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Best Things to Do & Places to Visit in Dubai for Free

World's largest choreographed fountains lie in Dubai which counts for one of the most attractive places to visit in Dubai for free. Conveniently set on the large man made Burj Khalifa Lake spreading in an expanse of 30 acres, this fountain system is illuminated using 6600 lights each night.

With the inputs of fifty color projectors, the fountain system is 275 meters in height which further shoots up water to an elevation of 500 feet. The entire water show is accompanied by a soothing contemporary to the classical world and Arabic music.

Location: Fashion Parking, Dubai Mall, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Dubai

Timings: 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm everyday

Suggested Read: 55 Best Things to Do in Dubai

Click Here To Book Also: Dubai Fountain Lake Ride Tickets

Witnessing the Dubai Aquarium, also the largest in the world is one of the free things to do in Dubai. Believe it or not but to appreciate this massive aquarium featuring multiple aquatic animals including sharks, giant crocodile, groupers, etc. can be done for free.

Although there is a provision to purchase tickets to get entry to the tunnel of the aquarium one can also experience it from outside without purchasing a ticket. The aquarium features over 33000 aquatic creatures and for tourists belonging to any age group it is a must place to visit when in Dubai.

Location: It is situated within Dubai Mall

Timings: 10:00 am to 12:00 am everyday

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How To Book: Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Tickets

To spend a peaceful and fun day, visit to Jumeirah Beach is one of the free things to do in Dubai with family and friends. There are a number of lavish resorts, lavish hotels, and massive developments including the huge Burj Al Arab hotel on its frontage.

You can spend some time here while on your visit to Dubai.  It boasts a running track, changing rooms, and shower facilities for those who wish to take a dip in the waters. A much-visited tourist destination Jumeirah Beach flaunts a stunning backdrop.

Location: Jumeirah Beach is located on the Persian Gulf coast, Jumeirah district, Dubai

Timings: 24 hours

Also Check: 20 Best Beaches in Dubai

You Can Also Book: Water Sports At Jumeirah Beach

The spectacular Kite Beach, a hub for kitesurfers and beachgoers is one of the best places to visit in Dubai for free. The beach is nestled not too far from Jumeirah’s main street and is one of the best places to be if you're a watersports enthusiast, as the beach boasts various opportunities to get indulged in exciting water sports including kitesurfing and paddleboarding.

The beach gets airy as the afternoon falls and you can head to the beach to feel the fresh flowing breeze. The 14 kilometers track of this beach is quite a perfect spot for taking peaceful beachside walks.

Location: 35 A Street - Dubai

Timings: 24 hours, for better experience visit after the afternoons

Planning a trip to Dubai? check out our best selling Dubai Tour Packages
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One of the trendy spots to explore while in Dubai is City Walk where you can get amazed by the street art. This is the place which is adorned by the graffiti art that states 'I Love DXB' which is extremely popular and you must have seen it on Instagram. While in Dubai, you'd surely want to capture a picture of this by yourself.

Apart from this, there are various other colorful statements, pieces and murals to be explored which have been crafted by renowned names from the world of street art including Lady Aiko and Ron English. Additionally, you can also enjoy eating at some of the trendy streetside eateries here while snapping shots of the displayed street art.

Location: Street art, Dubai

Timings: 24 hours

Also Check: Dubai Family Tour Packages
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Pyramids at Wafi is the perfect place to head to in Dubai in order to enjoy a movie for absolutely no cost. It is an exotic rooftop location to begin which further features a relaxed vibe attracting a number of locals and tourists on a regular basis.

Old Dubai's this outdoor cinema place boasts a perfect movie screening setting right under the stars. Each Sunday the place is seen packed with visitors enjoying the shows in the cool breeze with popcorn and hotdogs. This experience of being under the stars and enjoying a Hollywood classic with the locals is one of the ideal most free things to do in Dubai especially if you're a movie buff!

Location: Pyramids Building, Wafi Mall, Dubai, UAE

Timings: Sundays as per show timings

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The Coin Museum Dubai nestled close to the Ruler’s Divan back in the year 2004 was transformed into a coin Museum featuring 2 stories. The visitors are allowed to visit the museum for free and witness various coins belonging to several ancient eras.

The museum boasts telescope screens and presentation cabinets for coins. There are touch screens which further features a drop-down list displaying detailed information like the metal used, shape, size, shape, minting date, etc. about the coins on display. In case you're someone interested in historical remains, it is definitely one of the most interesting places to visit in Dubai for free.

Location: Dubai Heritage Village, Bur Dubai - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Timings: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm except Fridays and Saturdays

Must Read: 15 Best Museums in Dubai
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Alserkal Avenue's location has lately transformed into a cultural district and arts place with facilities, back to back lineups of platforms and galleries including Alserkal Avenue. It boats a number of local residences of a number of global and local artists.

Several galleries are characterized by a number of appreciable performances and individual shows which further represents the work of growing artists. By visiting this place you get to witness and explore exhibitions, community events, auctions of young collectors, and panel discussions. This is, therefore, one of the most innovative places to visit in Dubai for free.

Location: It is located in the industrial zone of Al Quoz, Dubai, UAE

Timings: 10:00 am to 7:00 pm except on Fridays

Also Check: 55 Best Tourist Places to Visit in Dubai

Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, spread in an expanse of 6.2 square kilometers of area, represents the wilderness which boasts lush greenery amidst a sprawling modernized infrastructure.

It is home to rich mangroves, salt flats, lagoons, and intertidal mudflats making it one of the most interesting places to visit in Dubai for free. This nature's beauty attracts a number of migratory birds each year which you can witness while your visit to the sanctuary.

The rich biodiversity of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a heavenly place for wildlife and photography enthusiasts. Nestled at the perimeter of the sanctuary are three bird hides which are freely accessible by the public.

Location: Dubai, UAE

Timings: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm from Saturdays to Thursday

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Nestled not too far from Dubai Creek, Al Seef is an attraction that is an asset for the heritage district of Dubai. This amazing destination perfectly mingles modern designs and ancient traditions as Dubai itself showcases a connect between its bright future and a proud past.

Launched back in the year 2017, Al Seef celebrates Dubai Creek's launch. The best way to explore it is by taking a walking tour  and witnessing the vibrant walkways, the marina, various dining choices and event plazas.

Location: It is located close to the Dubai Creek

Timings: 10:00 am to 12:00 am

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Dubai Water Canal unveiled back in the year 2013 is an artificial canal which allows visitors to take a canalside walk and explore the various offerings of this marvel. The canalside consists of four hotels, luxurious housing, shopping center, cycling paths, walkways, etc.

The width of the canal ranges from 80 to 120 meters and is a three kilometers long project. Expanding in an area of 80,000 square meters and boasting a trade center at the entrance as well as private boat marinas the Dubai Water Canal is worth a visit and spend an entire day of fun and frolic.

Location: It stretches from Business Bay through Jumeirah and Safa Park into the Persian Gulf

Timings: 24 hours

Also Check: 30 Best Places for Shopping in Dubai

Enjoying a picnic with family and friends at the beautiful Al Qudra Lakes is another exciting, fun and free things to do in Dubai. A quick 30-minutes-drive takes you to this amazing picnic spot while you enjoy getting away from the stunning skyline of Dubai.

A desert oasis settled amidst a desert is what your day's fun place would look like. Here you would enjoy picnicking with family and enjoying activities like cycling on the tracks and enjoying the marvelous sunset. You can also witness Dubai's wildlife here in its natural habitat that tends to visit the lake.

Location: Al Qudra Lakes is located at a 30 minutes-drive from Dubai at the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve

Timings: sunrise to sunset

Suggested Read: 30 Best Places to Visit in Dubai with Family

Shopping for gold isn't free, but one of the free things to do in Dubai is to visit and adore the Dubai Gold Souk. It is an extremely popular traditional marketplace in Dubai consisting of over 380 jewelry retailers and traders.

The major items that you would find here include Gold, Diamonds, Platinum, and sometimes silver. It is a very popular tourist and shopping destination and the street is seen busy with the public almost all the time. Wandering on the narrow lanes of the market which is lined back to back with jewelry stores is one exciting experience to have once in a lifetime.

Location: It is located in Deira's commercial business area, Al Dhagaya locality, Dubai, UAE

Timings: 9:00 am to 9:30 pm (all days except Friday), Friday – 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm

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One of the innovative places to visit in Dubai for free is the Jameel Arts Centre which is Dubai's contemporary institution opened back in the year 2018. This impressive development is a cultural destination which has been designed and executed by a UK-based award-winning firm.

It features events, workshops, and installation of contemporary art. Expanded in a massive area of approximately 10,000 square feet this art center boasts three spacious floors which further house 10 galleries with terraces, courtyards, and desert gardens to be found amidst them. These gardens are home to 33 species of flora from various deserts of the world.

Location: Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Timings: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (Saturdays to Thursdays except for Tuesdays), and 12:00 noon to 10:00 pm (Fridays)

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Hatta Rock Pools, a popular Dubai enclave nestled in the beautiful Hajar Mountains is a marvel to explore on your trip to Dubai at absolutely no cost. Its dry and moderately cool ambiance, Hatta rock pools, and the stunning views of the massive mountains end up attracting a number of tourists each year.

You can enjoy a swim session here and unwind. It is much more alluring if you visit the place after it has welcomed a rain shower. You can wander through the narrow paths here and explore the place by self for as many minutes as you desire.

Location: Hajar Mountains, Hatta, United Arab Emirates

Timings: Anytime during the day

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