11 Free Tourist Attractions in Dubai

Free and Dubai rarely goes hand in hand especially when it comes to places to visit for some quality leisure and entertainment. In fact it’s actually one of the last things you can associate it in this mega city. But truth be told, there are places in the city where you can travel and have a grand time without spending much.

If you’re  a backpacker or a traveler on a budget, we list down these attractions in Dubai. If you have some additional spots you want to recommend, do share them in the Comments below!

Related Articles:

• Exploring Dubai on a Budget
• 7 Places to Visit in The Dubai Mall Without Spending

Things to Do in Dubai for Free – Tourist Spots

Aside from the fare transport, here are common destinations in Dubai where you can actually spend time for free.

1. Dubai Fountain at Burj Khalifa Lake

The Dubai a fountain is set on the Burj Lake, a 30-acre lake situated at the base of the Burj Khalifa. This is the world’s largest dancing fountain that showcases a beautiful visual and , musical performance. Fountain shows take place at 1 pm and 1:30pm and every 30 , inured from 6pm to 11:30pm.  Check out our feature here – Dubai Dancing Water Fountain Show

Also, you will have a view of the tallest building in the world so you can also bring your friends and family in this area to see it up close.

Tourists at the Burj Lake

 

2. Dubai’s Public Beaches – Kite Beach, The Beach at JBR, Umm Suqeim Beach

Dubai boasts of wide beach coasts along the Dubai Marina, Umm Suqeim,  and Jumeirah Open Beach.  You can drop by these white-sand beaches and enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

Check out our short feature of The Beach at JBR Here – The Beach at JBR | Dubai Travel Blog

view of Burj Al Arab from Kite Beach

sunbathing at The Beach at JBR

3. Exploring Old Dubai in Al Fahidi District

Al Fahidi is the historical district where a lot of tourists can go and explore Old Dubai. With wind-tower houses, cafes and art galleries, you will be transported back to the rustic setting of Dubai, plus it’s great to see the city during the old times.

Al Bastakiya at Al Fahidi

4. Watch a Camel Race at Al Marmoon Racetrack

From November to March, watch plenty of camels on a race at the Al Marmoon Camel Racetrack. There are morning and afternoon races available and you can watch them for FREE!

5. Dubai Creek

The Dubai Creek is a great historical landmark if you want to get to know the beginnings of this emirate. The creek divides Deira and Bur Dubai districts and you can see traditional boats known as abras transporting passengers for 1 AED. The Dubai Creek is a great place to explore the different markets known as souks.

Abras on the Creek in Old Dubai

6. Souks in Old Dubai – Spice, Gold, Perfume, Textile, and Old Markets

Along the area of the Dubai Creek,  you can head to the many souks of Dubai. There are areas dedicated to specific items such as the Textile Souk,  Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume Souk, etc. A visit to the souks is one of the must-try activities. This is a perfect place to capture photography as well as discovering the covered markets of the older time.

spices and herbs

Gold Souk in Deira

Old Market

7. Dubai Aquarium in The Dubai Mall

When you head to The Dubai Mall’s Dubai Aquarium, you can admire over 70 species of fish and over 33,000 aquatic animals. Do you know that they also gave sharks in the tank? In front of the Candylicious shop, you can be a amazed at how the mall set up this aquarium inside their commercial complex.

one of the biggest indoor aquariums in the world

8. Mall Hopping – Ibn Battuta, Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates

There are so many malls in Dubai as this is the most common recreational place for the family where everything is within reach. This is how Dubai beats the Middle Eastern heat. Notable mentions are the different courts of In Battuta Mall, the rustic theme of Mall of the Emirates, the Venetian inspired Mercato Mall, the souk-inspired Madinat Mall, the Egyptian inspired Wadi Mall, and the modern attractions of The Dubai Mall. More of the shopping centers are being built and for sure, there will also be more spots being taken into consideration.

China court in Ibn Battuta Mall

UAE colors at The Dubai Mall

view of the indoor Ski Dubai in Mall of the Emirates

Souk entrance at The Dubai Mall

9. Explore Dubai Marina’s Skyscrapers

Check out the water city that is Dubai Marina. Huge modern skyscrapers adorn this district which is a sight to behold. Take a stroll and admire the architecture and watch yachts and dhow traditional boats cruise along the waters. We advise you come here from late afternoon to evening so you can see the beauty during the day and when the lights come out at night!

Dubai Marina at night!

10. Buildings in Sheikh Zayed Road

Admire the buildings and the architecture in Sheikh Zayed road, the longest road in the Emirates. Dubai World Trade Center and Emirates Towers are just among the many skyscrapers that adorn this road.

This is an amazing stretch and you can stop over at the Dubai World Trade Center station or Financial Center station and get a good view of these skyscrapers that showcase Dubai’s developments.

Shot from Financial Centre area

11. Watch the Beautiful Middle East Sunset

Most of the days in the year, you can watch the beautiful sunset in Dubai. Go to the beach, view it from your hotel, or simply just head outdoors. You can simply admire the beauty of the sun setting to make way for the night.

Always a beautiful sunset in Dubai

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These are the common places where you can explore Dubai and bring your friends for a unique and fun experience. With so many projects going on, for sure, more places will soon be accessible to the public. We hope to experience these things to do in Dubai for free and share more with our readers!

Do you places in mind that should be added to this list? Share them in the Comments section below!