Dubai is a city filled with skyscrapers and hotspots for those who are rich and can afford the lifestyle. However, there are hidden gems across the city that you can experience for free. From colourful beach huts and murals at La Mer to the robot jockeys racing camels in the desert, there is something for everyone – free of cost! Here’s what you can do for free in Dubai throughout the year!
Stare at the varieties in Spice and Gold Souk
If you love jewellery or all things masala, the Spice and Gold souk should be at the top of your to-do list. The Spice Souk comes first with the most lush spread of flavours you might ever find. You’ll find a variety of spices, herbs, dry fruits, honey, oats, cashmere, pashminas and trinkets!
Keeping walking and you will soon enter the gold souk. The world’s largest gold ring will be on display in Kanz Jewels, as you walk by. Weighing a whopping 58.656 kilograms, the ring is named Najmat Taiba (Star of Taiba) and is certified by the Guinness World Book of Records. A wonder to look at, if we must say.
If you’re looking to buy something, bring along your bargaining skills. The vendors will expect you to bargain and prices items higher accordingly. And lastly, make sure you see the picturesque and gorgeous green mosque in Old Dubai, outside Gold Souk.
Catch the camel races
Dubai is famous for keeping close to its historical roots, despite its modernisation. Camel racing is one such link with history in the Arabian Peninsula, dating back centuries. Originally, camel races were presented during special events like weddings and tribal gatherings.
Over the years, the sport has advanced – using robot jockeys instead of young boys as jockeys. During the winter months in mornings and afternoons, the camel races run in the Al Marmoom area, free to all gatherers and spectators! Check out the racing calendar here.
Every city’s got one of those artsy hideouts. The ones that are hidden gems not because they’re trying to fly under the radar, but because they let their scenic ambience, handpicked merchandise and breezy bohemian vibes spread the word and earn them clout.
In Dubai’s case, that spot has long been held by The Courtyard in Al Quoz. This vibrant collective of small businesses, including a community theatre, has held sway over Dubai’s artsy and creative types since 1998. Head on to Al Quoz to experience this beautiful spot!
Dip your feet in the sand at free Dubai beaches
Perhaps getting some beachy waves and cool waters is in your books. While Dubai has numerous beaches, a few of them offer free entry. The Kite Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and is known for its lively atmosphere, water sports and cafes.
The Jumeirah Beach Residence Beach (or JBR, as its more popularly known) is beautiful for its views of Ain Dubai. You will find cafes and playgrounds dotting the area. Umm Suqeim Beach or Sunset Beach is a little more quiet – perfect for swimming of taking iconic photos with Burj Al Arab in the background.
A secret beach between Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah, the Al Sufouh Beach is secluded and offers shallow waters. The Jumeirah Public Beach is a classic with great facilities and the Deira Islands Beach is known for being pet-friendly. You can also go for a night swim at select beaches like Jumeirah 2!
Stroll through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
it’s time to walk through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. The fifty ‘houses’ in this free neighbourhood speak of a time before the seven emirates with heritage architecture. This experience is a reminder that Dubai could have the tallest buildings in the world but its heritage is, and always has been, beautifully preserved.
Make sure you cover the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), the Coins Museum and the Municipality House.
Camping at Al Qudra Lake is a bucket-list item. A hideaway from the crowds in the city, this experience is largely a do-it-yourself affair. You bring your own tent, food, blankets and barbeque equipment – and even cleanup after yourself. With minimal light pollution, stargazing is one of the Al Qudra highlights. Sit around a warm fire, share laughs and food, and just be at this beautiful desert spot.
Explore the souk and say hi to the turtles at Madinat Jumeirah
Think traditional souks with air-conditioning. Souk Madinat Jumeirah is exactly that – filled with tons of stalls selling rugs, crafts, jewellery, antiques and trinkets. The souk recreates traditional Middle Eastern marketplace through its beautiful architecture and shopping stands, stalls and barrows. With over 20 restaurants and cafes, they offer the perfect view of meandering waterways and Arabian architecture.
And if you’re an animal lover, The Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project is a go-to! Located in the Jumeirah hotel, this initiative finds sick and injured turtles, and nurses them back to health. They release them back to their natural habitat after! If you participate, you can feed the turtles and learn about the rehabilitation project from the team members.
Visit the malls dotting the Dubai skyline
If you’re in the mood to window shop, or try on pretty things to bookmark for later, head to the nearest mall! The Dubai Mall is, of course, an iconic place to be, being the largest mall in the world. It showcases more than 1,200 shops and the Dubai Aquarium.
Mall of the Emirates is famous for Ski Dubai, Harvey Nichols and so many high-end brands. The Ibn Battuta Mall is beautiful with its unique themed courts based on the travels of Ibn Battuta. Other alternatives include Dubai Festival Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, City Centre Mirdif and Palm Jumeirah Mall.
Take a walk at iconic locations
When you think Dubai, you might not think of walking as a concept. However, it is one of the most effective and cheapest ways of getting around (we’ve all seen the fuel surcharges). Downtown Dubai and Burj Khalifa offer walks around the base of the world’s tallest building. You can stop by the Dubai Mall or watch the choreographed Dubai Fountain for free!
The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (or JBR) gives views of Ain Dubai along its 1.7km promenade filled with cafes and retail stores. Whereas, the Dubai Marina Walk is an iconic 7km path with views of yachts, skyscrapers, and beautiful outdoor cafes.
Other walks include the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk for views of the Arabian Gulf and Atlantis Hotel, and the City Walk for a blend of European-style and modern architecture. Dubai Water Canal and Dubai Creek Walk offer stunning views of the sea and skyline as well!
For the real hidden treat, you must head to the Nad Al-Sheba Square Gardens. A popular spot for locals, the panoramic skyline views are absolutely stunning and a relief from the tourist waves!
See the old and modern unite at Souk Al Seef
Along the stunning Dubai Creek shoreline is something beautiful. Souk Al Seef is a bustling promenade where heritage meets modern. The area is divided into two zones – an old-world and a modern-world. You can delve into the Arabian Gulf’s pearl diving port and explore the open-air floating market at the souk. From henna tattoos to handicrafts in sikkas, there are several things you can do. A romantic dhow boat also awaits for a dinner cruise if you want to splurge a little!
No registration, no planning 3 weeks in advance to book a seat. This yoga community is making yoga free and accessible to all. Just grab your mats and head to Deira to peacefully unwind in the morning sun. Like the Deira Yoga Community says, your morning doesn’t start great, you make it great.
A secret garden rests in Al Barari’s district. Just off the mainland, Al Barari is known for its luscious greenery and its stunning cafes. But in the midst of these (let’s say, expensive) glamourous things, is a beautiful garden. While it is one of the top proposal spots in the Emirates, in our editorial opinion, it is also a stunning venue to debrief and unwind. Check out the mini waterfalls and the tree shades that are a far cry from Dubai’s iconic skyscrapers.
And if you’re looking to propose in iconic locations, check out our guide!Take an artistic tour through Alserkal Avenue
Another gem in Al Quoz, the Alserkal Avenue is one of the most beautiful contemporary arts hub in the UAE. Even if you aren’t a patron of the arts, the Alserkal Avenue houses 100+ creative businesses including stores, cafes, and performance venues. The Cafe Dori and Lila Molino Cafe are a must-try!
In short, they have something for everyone. There are year-round programme of events that you can time according to your visit! Check out their website for more information.
Get the iconic Wings of Mexico picture
When Mexican artist Jorge Marin made the Wings of Mexico sculpture in 2010, it was a roaring new photo stop for millions around the world. The Wings of Mexico symbolise freedom, hope, human potential and the immigrant journey. They also make for a stunning photograph backdrop with the glorious frame and the Burj Khalifa in the middle. They’re perfect for the angelic photo with its close-to-real sculpturing.
Nestled in the sand dunes of the UAE, Al Madam Ghost Village, also known as the Al Ghuraifa Village, sits vacant with cracked walls and peeling wallpapers as backdrops. Between the borders of Sharjah and Oman, this ‘Ghost Village‘ is now simply an eerie backdrop to a life that residents left behind. With sand dunes forcefully entering into the houses, winds tearing apart windows and the remnants of life, it is a buried village you must explore with friends.
There are several mysteries outlining the abandoned village. Some say that residents moved because of supernatural causes, others blame urbanisation. Here’s everything the world knows about the 12-house village.
