Dubai is mostly popular as a luxury destination offering all comforts and spectacles that money can buy. However, this glittering desert oasis has so much to offer that it can also become a budget traveller’s delight. Travellers can even enjoy some great Dubai experiences for free if they keep their eyes open and think creatively. Like they say, the best things in life are free. Here’s a quick list of the top 10 free things to do in Dubai.
Hit the Beaches
While many of the picturesque beaches in Dubai are reserved by pricey hotels for their customers, there are some nice beaches that may be accessed for free or for a very nominal fee. Jumeirah Beach Corniche is one such free-entry beach that has a length of around 800 meters and boasts features such as jogging track, showers, children’s play areas and beach umbrellas. The Umm Suqeim, also called the Kite or Woollongong Beach, is another free-entry beach backdrop of the Burj Al Arab. The Mamzar open beach is also a great place to bask in the sun or swim at no cost.
Window shop at Malls
Window shopping across the lavish malls of Dubai in the evenings or the afternoons is a great way to experience the opulence of Dubai, without shelling out a dime. For instance, the Dubai Mall houses numerous internationally known high-end fashion and electronic brands, apart from hi-end Middle Eastern brands. JBR The Walk is another mall that attracts locals and tourists alike with its displays of five-star luxury and class at no cost.
Watch Horse Racing
Dubai is a veritable hub of race courses as it hosts the horse racing World Cup. Dubai Horse Racing attracts many tourists, but if you want to enjoy this aspect of the city for free then visit one of the free-entry race courses in Dubai. The Nad Al Sheba is a free-entry racecourse, which also happens to be one of the best racecourses around the world. The facility has several recreational amenities, including lounges and restaurants.
Check out Dubai Fountains Display
Watching the Dubai Fountains Display outside the Dubai Mall is one of the most popular free tourist attractions in Dubai. The fountains dance beautifully in sync with the musical soundtrack and lighting effects, making it a grand and classy spectacle.
Connect with Nature at Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
The Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a paradise amidst the opulent urban jungle of Dubai. Entrance to the sanctuary is free of cost. Travellers can enjoy spotting many beautiful bird species, including pink flamingos, among other animals.
Stroll through Souks
Dubai has many lively and vibrant souks or local markets. There is the world-famous gold-souk, the spice-souk and the aromatic perfume souk. It’s a treat to walk through these souks and experience the old world charm of Dubai. Don’t forget to bargain at these souks if you buy something.
Play Connoisseur at Majlis Gallery
The Majlis art gallery is an escape for art lovers. Entrance to the gallery is free, and it is decked up with plenty of beautiful artworks of international artists including pottery and other hand crafted items.
