Given its reputation as a luxury travel destination, the word “free” isn’t often associated with Dubai. But once you get off your (expensive) flight and settle into your (usually relatively expensive) hotel, there is actually a surprising amount to do in Dubai that doesn’t involve spending an absolute fortune, particularly given that the weather is beautiful nine months of the year and – last time we checked – even in Dubai, the fresh air is free.
All these fun things to do are either completely free or very cheap, and many are accessible by public transport which, while not free, is budget-friendly and ubiquitous. Bear in mind that saving on a hotel in a less central location might mean more cost on transport, so staying right on the beach – which is mostly free – for a little more money might work out cheaper in the end.
1. Walk Al Seef along Dubai Creek
A waterside development that hugs Dubai’s iconic and historic Creek, Al Seef stretches for a kilometre and takes in both modern developments with shops and restaurants, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, and the meticulously restored wind tower and coral houses of old Dubai.
Try to take a trip in the evening, and pay AED 1 to cross the creek in a traditional dhow (or AED 2 for the private air conditioned version) as generations of people have done. A particularly atmospheric time to take in the Creek is dusk just before evening prayers when the call to prayer sounds from a hundred mosques.
2. Visit Jumeirah Mosque on a guided cultural tour
Part of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, the Jumeirah Mosque offers regular tours and talks about Islam, and is one of the few mosques in the UAE open to non-Muslims. Tours run at 10am every day except Friday, when the mosque is used for Friday sermons and prayers. Scarves will be provided if you don’t have one.
Note that the mosque suggests visitors make a donation of AED 40 to fund the maintenance of the building.
3. Watch the Dubai Fountain show at Burj Khalifa Lake
Known to move first-time observers to tears, the Dubai Fountain is one of the city’s most iconic attractions and is also completely free. Located outside Dubai Mall, it takes place every 30 minutes in the evenings and lasts for about five minutes. Moving in sync with music, the jets of water reach heights of 140 metres. A hot tip from travellers is that the best place to stand is the walkway between the Burj Khalifa and the mall, near the Apple Store entrance.
In April 2025, it was announced that the fountain would be closed for five months in order to have repairs and upgrades, with a plan that it will emerge bigger and better after the summer.
4. Browse contemporary art in Alserkal Avenue
Dubai’s leading arts hub, most of Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz is free, and many exhibitions feature regional and international artists as well as film screenings, talks and open studio events. Most venues are open from 10am to 7pm, Saturday to Thursday.
Alserkal is a 15-minute walk from the Onpassive Metro Station on the Red Line. A taxi may be more convenient in the summer.
5. Swim at Kite Beach or walk along the beachfront track
Kite Beach is a clean, family friendly beach with views of the Burj Al Arab and occasionally decent waves, with surfing and kiteboarding both popular here. There is a running track that hugs the beach and is popular with those training or just enjoying an evening stroll.
There are public areas on most of Dubai’s beaches, and they tend to be cleaner and more family friendly than their free counterparts in other emirates. You can bring your own food, but alcohol is prohibited on public beaches and outside dedicated beach clubs.
6. Catch a free performance or installation at Expo City Dubai
The legacy site of Expo 2020, Expo City has been repurposed into a public district and hosts regular events, art installations and outdoor shows. Some exhibitions charge for entry, but many do not. Check the Expo City website for an updated calendar of free performances and family events.
7. Explore the Waterfront Market in Deira
Dubai’s Waterfront Market opened in 2017 on the grounds of the traditional Deira fish market, but despite mod cons (air conditioning and general cleanliness) it retains its chaotic charm and local atmosphere. It is open 24 hours a day but best visited in the morning when fishermen bring in their catches, including all sorts of creatures of the deep. There are also sections for dates and spices for those who want to pick up souvenirs.
8. Take in the skyline from the Dubai Water Canal Boardwalk
Dubai’s answer to Wadi Hanifah, the Dubai Water Canal runs from Business Bay to Jumeirah but perhaps the best section to walk is between the Tolerance Bridge and Jumeirah Beach Road, where the promenade offers uninterrupted views of the skyline.
It is open all day and night, is well lit, and is rarely crowded on weekdays.
9. Time your trip with free festivals and city-wide events
Dubai hosts a range of free public events throughout the year, with some of the most popular including the Dubai Shopping Festival (December to January) with fireworks, concerts and pop-ups, Dubai Art Season (March to April) with public sculptures and open-air shows, and National Day Celebrations (December 2) with beach fireworks and military displays
10. Watch planes from the open-air deck at Dubai Airport’s Terminal 3
If you have a long layover and don’t want to spend money, Dubai International Airport offers an open-air garden and observation area near Terminal 3 Gate B. The zone is quiet and shaded, with views of the runway. Wi-Fi is free, and there are water dispensers nearby. The area is accessible to all passengers with boarding passes.
11. Tour the camel race track at Al Marmoom
Dubai’s camel racing season runs from October to April, and races are free to watch and usually take place early in the morning. Al Marmoom Camel Race Track, located near Al Lisaili, is the largest venue and is open to visitors even outside race hours, when you can watch camels training or visit nearby camel farms. The wider nature reserve, which includes all manner of bird, reptile and animal life, is also free to visit. You’ll need your own wheels (or camels).
