Aaah Dubai! The city of gold & luxury and Guinness Records. Well, living here might be expensive, visiting the city can also be a tad bit expensive but we at Gulf Buzz are here to help you out. While everything does cost quite a bit, here’s an exclusive list of things that you can do for absolutely FREE in Dubai. Thank us later!
Free Things To Do In Dubai For Tourists & Locals
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Click Selfies Outside The Burj Khalifa
This one may seem like an obvious one of the free things to do in Dubai, but have you even been in Dubai if you don’t have a selfie outside the world’s tallest building? Some of the best places to get a full shot of the Burj Khalifa is from the Souk Al Bahar Bridge which is a great place to visit day or night. You could also get a great selfie from the Burj Park by Emaar.
Also read: Burj Khalifa Charges AED 1 Million For 15 Mins Of Advertising
2. Stroll Through The Gold Souk
All you need is a pair of sunglasses, and you’re all set 😉 The Gold Souk is an accurate representation of Old Dubai and has store after store of gold shops, selling primarily gold, silver and precious stone jewelry in intricate Arab and Indian designs. The traditional market, that is the Gold Souk is an experience in itself and gives you a slice of Old Dubai. It’s now made up of more than 500 stores and you’ll even get to see crazy things like the largest & heaviest gold chains and more. If you can spare AED 2, then hop on to an abra and it’s probably the cheapest & most scenic way to see the Dubai skyline.
Image courtesy: Every Steph
The Gold Souk in Dubai opening hours are from 10 AM to 10 PM Saturday to Thursday (although many Gold Souk shops close from 1 PM to 4 PM).
3. Contemporary Art At XVA Gallery
The XVA Gallery has some fantastic collections that you can just enter and see. The best part is they change their collections regularly, so there’s always something new to see and appreciate. They also have a vegetarian cafe in the premises.
OPEN DAILY
7 days a week: 10am – 6pm
Address XVA Gallery
Al Fahidi Neighborhood, Bur Dubai
P.O. Box 37304
Dubai, UAE
4. Birdwatching at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
If you’re a nature lover, this is probably one of the best free to do things in Dubai for tourists and locals alike. The flamingoes, of course are the highlight of the sanctuary. But, there are plenty of other feathered beauties as well from herons and cormorants to ospreys. There are 3 bird hides from which visitors can enjoy these avian joys. All you need is a pair of binoculars and you’re set! Families and individuals can walk in any time during the opening hours without prior booking.
Also read: There’s An Official UAE 8 Day Long Weekend 2023 ; Details, Where To Go & More
Winter
(October – March)
7:30am – 5:30pm
Summer
(April – September)
6:00am – 6:00pm
The timings are subject to change during Ramadan (from 8:00am to 4:00pm).
5. Picnic At Al Barsha Pond Park
Once winter sets in, this 20 acre park is straight out of a romantic movie. Carry your blanket, food & head straight to Al Barsha Pond Park. Go for a stroll, read a book, or just people watch – you will absolutely love Al Barsha. It’s free, relaxing & the perfect calming spot.
Open 7 days a week
Weekday Timings: 8am – 11pm
Weekend Timings: 8am – 11.30pm
6. Learn All About Coffee At The Coffee Museum
If you’re a coffee connoisseur, or simply love a good cuppa then the Coffee Museum is where you need to go and the best part? It’s free! Well, at least the lower floor is. You can go and learn all about the history of coffee, and if you feel like it then head to the upper floor for a nice cup of joe.
Address: A 1-min walk from the Al Bastakiya. Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya, Villa 44 – Al Hisn St – Al Fahidi – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Timings: 9am – 5pm on all days
7. Camping at Al Qudra Lakes
Al Qudra Lake has always been Dubai’s favorite recreational location. Al Qudra is a true desert oasis for those looking for a calmer landscape. Its also great for eco-tourism destination suitable for wildlife watchers who want to return to nature. You can set up camp, or go bird watching or take a look at the love lakes.
Also read: Guinness Declares Al Qudra Track Dubai World’s Longest Cycling Path
8. Watch The Sunset at Al Sufouh Beach
Al Sufouh is a relatively peaceful beach with blue waters & a fabulous view of the Dubai skyline. you can go for a swim in the ocean or just take a peaceful stroll around. The sunsets here are absolutely unmissable and a must watch!
Also read: Dubai Now Has A Floating Football Pitch In The Middle Of The Arabian Gulf
9. Hike Through Hatta
This is Dubai’s largest national park and has 5 routes of varying difficulty to trek. Get your adventurous side going with a hike through the scenic path. Make sure you carry plenty of water as the trek will be a total of 2.5 -3 hours and stop to stare at the view. Surrounded by the Hajar Mountains, Hatta is covered in undulating peaks. Also make sure to take plenty of pics by the pristine blue Water Dam.
Also read: World’s Tallest Residential Tower Burj Binghatti To Be Built In Dubai ; Apartment For AED 10 Mn
10. Walk Along The Boardwalk at Palm Jumeirah
Want to get a taste of the rich and famous? Well, simply go for a nice, long walk along the 7km long Boardwalk at Palm Juemirah. Among Dubai’s most expensive neighbourhoods, the vibe here hits different. Once you’re done with a leisurely stroll, make sure to hit the food trucks. It’s definitely another one to add to the list of Things To Do In Dubai.
Also read: Get Unlimited Wings For AED 99 Every Tuesday At This Luxurious Bar In Palm Jumeirah
