10 FREE Things To Do In Dubai
Do you have family or friends visiting? Worried about spending too much while they are here? There are plenty of free activities that can be done around Dubai if you just know where to look. Our budgeting experts Selma and Susan at Dirham Stretchers, have found just a handful of free activities that are worth checking out, some of which are also great if you have bored kids at home and not much cash to splash.
Flamingo experience
This one will certainly please the bird spotters. The Ras Al Khor Sanctuary is the only place where you can spot flamingos in Dubai. The Dubai Creek, a saltwater creek which runs through Dubai, is surrounded by lush mangroves and makes for the prettiest of pictures.
Image via Holidayme.com
Open Saturday to Thursday – 9:00AM to 4:00PM. Closed on Friday. Free to enter, but visitors have to inform the Environment Department, the Marine Environment and Wildlife section and the Dubai Municipality before their visit to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.
Coin Museum
This fascinating museum takes a look at over 470 unique historical coins spanning over two floors. Opened in 2004, you’ll learn about the history of coins and understand the close link between the region and the British monetary system.
Open Sunday to Thursday 8am to 2pm and located in Bur Dubai
The Ripe Market
We love The Ripe Market for being such great supporters of locals businesses and has become very popular, running every Friday and Saturday at various times and indoor locations. There are many various types of stalls including fresh fruit and vegetables as well as many miscellaneous local products such as jewellery, arts, crafts and fashion.
Image via gulfnews.com
Timings and locations vary. Check out www.ripeme.com for more details
Dubai Garden Centre
A great place to visit and browse, especially during the hot summer months. There is a great variety of plants and flowers to check out as well as a whole range of products for your garden. This shop often has free workshops that include providing information on caring and growing your plants. There is also cat adoption day every Friday in case you’re looking for a forever pet or just want to cuddle them for the day.
Image credit: http://thehuntr.com/
Opening hours 10am until 8pm everyday. Located Sheikh Zayed Road 739, Dubai
Dubai Mall Fountain
This is one of the main attractions to come see when visiting Dubai, and if you still haven’t seen it, you’re in for a treat. Watch the fountain as it dances and lights up to the music being played. This spectacular performing fountain is on everyday during various times. The most popular are every 30 minutes from 6pm daily.
Image via: https://www.worldtraveladventurers.com/
Located at Dubai Mall.
Antique Museum Dubai
This is not the kind of place where you go with children. Last time we visited, we were thankful we had left them at home. Unlike what the name describes, this is not a museum as such, but an antique type shop providing many unique and interesting trinkets, gifts, furniture and souvenirs that would be hard to find anywhere else. A great place to go and just browse around for hours admiring all the old and new products they have for sale.
Located Manara Street, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai
Al Seef
This relatively new area was completed in late 2017 and spans 1.8km’s, is well worth a visit. Take a stroll along Dubai Creek and take in all the atmosphere and vibe of the past and present. There are lots of shops and restaurants all along the creek side and lots of photo opportunities too.
Visit www.alseef.ae
Barsha Pond Park
Barsha Pond Park as well as many others such as Creek and Zabeel Park have become popular places during the cooler months to not only go for a walk, but to enjoy a relaxing picnic on the weekend. Barsha Pond Park in particular is one of my favourite parks thanks to it beautiful array of trees and flowers and my kids love it for the range of playgrounds it has on offer. There is also the option of going on a small boat for a small charge.
Image via https://morethanjustdobuy.wordpress.com/
Located next to Al Barsha Mall.
Free Workshops At The Apple Store
These super popular workshops are on everyday and designed for both adults and children. There are a range of topics such as how to take the perfect photo or video using your Ipad or Iphone, how to use music lab, learning coding skills or using art and your health on your device. During the school holidays they also have workshops exclusively designed for kids that often fill up quickly and are highly recommended.
Image via https://dubaitravelator.com/
You can book online through their website.
IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City Mall
IMAGINE is Dubai Festival City’s record-breaking new(ish) attraction.
Image via Bayut.com
Weekdays – 8:00pm & 9:30pm and FREE of charge.
Home Club ME’s bonus mentions – Below, our editorial team have also thrown in a few of their favourote FREE things to do in Dubai.
Feel The Love At Love Lakes, Dubai
This stunning heart-shaped lake is located near to Al Qudra Lake, approx. 700 meters and get this…. it is visible on Google Earth! Authorities have marked road signs to find the spot for the visitors. A lovely place to take pictures, stroll around and maybe stop for a picnic.
Image via https://www.khaleejtimes.com/
Free to enter. Note to visitors: there are no facilities on the Al Qudra site so come prepared.
Chill With The Ducks At Al Qudra Lakes
Al Qudra Lake is the first man made lake in United Arab Emirates and has quickly become a hit with residents of the UAE. The area is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle of the city for a few hours, but we to ask that visitors respect the wild life and surrounding environment when popping by.
Image via Bayut.com
The lake is located in the middle of the Saih Al Salam Desert, nearby Trek Bicycle round about. It is free of charge to enter.
