Things To Do in Dubai - You Don't Have To Spend a Penny

Mabruqq's Editor TRAVEL Feb 19, 2023
Things To Do in Dubai - You Don't Have To Spend a Penny

Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, is well-known for its upscale shopping, cutting-edge buildings, and vibrant life. The 830m-tall Burj Khalifa tower dominates the skyline of skyscrapers. Dubai Fountain, with its musically synchronised jets and lights, is located at its base. Atlantis, The Palm is a resort with aquatic and marine animal parks located on artificial islands near offshore. There are so many things to explore and not everything is expensive so you can just read through and select what suits you.

Check Out the best Free and Affordable things to do in Dubai.

1. Bike around Dubai Marina

Around Dubai Marina, there are 7 km of pathways to discover. For a reasonable price, you can rent a bike, which will allow you to explore this area rather quickly. The views are fantastic day or night, and it's the perfect spot to people watch.

2. Waterfront Market

Waterfront Market is a great place to visit if you enjoy cooking, shopping, or just the smell of fresh seafood. You could gaze at the different catches for hours. Additionally, there is no cost to look around even if you are not shopping.

3. Get great deals at the Dubai shopping festival

The Dubai Shopping Festival is which happens in January has all the leading international names among the more than 800 stores offering up to 75% off across 3,500 outlets this DSF.

4. Spend a day out at La Mer

La Mer is a fantastic destination, especially in the winter, whether you’re looking for a day of unrestricted beach sunbathing, wants to check out some amazing street art, want to people watch, or just want to take a stroll. Spend lavishly on ice cream at Amorino, where a lovely cone in the shape of a rose is available for Dhs22.

5. Drone show

What are you waiting for if you haven't had a chance to view the Dubai drone show over JBR? The exhibition is a component of the Dubai Shopping Festival and had continued through January and now. If you haven't been there yet, it's worth a visit even if you can see it from The Beach at JBR.

6. Zabeel Park

Visitors with an adventurous spirit can take an hour-long tour of Zabeel Park's cool viewpoint, which offers spectacular views of "old" and "new" Dubai from a 150-meter-high sky glass bridge. Don't forget to bring your phone camera; you'll want to record the amazing views.

7. Dubai fountain

The majestic Dubai Fountain sprays water into the sky to a variety of music and is more than 900 feet long, which is the equivalent of two football fields. While it's free to observe from The Dubai Mall, you may upgrade to a front-row seat for Dhs20 by going on the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk. With prices starting at Dhs55, The Fountain has also lately introduced pedal boat excursions.

8. Walk on the beach

At Dubai's JBR, The Walk and the nearby outdoor area and the Beach were created to maximise strolls. Here, you can do a lot of people watching and consume everything from pizza to ice cream.

9. Global village

This is one of the entries on this list with the best value. At Global Village, you can see a lot for just Dhs15. In addition to fairground entertainment, international cuisine, shows, shopping, and other attractions, there are 78 countries represented in the pavilions at this sizable outdoor attraction. Don't forget to watch the free fireworks show every night. In addition, because it only costs Dhs 15, you'll have Dhs35 left over to spend on street food and souvenirs, which seems like a reasonable idea to us.

10. Blue waters

This is a great stroll, and halfway around there is also a great observation location for the perfect picture of JBR, the Palm, and Ain Dubai. Continue till you reach the opposite side, then stop to take a photo in front of the largest ferris wheel in the world.

11. Ski Dubai

You may cosy up with a hot chocolate or glass of grape at Après in the Mall of the Emirates while watching skiers of various skill levels hurtle down the slopes in front of you. For less than Dhs50, this is the closest you can get to the mountains right now.

12. Window shop at the Dubai Mall

Dubai is home to the largest mall in the world, so if you haven't been there, prepare ready to get lost and be amazed by how big everything is. Dior, Chanel, and the like are out of your price range, but there's no harm in window shopping, right? Additionally, since one side of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is free to view, you can enjoy its sights while you're there. Stop by one of the coffee shops to make sure you get a seat for the free Fountain performance.

13. Naif Museum

Dubai's oldest police station, Naif Fort, was established in 1939, and today it houses a museum that illustrates how the city grew to be known as one of the safest in the world. It is a fascinating location to visit and is completely free. It is full with artefacts, including outdated clothing and weaponry.

14. XVA Gallery

XVA, a gallery that specialises in modern and contemporary art from the Middle East, Iran, and the Indian Subcontinent, has done more to support established and emerging artists from the UAE and beyond than most galleries could ever hope to. Since exhibitions change frequently, you're sure to discover something new. For Dhs37, treat yourself to a sediqqi omelette with tomato, feta, and zaatar when you visit during breakfast.

15. Textile Souk

The Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, which is home to a plethora of vendors offering stunningly colourful fabrics along with all the accessories a fashion designer could desire, is located across the Dubai Creek from its Gold and Spice sisters. There are lots of souvenirs available as well, so get ready to look around and discover something unique to bring home.

16. Sharjah

There is a tonne of cultural exploration to be done in the nearby Emirate, which is only down the road. The majority of the exhibitions and programmes offered by Sharjah Art Foundation are free. Visit the Rain Room to experience something completely different where you can splash around without getting wet. Visits cost only Dhs 25, so you may also treat a friend.

17. Aba over the creek

You would be correct in thinking that a boat journey is out of your price range. You'll lose some money if you party on a yacht, but not this one. Take a ride on an abra over Dubai Creek to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Old Dubai while also saving money. You may bridge the Creek for only Dhs2 and see the souks and museums on both sides of the river.

18. Jameel Arts Center

This extremely eccentric structure on the Jaddaf Waterfront has innovative programming and cutting-edge research. Few other organisations support artists from the MENA region as fiercely as this one does. By visiting and immersing yourself in this fantastic creative centre, you may do the same.

19. Alserkal Avenue

Alserkal Avenue in Dubai's Al Quoz is arguably the hippest and artiest area of the city and is dotted with art galleries, performance venues, and some pretty amazing culinary treats. This formerly industrial area is now a swarm of ongoing artistic activity, replacing motor oil with oil on canvas. In this part of Dubai, there are a tonne of free activities available, including gallery exhibitions and shopping. While you're visiting Nightjar, why not treat yourself to breakfast? Your tummy will thank you if you spend Dhs 40 on a stack of pancakes.

20. Souk Madinat Jumeirah

This contemporary souk is a popular destination for travellers even though it can be challenging to navigate. You can roam around for free and enjoy fantastic views of the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and the glistening Madinat Waterways. There are several excellent photo opportunities, plus there are lots of places to stop and get a coffee or snack in the winter.

21. Spice Souk

We adore this souk in Old Dubai. There aren't many places in Dubai that will give you such a strong sense of being in the Middle East as much as this one does, despite the incredible smell and amazing colours. Here, you may buy the complete range of Arabic spices as well as oils, nuts, and a delectable assortment of sweets. You have Dhs50 to spare, and wandering is enjoyable.

22. Street art at city walk

The city is a large canvas, so there is bright art everywhere. Art doesn't have to be expensive, and you're not investing in a masterpiece for your mantelpiece. City Walk to Satwa, La Mer to Jumeirah Beach Road, JBR to Karama, and other locations, the city is flooded with vibrant works of art by some of the world's best painters. Visit City Walk to view works by well-known painters including Bleck Le Rat.

23. Al Fahidi

To get a sense of how the city was when it first began, take a stroll through the historic district. You'll feel a world away from the towers because it used to be the city's commercial centre right next to the Creek. Dubai Museum, located in the 1787-built Al Fahidi Fort, is now closed for renovations but will shortly reopen. When you consider how many information you'll learn, the admission fee of merely Dhs 3 is a bargain. Dubai museum is one of the best museums in dubai .

24. Al Seef

Even though it's one of the more recent "historical" neighbourhoods, this one is close to Al Fahidi and has fantastic views of the Creek. It's an intriguing site to meander around, and there are lots of coffee shops for a pit stop, too. Some of it is really modern, and some of it is constructed to look old.

25. Hatta Heritage village

You probably already know about the kayaking, but Hatta is also a top destination if you want to get away from the city. Even though the distance to the town is only 130 km, the mountain air will make your apartment on the 41st floor or your modern office building seem far away. There is also Hatta Heritage Village where you can tour watchtowers and more amid the gorgeous surroundings (those mountain views), the Instagram-worthy dam, and more.

26. Jumeirah Mosque

It is highly recommended to immerse oneself in the local culture and learn about Islam at Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few mosques in the area that is accessible to non-Muslims. Every day except Friday, at 10 a.m., you can take a tour with the Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding to obtain a comprehensive visit to the mosque, during which a guide will explain the wudu ritual of purification before prayers, followed by a tour of the mosque and Arabic coffee.

27. Gold Souk

A stroll through the gold souk is a fantastic way to spend a day, regardless of whether you have visitors in town or simply want to be a tourist yourself. Window shopping is huge in 2021, but you probably won't acquire much for under Dhs50 unless you have supercharged haggling abilities.

28. Etihad museum

This museum in Jumeirah will teach you about the history of the UAE. It is 25,000 square metres in size and is situated in the same location as Union House, where the constitution was signed in 1971. A historical documentary on the UAE is available within, along with an interactive map and information on the UAE's forefathers.

29. Desert camp

A camping trip to Al Qudra Lakes can be the answer if you have trouble getting truly wild. Make sure to construct a campfire before sunset and pack lots of marshmallows to keep those energy levels up. The area is clean and serene but can get chilly at night.

30. Cycle at Al Qudra

You'll see a bicycle route running beside the road on your left as you pass Dubai's Arabian Ranches as you travel outside of the city. Your cycling (and endurance) talents will be put to the test on the 86km long Al Qudra cycling circuit, which has a 50km loop. At Trek UAE, you may hire a bike, a helmet, and lights. For a pit stop, there is a food truck park called Last Exit. You may enjoy free access to the bike track and views of the sand dunes (watch out for gazelles). All skill levels are welcome, however the popular weekend track can take up to three hours to complete.

31. Irish Village

The Irish Village, a Dubai tradition that has been running strong for more than 20 years, continues to enchant throngs of expats every week with its persistent presence. The Irish Village is a wonderfully low-key favourite among locals thanks to its spacious lawn and cosy atmosphere. Don't miss it; there will be live music, wonderful food, and a fun atmosphere.
So, come and explore Dubai to the core and experience things within your reach but do not miss the picturesque sights and the iconic structures which are a treat to the eyes. Dubai should be your next travel destination by choice. Make a plan and experience the best of the world.

32. Top Golf

We had been impatiently anticipating the opening of this incredibly exciting location, and on January 3 the moment finally arrived. At Emirates Golf Club's enormous new entertainment complex, 90 climate-controlled hitting bays are housed on a vast three-story plot. You'll have a blast no matter your age or skill level. Since each ball contains a tracker, you can also check how near you are to the target. You can have up to six people in a bay, therefore the starting rate for general play is Dhs130 per hour, per bay, or about Dhs22 per person. The use of clubs and limitless balls are included in your bay rental.

33. Dubai Opera

Since it opened in 2016, this magnificent structure has served as a centre for comedic performances, opera, ballet, and theatre. Tickets are pricey, but it's worth going to see the structure and taking a stroll in Burj Park while you're there.

34. Palm Jumeirah

Put on your running shoes, grab a water bottle, and stroll the boardwalk to take in the sights. While you're there, act like a tourist and take a picture of Atlantis. Instead of driving, why not take the monorail and leave the car at home? You may enjoy the ride and beautiful scenery for Dhs30 round-trip.

35. Admire the Burj Khalifa

With an astounding 160 stories and a towering height of 828 metres, it is the tallest skyscraper in the world. One of the best places in the city to see The Dubai Fountain.