Free Things To Do In Dubai

Dubai is a world-renowned city located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This modern metropolis situated on the Arabian Gulf has become a hugely popular tourist destination in recent years, and for good reason. From its spectacular skyline to its vibrant culture and impressive modern architecture, there’s something for everyone in Dubai.

From its humble beginnings as a small fishing village, Dubai has come a long way and is now one of the most visited cities in the world. It is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and the Palm Islands, an artificial archipelago in the Persian Gulf. It is also renowned for its luxury shopping malls, world-class hotels, and its stunning beaches.

In addition to its many attractions, Dubai offers a wide variety of free activities and experiences that can be enjoyed by visitors of any budget. From exploring desert landscapes to taking in the views from the iconic Burj Khalifa, there are plenty of ways to experience the city without spending a fortune. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the best free things to do in Dubai.

Explore the Desert

One of the best ways to experience Dubai is to explore its stunning desert landscape. Whether you choose to take a guided tour or explore on your own, there are plenty of ways to experience the desert for free.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a bicycle or hop on a camel and explore the desert on your own. Alternatively, you can join a free guided tour led by an experienced local guide who can teach you about the culture and history of the region.

You can also explore the desert by night and take in the stunning views of the night sky. Many companies offer free stargazing tours where you can learn about the stars and constellations visible in the night sky.

Finally, if you’d like to experience a traditional Bedouin camp, you can join a free overnight camping trip in the desert. This is a great opportunity to try local cuisine as well as partake in activities such as sandboarding and dune bashing.

Visit Dubai’s Historical Sites

Dubai is home to a number of historical sites that can be visited for free. One of the most popular is Al Fahidi Fort, which dates back to 1799 and is now home to Dubai Museum. The museum offers free entry and provides an interesting insight into the history and culture of Dubai.

The Bastakia Quarter is another popular attraction and provides a glimpse into what life was like in old Dubai. You can wander through the picturesque alleyways and visit traditional wind towers, which were used to cool houses during the summer months.

Dubai Creek is also worth a visit. You can take a stroll along the banks of the Creek or take a ride on an abra (a traditional wooden boat) for just 1 AED (approximately 0.27 USD).

Experience Dubai’s Cultural Sights

Dubai is home to a variety of cultural attractions that can be experienced for free. The city’s many souks (markets) are a great way to experience local culture and browse for souvenirs. The most popular souk is the Gold Souk, which is home to over 300 shops selling gold jewelry and accessories at competitive prices.

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is another popular sight and offers free walking tours around Dubai Creek, as well as special cultural events such as Arabic lessons and discussions about local customs and culture.

Finally, if you’d like to experience traditional Arabic music and dance, you can attend a free performance at one of Dubai’s many cultural centers or watch an outdoor performance at Burj Park or Zabeel Park.

Take In the Views From Burj Khalifa

The iconic Burj Khalifa towers over Dubai at a height of 828 meters, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world. For visitors who want to take in the stunning views from this impressive landmark, there are several options available.

The first option is to ride an elevator up to the observation deck on level 124 of the building. This requires a ticket purchase, but visitors who book online ahead of time can get discounted rates. Alternatively, visitors can take an elevator up to level 148 for free and enjoy views of the city from this open-air platform.

Finally, visitors can also enjoy views of Burj Khalifa from ground level for free by visiting one of Dubai’s many parks or beaches such as Burj Park or Jumeirah Beach Park.

Sample Local Cuisine

One of the best ways to experience a new city is to sample its food and Dubai certainly does not disappoint in this regard. From traditional Middle Eastern cuisine to international flavors, there are plenty of options for visitors looking to get a taste of local cuisine without breaking the bank.

Many restaurants in Dubai offer special deals such as “buy one get one free” or “all-you-can-eat” buffets where visitors can sample local dishes without spending too much money. Alternatively, visitors can visit one of Dubai’s many street food markets such as Global Village or Al Seef where they can sample traditional dishes such as shawarma or falafel for just a few dirhams.

Experience Dubai’s Nightlife

Dubai is renowned for its vibrant nightlife and there are plenty of free activities available for visitors looking to experience it first hand. The city is home to a variety of bars and clubs offering discounts on drinks or free entry with a guest list, so it’s worth doing some research ahead of time.

If you’d prefer something a bit more low-key, there are plenty of rooftop bars offering great views of the city skyline that don’t cost anything to enter. Finally, visitors can also enjoy live music at one of Dubai’s many outdoor venues such as The Beach or Al Seef Promenade or take part in an open-air yoga class at Kite Beach or La Mer Beachfront.

Book an Exciting Desert Safari Tour

If you’re looking for an exciting adventure while visiting Dubai, then you should consider booking a Desert Safari Tour with Viator! On this tour, you’ll get to experience traditional Bedouin culture with activities like sand-boarding, camel rides, henna painting, and more! You’ll also get to enjoy delicious BBQ dinner in a Bedouin camp as you admire beautiful views of the desert sunset. This tour provides an unforgettable experience that’s sure to make your trip extra special! You can book this tour here.

Book an Amazing Food Tour

If you’re looking for an unforgettable way to sample Dubai’s incredible cuisine while exploring some of its most iconic sights, then you should consider booking an amazing Food Tour with GetYourGuide! On this tour, you’ll get to visit some of Dubai’s most famous shopping districts like Souk Madinat Jumeirah as well as some lesser-known gems like Spice Souk. Along the way, you’ll get to sample some delicious local dishes like Shawarma and Halawa while learning about local culture from your expert guide! You can book this tour here.

Take an Iconic Boat Tour

Finally, if you’re looking for an unforgettable way to explore some of Dubai’s most iconic sights from the water then you should consider booking an Iconic Boat Tour with GetYourGuide! On this tour, you’ll get to visit some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks like Palm Jumeirah and Atlantis The Palm while admiring stunning views of skyscrapers like Burj Khalifa! You’ll also get to learn about local culture from your knowledgeable guide while taking in sights like The World Islands or Burj Al Arab! You can book this tour here.

Conclusion

Dubai is truly a magnificent city with plenty to offer visitors from all over the world. With its stunning skyline, vibrant culture, and impressive modern architecture, it’s no wonder that it has become such a popular destination for travelers from all walks of life. There are plenty of free activities available that allow visitors to experience what makes this city so special without breaking the bank! Whether it’s exploring stunning desert landscapes or admiring iconic landmarks from ground level or from above, there are plenty of ways to make your trip unforgettable!