Yes, Dubai can be an expensive city, but having fun here doesn’t always have to cost a Dirham. Sometimes, just exploring prehistoric giants and vintage cars is more than enough to fill your August days without reaching for your wallet. So, if you’re escaping the summer heat indoors or fancy discovering hidden gems in the city, these free Dubai activities deserve a spot on your list!
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1. See A 155-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur
Forget spending big on entertainment. You can come face-to-face with a prehistoric giant completely free at Dubai Mall. Located in the Souk Dome, Dubai Dino is a 24-metre-long skeleton of a Diplodocus longus believed to be around 155 million years old. You can pop by during mall opening hours, making this an easy indoor activity when Dubai’s August heat gets a little too much.
- Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday 10 AM – 11 PM; Friday – Sunday 10 AM – 1 AM
- Location: Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
- Contact: 800 382246255
- For more information, visit the website
2. Browse The Antique Museum
Step into the Antique Museum and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into an Al Quoz treasure chest! The sprawling space is packed with antiques, ceramics, handmade pieces and fascinating objects from the past. Here you can expect everything from brass milk barrels and traditional vessels to shell-covered jewellery boxes, statues and papyrus prints. You can simply wander around and admire the collection for free, or, if something catches your eye, pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home!
- Operating Hours: Daily, 9 AM – 8:30 PM
- Location: Al Quoz, Dubai
- Contact: 04 347 9935
- For more information, visit the website
3. Explore The Coins Museum
Money might make the world go round, but you don’t need any to explore Dubai’s Coins Museum. Housed in a beautiful historic building in Bur Dubai, the museum features eight rooms dedicated to coins and currency from the UAE and around the world. It’s a small but interesting stop if you’re keen to explore Dubai’s heritage without spending anything.
- Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 3 PM; Friday, 8 AM – 11:30 AM; Saturday – Sunday, Closed
- Location: Al Shindagha Historical Area, Bur Dubai
- Contact: 058 935 4529
- For more information, visit the website
4. Enjoy Arabic Poetry At The Museum Of The Poet Al Oqaili
For a quieter cultural outing, head to the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili and discover the story of one of the region’s notable literary figures! The free museum celebrates Mubarak Bin Al Oqaili, who lived from 1875 to 1954, and offers visitors a glimpse into his life and work. You can see examples of his handwritten poetry alongside the writing tools and pens he used.
- Operating Hours: Monday – Thursday, 9 AM – 2 PM; Friday, 9 AM – 12 PM; Saturday – Sunday, Closed
- Location: Al Ras, Deira
- Contact: 800 33222
- For more information, visit the website
5. Browse 25,000 Books At The Old Library
For the bookworms, the Old Library is a charming non-profit library where you can browse a huge collection of books without spending a fortune. Run by volunteers and supported through membership subscriptions and second-hand book sales, the library has been part of Dubai for more than five decades. Here you’ll find around 25,000 books covering everything from fiction to children’s books and more! There are also cosy armchairs, making it a lovely place to slow down, browse the shelves and rediscover the joy of getting lost in a good book.
- Operating Hours: Saturday – Thursday, 10 AM – 2 PM; Friday, Closed
- Location: Gold & Diamond Park, Dubai
- Contact: 055 280 8613
- For more information, visit the website
6. Classic Cars At Al Serkal Classic Cars Museum
Did you know you can get your vintage car fix without paying an entry fee? The Al Serkal Classic Cars Museum houses more than 70 preserved vintage vehicles from the Private Classic Car Collection, along with a retro aircraft that adds an unexpected twist. The free museum gives visitors the chance to admire classic models while enjoying a dose of automotive nostalgia in air-conditioned comfort.
- Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 8 AM – 6 PM
- Location: Al Serkal Building, Deira, Dubai
- Contact: 04 295 5000
- For more information, visit the website
This month, you don’t have to spend big. Instead, save up for those special occasions and wander through fascinating museums, meet a dinosaur millions of years older than Dubai itself and more! There are plenty of ways to keep your summer entertaining for FREE, so pick a few spots and make the most of Dubai without touching your wallet. And for more fun things to do, keep exploring Gulf Buzz!
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