From beaches and desert sunsets to hidden gems and scenic walks, there are plenty of free things to do outdoors in Dubai to keep you busy.
Waiting for payday? You don’t need a big budget to get out and explore Dubai. From wandering through historic neighbourhoods and spotting wildlife to catching a sunset in the desert, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the city without opening your wallet.
Here are 24 brilliant free things to do outdoors in Dubai
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Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Free museums in Al Fahidi
Al Seef Dubai
This vibrant waterfront destination along Dubai Creek blends the city’s rich heritage with modern dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
Stunning Dubai architecture
A metro ride or drive down Sheikh Zayed Road will instantly make you think of Dubai as the concrete jungle of the Middle East
Museum of the Future
It has been described as the most beautiful building in the world, and it’s absolutely free to admire from outside. Sheikh Mohammed’s Win Victory, Love sculpture is just as popular with tourists queuing up for photos.
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Love spotting birds? Here you will find 20,000 birds of 67 species inhabit the area, including flocks of flamingos…
Dubai beaches
There are free beaches in Dubai where you can splash in the water, soak in some sun or build sand castles with the little ones.
Hatta Sustainable Waterfall
Popular Hatta latest attraction is the sustainable waterfall featuring a beautiful mural of the founding fathers of the UAE
Dubai Island Beach
Want to enjoy something free with your pet? Head to Dubai Island Beach for a fun day out.
Alserkal Avenue
Al Serkal Avenue
Dubai desert
No surprises here. If you’re new to Dubai, head out to the desert with mates with a 4×4 and enjoy the dunes.
Dubai Festival City Imagine Show
Love Lakes Dubai
Image: What’s On Archive
Karama Street Art
There are murals and artworks dotted throughout the city, so if you’re an art fan, keep your eyes open for them.
Hiking in Dubai
Love hiking? Head one of Dubai’s very many hiking trails with the right equiptment for a day of fun.
Here are 24 free things you can do in Dubai
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
One of the best free things to do in Dubai is head to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Home to traditional wind towers constructed from stone, teak, gypsum, palm wood and sandalwood, each alley, twisting pathway and breezy tower tells a story of a life before the seven emirates.
Al Seef Dubai
Charge up the camera (or your phone) and head to Al Seef in Old Dubai, which offers amazing views of the Dubai Creek, traditional dhows and old architecture. The project has been designed to bring to life the traditional Emirati culture that underpins Dubai’s iconic heritage – so it’s a must-visit.
Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue is a haven for art lovers, culture vultures and foodies. You can visit for the cool vibes alone, and for a fee, there’s Cinema Akil showcasing foreign films and The Junction, where theatre fans get together to watch plays put together by local actors.
The cool neighbourhood is also home to Dubai’s first-ever Japanese handroll bar, Kokoro; Nightjar Coffee Roasters; zero-waste upcycle cafe – Kave; the newly opened Window; and many more.
Dubai Canal and Waterfall
Did you know there is a waterfall on Sheikh Zayed Road? That’s right, the bridge that runs over the canal as part of Sheikh Zayed Road has a flowing waterfall cascading from it. The man-made canal opened up in 2016 and is a 3.2km long waterway that extends from the Creek in Old Dubai through Business Bay before finding its way back to the Arabian Gulf. The waterfall is made up of 80 water pumps, and it will be sensor-based so that it can turn off when boats float by underneath it. For the best view, head here at night to catch the waterfall decked out in coloured lights.
Dubai Islands Beach
Want to include your pet in your ‘dirham-free adventures in Dubai’? Head to Dubai Islands Beach for its pristine shoreline that is also dog-friendly. Your pets will be able to frolic, play and swim in the ocean to their heart’s desire, making this beach one of the only spots in the city where dogs can swim in Dubai’s crystal-clear waters. Bliss.
@dubaiislandsbeach
Expo City Dubai
Over the cooler season, Expo City Dubai is a stunning place just to have a casual stroll. During Expo 2020 Dubai, over 24 million visitors walked these very grounds, and if you were one of them, a walk here will bring back plenty of memories.
Al Wasl Plaza, aka the magical dome, will forever be the beating heart of Expo City and no matter what, you won’t be able to leave without getting another snap.
@expocitydubai
Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain at Dubai Mall is possibly one of the most popular attractions in the city, and the best news is it’s absolutely free. For the moment, there’s an update worth knowing – Dubai Fountain shows have resumed following a short pause, with a quieter presentation in place during the emirate’s official mourning period.
You can also catch….
The Imagine Show at Dubai Festival City
If you want something more than a dancing fountain, check out the Imagine Show at Dubai Festival City. The show has earned two Guinness World Records and includes lasers, light, fire and water to tell remarkable, emotive stories. And it’s absolutely free for you to catch.
Call ahead before heading over for show timings.
Love Lake – Al Qudra
Perhaps the most well-known man-made lakes in Dubai, the interlocking hearts of the Love Lakes have garnered plenty of interest and visitors since they were first revealed. The Love Lakes can be found in Al Qudra Oasis and are best seen from an aerial view. On land, whether you’re picnicking, walking or taking in the sunset, it’s certainly a wonderful UAE nature spot to do it in. Nearby at Al Qudra Lakes, you’ll find plenty of flamingos, ducks and swans.
*Your guide to doing outdoor date ‘days’ the right way in Dubai*
Museum of the Future (outside)
It has been described as the most beautiful building in the world, and while you need a ticket to visit the seven floors inside, it’s absolutely free to admire from outside.
You will find plenty of residents and tourists trying to get that perfect snap against the backdrop of the eye-shaped building, but you will also find plenty more in front of the Win-Victory-Love sculpture. This hand sign was coined by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, back in 2013 and has become a trademark gesture for many UAE citizens and residents and symbolises work ethic, success and love of the nation. It is also most commonly referred to as Sheikh Mohammed’s three-finger salute.
@museumofthefuture
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is located just a drive away from Dubai Mall and is home to more than 20,000 birds of 67 species inhabiting the area, including flocks of flamingos. To see them, head to one of three viewing hides dotted around the perimeter of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is free to enter and opening timings vary from season to season.
Riverland
Head with the family to Riverland Dubai for a storybook-like setting. Here, cobbled streets, themed zones, and picturesque bridges come together, taking you on a trip through time. Entry is free, and you can stroll along the waterfront, soak in the atmosphere and maybe catch live street performances.
@riverlanddubai
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah has long been a go-to destination for visitors to Dubai and residents for its bejewelled waterways, stunning views and excellent roster of restaurants. The beautiful attraction includes a maze of shops and stalls in the winding walkways you can explore before you visit the waterways. Don’t miss checking out the unobstructed views of the Burj Al Arab. It’s possibly one of the best free things to do in Dubai, so don’t skip it.
The sustainable waterfall in Hatta
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, Hatta is home to picturesque mountain views and fun activities. And if you think you’ve seen it all, think again because Hatta is now home to a gorgeous new attraction, the sustainable waterfall. It also features a beautiful mural of the founding fathers of the UAE. The world’s largest mosaic artwork, spanning some 2,198.7 square metres, recreates a historical photograph of the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. You can read more about this fab attraction here.
The Viewing Point
Looking to admire the city skyline? Head to The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour, an eye-catching walkway spanning 70 metres over Dubai Creek. With a 26-metre cantilever that projects you out onto the water, it provides viewers with a completely unobstructed view across the creek towards Downtown Dubai. For unobstructed sunset views (aka, other people posing for their next ‘Gram photo), nab a spot early.
Wings of Mexico
You may have a snap of this beauty already on your Instagram grid, as it’s been in Dubai since 2018. Called ‘Wings of Mexico’, this sculpture by Jorge Marin shows the possibilities of human creation and interaction. The wings celebrate victory, dreams and human potential. If you haven’t seen it yet, head on down for your next most-liked ‘Gram photo, but don’t forget to take in the amazing detail work on the wings. There might be a line, but it’s free and totally worth the wait.
Lovely murals
Some galleries offer up a charge for their art exhibitions, but there’s plenty you can scope out for free without the need to get out of your car. In Karama (above), you can spot these gorgeous paintings on residential buildings. There are several other murals around the city where artists have added their splash of colour, including Satwa, JBR, and DIFC.
*From street art to sculpture parks: how Dubai is becoming an open-air gallery*
Golden dunes
Beautiful skyscrapers line the streets of Dubai but remember, this city is built in a desert and there’s plenty of it to explore. The closest desert to Dubai is located less than an hour’s drive away in Al Qudra. For more adventure, pack the sandboard for some fun on the dunes. For family time, pack up a picnic basket. This cool spot is also home to Al Qudra Heart Lakes and Al Qudra Cycle Track. There’s even wildlife you can watch out for. Find it here.
Visit a free beach
Dubai has some pretty great beaches you can enjoy for free without the need to pay to get a beach pass. Pack up the spare clothes, towel and mat and head to options such as The Beach at JBR (a perennial favourite) and Kite Beach. Speaking of beaches…
Swim under the stars
Dubai has beaches where you can go swimming at night. Located in Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3 and Umm Suqeim 1, these 800-metre stretches of shore have been fitted with lighting systems and safety enhancements that allow for 24-hour swimming.
Catch a free sunset
Want to chase a few golden hours without melting or spending? Head to Palm Jumeirah Walkway (West). The sunset here never disappoints, and you’ll also have a clear view of the iconic Burj Al Arab.
Running (and jogging) tracks
Running is quite popular and is one of the top free things to do in Dubai for fitness fans. Thankfully, there are plenty of running tracks available around the city which will make things a bit easier on your feet. For some sea breeze as you run along, head to Mamzar Beach running track or if you want some greenery, try the pond park in Al Barsha. The great news is that if you get bored, you can always change your track without it having to cost a fil.
Cycling tracks
The UAE is on the path to increasing the number of tracks for cycling and there are several available all over Dubai. The Al Qudra cycle route is almost 230km long and if you’re lucky, you may even catch the local wildlife, including gazelles. If you want Dubai skyline views as you ride, head to Nad Al Sheba – the cycling path is located near the Meydan racecourse and offers brilliant views of Downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. Parks in Dubai include cycling paths as well, such as Al Barsha Park and Mushrif Park. You can even cycle at the 12km cycling track at Dubai Water Canal and in Hatta – which is now home to the longest mountain trails in the UAE. Check out our guide to cycling in the UAE.
Speaking of cycling. You can also ride across the…
Sheikh Zayed Road Cycling Bridge
The 3.5km track that links Dubai Internet City and Dubao Hills opened over the summer. It crosses the Sheikh Zayed Road offering some pretty cool views. It’s free to use and definitely one for the cycling fans.
Images: Getty Images and supplied
