest building. The show offers an opportunity to get a feel of architecture at its best.

Best Viewing Spots

From Dubai Mall or some streets around it are the best places to view this light show. For a unique angle, try visiting Dubai Fountain area which has good views of Burj Khalifa from outside.

Tips for Photography

To have the best photography, take advantage of the golden hour as the sun goes down. This will enhance their colors and make them more dramatic. In addition to that, keep your camera steady by using a tripod to avoid camera shakes.

IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City Mall

Get yourself prepared to be amazed by IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City Mall. Nightly captivating audiences at Festival Bay for multi-Guinness World Record holders in performance art installations. This amazing engineering feat combines high-powered lasers. They are choreographed lights with over seventy searchlights complete with special fire safety requirements. Thereby creating dazzling effects of light symphony colors. Witness this breath-taking show without spending any money.

Timing: Monday to Thursday: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Friday to Sunday: 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

Chinatown in The Dubai Mall

Explore Chinatown in The Dubai Mall just across from the Dubai Ice Rink on the first floor. Here it was recently opened to let people enjoy a real Chinese experience for free. One has direct access to Address Fountain Views. Thus, allowing them to wander through this cultural nook at their own pace.

Timing: 10am to midnight: Monday-Thursday; Friday-Sunday: 10am-1am.

The Viewing Point

Go to The Viewing Point, a 70-meter walkway overlooking Dubai Creek, and see a different side of the city skyline. It is eleven meters above sea level. This raised deck runs across the creek providing an unobstructed view of the DownTown Dubai. And it’s absolutely free for everyone who wants to enjoy panoramic sights.

Cultural and Historical Experiences:

Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood

If you want to explore Dubai’s rich cultural heritage, Al Fahidi historical neighborhood should top your list. This old district located near to Dubai Creek reflects back on what was happening in Society. 

Visiting Tips and Best Times to Explore

Opening Hours: The neighborhood is open from 7am to 8pm daily.

Location: Al Fahidi is situated next to Dubai Creek, with nearby attractions like SMCCU, Coins Museum, Coffee Museum, and Al Seef.

Dress Code: Don’t forget to wear modest clothing.

Tips

Come on a weekday or in the afternoon/evening time to stay away from the crowd. Look out for specials such as Sikka Art Fair and Heritage Week when you visit.

Related: Guide About Al Wahda Mall Abu Dhabi

Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue is actually an artistic hub that lies within Al Quoz. It includes various contemporary arts organizations and local businesses. The area has become famous for its unique boutiques, galleries, coffee shops, and venues. It is used for performances making it an artists’ village teeming with life. 

Information on Regular Events and Exhibitions

Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm daily.

Location: Al Quoz Industrial Area 1.

Nearby Attractions: Enjoy the Cinema Akil, Bounce Dubai and Times Square Center.

Nearby Cafes and Restaurants: Taste the Wild & The Moon and Ganache Chocolatier.

Prices: There is no entry fee, but it costs you money to see or do something. Check the website for up-to-date events and information.

Jameel Arts Centre

Based at Jaddaf Waterfront in Dubai. Jameel Arts Centre is a place that showcases diverse exhibitions and programs by both local and foreign artists. Arts center is actually dedicated to promoting contemporary art and culture in the UAE.

Details on Free Entry and Visiting Hours

Open 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily.

Location: Jaddaf Waterfront.

Nearby Attractions: Dubai Museum, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall.

Nearby Cafes and Restaurants: The Cafe, The Restaurant, The Bar.

Prices: Entrance is free; some exhibitions may require an entrance fee.

Natural and Scenic Spots:

The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour

The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour is a must-see for anyone. Especially, wishing to behold beautiful scenes of the city skyline as well as the creek. This natural scenic attraction will be enjoyed by all visitors who are eager to get a glimpse of Dubai’s beauty firsthand. Panoramic views of the city skyline together with the creek makes this viewing point ideal for photography.

What to Expect

Eye-catching views of the city skyline can be seen from here along with other surrounding landmarks like creek. Also, there are several restaurants around that area. Hence, one can have dinner while enjoying clear sights across the scene.

Best Times for Visiting

During daylight hours or early evening when sunset occurs, it would be most appropriate times to visit Viewing Point. At this time there are more opportunities for good photographs as well as a relaxed environment.

Photography Advice

To capture the best images, try shooting during sunset or “golden hour.” This will intensify the colors and set up a more dramatic effect. Moreover, make sure that your camera does not shake by using a tripod to keep it stable.

Big Red

Discover the joy of soaring through Big Red, Dubai’s famous desert destination. An outing to Dubai would be incomplete without a visit to the desert and taking a mid-air photograph. Take a minute after clicking just to take in the majestic view of the Empty Quarter. Although it may cost you some petrol money, if one has a vehicle, they can access Big Red for free in Dubai. Go anytime, any day to Rub’ al Khali (The Empty Quarter) for this thrilling escapade.

Al Barsha Pond Park

Relish a slow lunch by Al Barsha Pond Park which is an oasis of peace where visitors can unwind in nature. This scenic spot located near a pond has got a wide green grassy area next to a large water body. Here people can sit down with their picnic mats and spend the afternoon most comfortably. As you relax under the sun or go around lazily, enjoy your best snacks.

Timing: Sunday to Thursday: 8 am to 10 pm; Fridays and Saturdays: 8am to 11pm.

Love Lake

Create beautiful memories at The Love Lakes situated close to Al Qudra Lakes. For those seeking a peaceful escape, these interconnected heart-shaped ponds provide an ideal backdrop for romantic couples. The Love Lakes are just off the D63 past the last exit and right towards Al Qudra Lakes. Thus, making them a serene location for a romantic picnic or a casual walk. As the temperatures drop, feel the quietness of this magical place and relish quality moments with your spouse.

Dubai’s Public Beaches:

Dubai is a place that has multiple beaches for the public to enjoy and relax. The following are some of the best ones:

Kite Beach

Kite Beach is famous for its lively atmosphere and water sports. It is popular with families as well as travelers who travel alone. There are many activities to do at this beach such as kite surfing, volleyball, and yoga.

Jumeirah Open Beach

This is perfect for anyone looking for a more relaxed setting. With plenty of space on the long sandy beach where one can swim or simply lie under the sun.

La Mer Beach

Located in Jumeirah 1 is La Mer Beach. It provides you with stunning views of the Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf. It is also ideal for relaxation purposes with amenities like showers and toilets.

Tips for Families

For people traveling together with children, there are two choices. Either Kite Beach or Jumeirah Open Beach. Both these places have a lot of things to do along with various amenities that cater specifically to families with children.

Tips for Solo Travelers

On another note, La Mer Beach may be an interesting option for solo travelers. It offers a calm atmosphere. It suits those tourists looking forward to refreshing themselves while taking in the sights.

Free Entertainment and Activities

Dubai Festival City’s Imagine Show

The Imagine Show at Dubai Festival City offers an amazing laser and fountain show. Visitors can watch free of charge. Visitors will be awestruck by the beautiful display of lights, water fountains, and music during this event. The Imagine Show plays every evening at Dubai Festival City. This includes mind-blowing laser displays accompanied by jets of water synchronized.

Tips

In order to gain optimum viewing experience, try getting there early enough to get a good position. The show is held outside so taking a blanket or bringing a chair to sit on is advisable. Furthermore, remember to pack some snacks and drinks to enjoy during the show.

Strolling Through La Mer

This is a beautiful part of Jumeirah 1 from where you can see the Dubai skyline and Arabian Gulf. A nice place for an unhurried walk offering a number of attractions and facilities. La Mer is an oceanfront destination with numerous things to do as well as places where you can have meals. It has long sandy beach areas, still water, and some eating joints.

Best Times to Visit

To benefit from the best photo opportunities, visit this place during the daytime. Or in the early evening when the sun goes down. This way one will be able to take better photos. Since there are more chances of getting relaxed lighting plus it has a better ambience too.

Photography Opportunities

Take pictures when the sun sets as it changes from golden orange to reddish-orange color. It creates a dramatic impact. Moreover, use a tripod stand that will aid in stabilization. Thereby, preventing camera shakes while shooting your photographs.

Family-Friendly Activities in Dubai

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in Dubai that houses an assortment of plant and animal species. The place is famous for its flock of flamingos and other such birds which visit it every winter. It is a reserve where several animals among them are flamingos, herons, egrets as well as other migratory birds find refuge. There are also various kinds of fish and other aquatic species that live here.

Best Times to Visit

The best time to visit this sanctuary is during the winter months as many migratory birds show up. Timing is 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, visitors are advised to go early so as not to experience heat.

What to Bring

Visitors should bring along sunhats, sunglasses, and sunscreen for protection against sunburns. Binoculars may also be useful for bird spotters or general wildlife viewing.

Exploring the Dubai Mall Aquarium

The Dubai Mall Aquarium is a popular attraction offering several free sections to explore. Some of the free parts include; Underwater tunnel and Shark tunnel. Feeding sessions by fish and other marine animals may also be viewed by tourists.

Tips for Families with Children

This aquarium is one place where families can learn about marine life especially if they have kids. There are interactive displays for the children as well as various marine creatures on exhibit. Parents could also take advantage of their young ones being around. Teach them about conservation’s importance and how human activities affect our ecosystem.

Conclusion

Dubai offers many different free things for children that can be enjoyed by families. From Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary or directly go down to Dubai Mall Aquarium, there are many options available here. These leisure activities provide information as well as serve as a platform where young ones can learn about the environment and the importance of preservation.