Free Things to do in Dubai

Stretched along the coast, south of the city's historic Al Faihidi district, this sandy white strip of sand is among the top beach destinations for the visitors of Dubai. The cluster of high-end resorts and properties such as Burj Al Arab (Arab Tower) hotel, Wild Wadi Water Park, Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab (Arab Tower) hotel adds grace to the lively waterfront. For adventure buffs, there is the facility for various watersports like jet skiing, kitesurfing and more. For a quiet day at the beach, visitors can rent sun loungers too.

Dubai Fountain is the world's largest choreographed water fountain located in the beautiful Burj Complex. This dancing fountain surges as high as 150 meters in complete synchronisation to classical, Arabic and other popular world musical numbers. Forming beautiful arcs and jumping to the beats, this fountain was designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas. The show begins in the evening every day, and the best way to approach it is through the Dubai Mall.

Ladies can now forget their wallets when they leave their place looking for a good time. Dubai’s night scene brings them exclusive offers to enjoy free food and beverages at any bar, restaurant or club. Earlier, Tuesday was the traditional day for the ladies night-out; however, now, different venues host it on different nights as well as during the day. The fun doesn’t end here; one can indulge themselves in a bit of grooming with offers on mini spa treatments, swimming pools and beaches all to themselves and their girl pals.

One can end their weekend relaxing at the Coco Lounge in Media City, which has a poolside bar and a great number of comfy sunbeds and loungers. Moreover, it has two slots from noon till 5 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. with complimentary pool access. Or one can drive away from the Monday blues with free four drinks at the upbeat and casual McGettigan’s JLT in and shake a leg to the beats of an in-house DJ. There is an abundance of venues to select from for any day the ladies like.

Looking for a change in view from the towering skyscrapers of Dubai or want to escape the din of hotels, malls and beaches? Then hit the road and head over to the mountained Jebel Maleihah in Sharjah. It is a one and a half-hour drive from Dubai. Popularly known as Fossil Rock due to the marine fossil deposits that are found in its slopes, one can enjoy dune bashing in the slippery sands of the desert, or one can take up their spades and go fossil hunting. Other activities that one can enjoy here are ATV riding, hiking and camping or one can just enjoy the picturesque rocky outcrops of the desert. Don’t forget to carry the picnic baskets.

What adds a cherry to the top of one’s Dubai vacation - watching a movie under the stars on a rooftop and that too for free. The Pyramids Rooftop Complex in the Wafi Mall in Old Dubai has got one covered. It’s a weekly event and takes place every Sunday. So sprawl out and relax on the beanbags that they lay out for every Sunday movie night. One can also carry their own pillows and blankets to cosy up their outdoor cinema experience.

Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world and is housed in the largest mall, which is the Dubai Mall. It has a vast array of marine life and what’s more exciting than getting to view it just from the outside without paying for any combo ticket whatsoever. The aquarium timings are 10 AM - 12 AM. While making plans to visit the aquarium, one can also add a trip to downtown Dubai to their list. It is nearby and here stands the tallest building in the world Burj Khalifa.

Dubai is a cultural hotspot due to its large expat population. Presently, a total of 200 nationalities reside in UAE with a large Asian demographic. South Asian wrestling known as Pehlwani or Kushti is a favourite sport among the Pakistani and Indian expats. For the pehlwans or wrestlers, it is a way of life. Those who want to experience the excitement of a wrestling ring free of cost, they can head over to the Deira Fish market where the competition takes place on a sandy patch just before sunset every Friday. The crowd sits in circular rows as the pehlwans strip down to the bare minimum in their colourful loincloths, and the goal is to tackle and pin one’s opponent to the ground on their back. If the combat lasts for more than twenty minutes, then the referee calls for a tie.

Window-shopping cannot get better than through the most assorted and vibrant marketplaces in Dubai known as Souks in Arabic. The traditional Souks are located in the rapidly evolving Deira which has centuries of trading history with India, Asia and Africa and are a delight to the senses. The most famous souks - the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Perfume Souk, are in close vicinity of each other in Dubai Creek. While a Textile Souk which lies opposite on the bank of Bur Dubai and can be reached through a water taxi. The Gold Souk and the Spice Souk, both a treasure house of exquisite jewellery, gems, stones and spices respectively are the most famous of all.  

Many contemporary Souks have also enriched the experience of Dubai Souks. A walk through the alleyways of Souk Madinat Jumeirah during the nighttime which is built after the style of a traditional Arabian market has its perks. It bustles with activity and music at nightfall, and one can enjoy the many views of Burj Al Arab or boat rides and delicacies at its many fabulous restaurants. Other Souks such as the Ripe Markets which have opened at many places in Dubai are good picnic spots and great places to find organic products.