It may be the land of gold bar vending machines, Lamborghini police cars and self-proclaimed seven-star hotels, but a trip to the UAE doesn’t have to feel like taking out a mortgage.
It’s possible to enjoy the United Arab Emirates on a tight budget, and there are many free (or very cheap) attractions for couples, families and solo experiences – several are as iconic as they come.
Put your wallet away – these are the best free things to do in the UAE.
1. Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
This masterpiece of modern Islamic design is one of the few in the region open to non-Muslims. Tours are led by Emirati guides on Saturday to Thursday, offering the chance to get a closer look at the building’s stunning architecture, including a structure made of more than 90,000 tons of pure white Macedonian marble, including 82 marble domes held up by 1,000 pillars, and an exquisite prayer hall – the largest one in the world.
2. Hike up Jebel Hafeet
Climb Jebel Hafeet (Hafit), Abu Dhabi’s highest peak at 1,249m high. The 8.5km hike to the summit starts at Green Mubazzarah Park and takes around 3-4 hours to complete, rising around 250m along sandy rocky terrain. Time your walk to arrive at sunset (perhaps arrange a shuttle back down the mountain) for epic panoramic views of Al Ain as the day comes to a close.
3. Wander Dubai Creek
Art meets tradition and culture in the historic heart of Dubai. The Al Fahidi neighbourhood, right next to scenic Dubai Creek, is home to boutique shops and local galleries tucked inside beautifully restored old houses. Plus, you can hop on a traditional abra boat to cross the creek for just AED1 – it’s almost free!
4. Explore Al Jahili Fort
Al Ain’s Jahili Fort, constructed of adobe, is one of the UAE’s biggest forts, built in the 1890s on the orders of the first Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. It was used as a royal summer residence and demonstrated the power of the ruling family. The immaculate gardens are open to visitors, as are some of the halls inside. A permanent exhibit showcases Sir Wilfred Thesiger, the explorer who crossed the Empty Quarter, the world’s largest sand desert, twice in the 1940s.
5. Watch the world’s largest performing fountain
Dubai’s answer to the Vegas Fountains of Bellagio is the world's largest choreographed fountain system. Dubai Fountain sits at the centre of Downtown Dubai and is illuminated by 6,600 lights, and shoots water up to 150m into the sky against an atmospheric soundtrack. Hundreds of people come out each night to watch the free show in the shadow of the world’s tallest building – the Burj Khalifa. Shows happen every evening (every half an hour between 6pm and 11pm daily). Note: the fountain closed on April 19th for refurbishments, but is predicted to reopen later in the year with advanced technology.
6. Breathe in spicy smells and taste samples at Dubai’s souks
The outdoor spice souk in Al Ras, Deira, is the place to find mounds of colourful spices, herbs and fruit. Madinat Jumeirah’s Arabian bazaar, meanwhile, is a smarter indoor souk, with a maze of tiny alleys and with stands and stalls selling all kinds of trinkets and local delicacies, from dates to Arabic sweets. Samples are plentiful.
7. See sharks at Dubai Mall
Inside Dubai Mall, sitting between regular mall outlets, is the world’s largest indoor aquarium – containing around 140 species of marine life, including hundreds of giant reef sharks. It’s free to get right up to these majestic ocean creatures with nothing but glass between you. Spend as long as you want gazing at life in the tank and taking selfies with sharks, but for an even closer look, buy a ticket and walk through the 48-metre tunnel, which goes right into the heart of the action.
8. Swim at the beach 24 hours a day
Dubai has many sprawling golden sandy beaches to choose from, but now you can swim in the ocean at any time, day or night. Jumeirah Public Beach (Jumeirah 2 Beach) and Kite Beach (Jumeirah 3) are two stretches of sand with big bright lighting systems that illuminate the water after dark. While you nightswim, lifeguards monitor the ocean and screens display safety messages.
9. See pink flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Not far from Dubai’s big city buzz (10km drive) is a wildlife haven with more than 250 species thriving in the rich biodiverse landscapes of salt flats, mangroves, lagoons, reed beds, shrublands and intertidal mudflats. Spend a lazy morning at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, spotting migratory greater flamingos, grey herons and great egrets from designated observation points.
10. Explore the dramatic Hajar Mountains
Located in the northern emirates of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, this stunning range has to be seen to be believed, with its jagged peaks rising to 1,000 metres, striking rugged terrain, valleys, and staggering views from its peaks. The area is covered in hiking trails for all skill levels. Download hiking maps before you set off and take lots of water and SPF – in the warmer months it’s best to start off early in the morning and descend when the sun is highest. Those with the cash to splash can join a via ferrata trail – an 'iron path’ climbing through the mountains – or zoom down the valley on the Jais Flight, the world’s longest zipline.
11. Ride Jumeirah’s cycling track
A recent addition to Dubai, this 16km cycle path now runs along Jumeirah Beach and offers awesome beach and coastline views. You need a bike, of course, but you can also rent one very cheaply at the many Careem Bike docking stations on the route (a single trip pass costs AED19 for 45 minutes). Download the app and register your details before you set off.
12. Spot wildlife at Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
The largest unfenced nature reserve in the UAE is a wonderful walk on the wild side. Families love exploring its 40 hectares of sandy wonderland, with desert shrubs, resident Arabian oryx, flamingos and around 150 species of migratory birds, plus 200 species of native birds. It’s free to roam – just don’t forget your binoculars.
13. Visit a $1 billion library
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai Creek is a spectacular design feat created in the shape of an open book sitting on top of a traditional wooden book rest. It’s free to visit and contains more than a million printed and digital books. After marvelling at the building, peruse exhibitions showcasing a collection of rare books, manuscripts and art.
14. Watch a camel race
Stand at the sidelines of the Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack to watch one of the nation’s oldest sports in action. Camel racing season takes place between October and April (usually early mornings and weekends) and offers the chance to see owners controlling robot jockeys from their jeeps as their camels reach speeds of up to 65 km/h for the chance to win millions of dirhams in prize purses.
15. Enter the fantasy world of Riverland Dubai
Wander the free-to-enter fantasy world of Riverland Dubai, a whimsical place with sculptures, an American-style Boardwalk reminiscent of LA’s Venice Beach with street artists and jugglers, and a French Village, with historic-style architecture from the late 1600s. Don’t forget to snap a picture of the giant LED sculpture of a camel.
16. Sunbathe on Corniche Beach
Abu Dhabi’s two kilometres of white sandy beach and turquoise waters are the best way to escape the bustle of the city and catch some rays. There’s a quiet zone and a family zone for groups, plus a boardwalk and manicured gardens to explore here. Sports fans can use the free facilities, including playing fields, volleyball courts and football pitches.
17. Step inside the imposing Fujairah Fort
Dating back to the 17th century, the well-preserved castle-like Fujairah Fort is one of the oldest in the UAE, with high walls and turrets that once defended against intruders (it remained intact after an attack by the British Navy in 1925). It’s possible to explore the ancient rooms, and climb to the roof for panoramic views. Admission is free.
18. Spot marine life at Snoopy Island
The rocky outcrop, which looks like the comic strip character of the same name, sits off Fujairah’s coastline. Go for a swim here to spot an abundance of vibrant reef life. Even better, bring a snorkel and mask for the chance to see reef sharks and turtles. Local outdoor outfits run snorkel, kayaking and scuba tours here if you’d prefer a guide.
19. Learn about local culture
The captivating Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization museum (which is not entirely free but only AED1 to enter) has seven galleries with 5,000 artifacts relating to the Islamic world, including those on faith, science and technology, art and poetry, plus crafts, weapons and more, all inside a striking, elaborately adorned domed Arabian building. Nearby is the art installation named the Rain Room, a permanent hi-tech exhibit that allows visitors to pass through a watery cascade without getting wet (prices are a reasonable AED25 per adult – book ahead).
20. Watch a laser show at Dubai Festival City Mall
Imagine is a multi-Guinness World Record winning show created using high-powered lasers, searchlights, projections, fountains, flames and a soundtrack of classical, Arabic and popular music. It’s utterly free to watch and takes place every night of the week (every 30 minutes between 7pm and 10pm) at Dubai Festival City Mall.
