15 Free Things To Do in Dubai Today (And Every Other Day)

Living on a budget? We’re here to help you save some dirhams! From awesome laser and fire shows to movie nights, here are 15 completely free things to do in Dubai today, and every other day…

1. Visit a museum

Dubai is home to so many cool museums, and quite a few of them are free to enter! We suggest paying a visit to the Dubai Antique Museum and the Dubai Coffee Museum.

2. Check out the IMAGINE show

If you haven’t already seen the IMAGINE show at Festival City Mall, you’re missing out! There are 2 shows that alternate every hour – Stardancer and A Child’s Dream, and they’re both awesome! Want to check it out? This incredible light, water, laser and fire spectacle takes place daily at Festival Bay.

3. Watch a free movie*

Fancy watching a movie under the stars? We got you covered! There’s only a couple of weeks left before Dubai gets too hot, so try it out while you still can. If you’re going with your mates, check out the outdoor cinema at West 14th every Thursday night at 8pm for some great films. Or if you’re going with your little ones, Dubai Marina Mall screens free films every Friday and Saturday at 5.30pm.

*The movie screenings are seasonal, so please check before you go

4. Join a free fitness class

Want to get fit for free? From free kickboxing in the park to free yoga classes on the beach, there are loads of fitness classes to join Dubai without spending a dirham. We love We Do Active’s free beach yoga classes during the weekend.

5. Hang out with flamingos

Make your way to the Ras Al Khor Wildife Sanctuary, and you’ll be able to meet Dubai’s pink flamingos! Surrounded by greenery, fauna and an awesome view of the Dubai skyline, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve left the city!

6. Go hiking and camping

There are so many great spots for camping in Dubai! If you’re planning on doing both, we suggest heading up to the Jabal Jais mountain in Ras Al Khaimah! Not only is it a great place to hike and camp, but they’ve also got the world’s highest zipline there (but this will come at a price). Here are some of the best camping spots in Dubai.

7. Check out the street art in Dubai

No matter where you go in Dubai, you’ll find some really cool street art in almost every corner! If you haven’t already, you need to check out all of the creative murals in Satwa, Karama, JBR, City Walk and of course, La Mer!

8. Watch the Dubai Fountain show

No matter how many times you go back to watch it, you can never get bored of the Dubai Fountain show! Head to the Dubai Mall promenade to watch the fountains dance along to the sound of the music. From Bollywood hits and K-Pop to old-school classics and Arabic tunes, the fountains will dance to everything!

9. Explore all the souks

Exploring Dubai’s souks is a must, especially when you have visitors in town! The Gold Souk is home to the world’s biggest gold ring. The Spice Souk has plenty of herbs and spices. The Old Souk has some really cool knick knacks and accessories. But wherever you go, make sure you bring a friend who knows how to bargain!

10. Visit Dubai’s art galleries

The art scene in Dubai has been growing bigger and bigger every year, and now there are sooo many awesome art galleries to check out! Check out the art galleries in Bastakiya to see more cultural and traditional artworks, and the galleries in Alserkal Avenue for art with a modern twist.

11. Watch camels racing

Yes, this is actually a thing! Camel racing is a big part of UAE’s culture and heritage, and the Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack is free and open to visitors. Better yet, you can even spot robot jockeys riding the camels!

12. Walk along the Dubai Canal

The Dubai Canal is definitely one of the nicest places to go for a walk or run, especially during sunset. There’s also free Wi-Fi, plug points to charge your phone, benches if you want to chill or watch the boats go by, and 3 really cool bridges!

13. Enjoy free concerts

Out of all the free things to do in Dubai, this is our favourites! Fancy attending a free concert? World-famous artists perform live in Dubai’s clubs almost every weekend, and entry is almost always free! This month alone, we’ve partied with Jeremih, Ginuwine, Tyga, Fat Joe, P.Diddy, The Game, Flo Rida and more!

14. Read a book at Kite Beach 

Calling all bibliophiles. There’s a public beach library at Kite Beach, where you can donate and borrow books for free! So if you’re looking for something new to read, just make your way to Kite Beach and take your pick.

15. Admire the Burj Khalifa light show

Can you ever get enough of watching the epic LED light show on the tallest building in the world? We definitely can’t! Just make your way to anywhere in Downtown Dubai, sit back and watch as the Burj Khalifa lights up.

Read more: Check out these free beaches in Dubai, or here are 5 cool things to do in Old Dubai for under AED 5!