Dubai is a place of wonder and magic alluring tourists in its charm. Emerging as a global tourist and commercial hub, the place has much more to offer than expensive brands and vivacious lifestyle. It is rightly said there are certain joys, fun and thrills which come free of cost. Dubai holds a reputation for over-the-top luxury, and it seems hard to believe that there are 'free things' to do in Dubai. However, believe it or not, there are indeed plenty of free things to do in Dubai.
So, what can you do in Dubai for free?
Let's quickly glance at a list of things which can make your visit a worth, without a burden on your pockets. So, let's start with the fun on the go.
Here goes the list of free places to visit and free things to do in Dubai:
Meydan Racecourse
Luring tourists across the globe, Dubai Horse Racing is one of the most alluring attraction of the place and the horse racing world cup is the most awaited and expensive event of the year. Dubai organizes the world's richest race in the entire globe fascinating many celebrities to come and watch this mega event. Nad Al Sheba is one of the best racecourses in the world equipped with many leisure and recreational facilities like lounges and restaurants. The entry to the racecourse is free and gives an access to view one of the most exotic events of its kind.
http://www.dubairacingclub.com/
Walk on the beautiful promenade of the man-made lake at the Dubai Mall and enjoy the subtle blissful moments. Showcasing an elegant class and style, the Dubai Mall Fountains epitomizes architectural geniuses and magnificence. The fountains exhibit a technical show of grandeur and opulence like never before. The spectacular lighting and music add to the charismatic charm of the fountains. Take out some moments and enjoy the show for free.
Timings: 1:00pm and 1:30pm(Saturday to Thursday), 1:30pm and 2pm (Fridays)
Evening Shows: 6pm to 11pm daily (runs at every 30 minutes interval)
Location: Fountains, Dubai Mall
Majlis Gallery
If you have an aesthetic art sense, then land at the Majlis art gallery. With a cluster of beautiful work of art from various renowned international artists clubbed together, the gallery is an ultimate experience for art lovers. Founded in 1989, it also accumulates pottery and other hand-crafted items. The entry to the gallery is free and you can spend some splendid moments at the place.
Website: http://www.themajlisgallery.com/
Winter Timings: 10 am -6pm Saturday –Thursday.
Summer Timings: 10 am -2pm Saturday –Thursday.
Location: Al Musalla Roundabout, Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai
Tel: +971 4 3536233
E-mail: [email protected]
Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
If you are weary of the malls and city life, then take your kids for a close encounter with the animal world and get a hands-on experience in the blissful world of animals. Nestled with thousands of beautiful bird species, the kids are going to love this special retreat. You can’t take your eyes away from the pink flamingos playing in the Flamingo hide, the entry to the reserve is absolutely free of cost.
Website: www.rasalkhorwildlife.ae
Phone: 04 606 6822
Timing: Winter (Oct to March) – 7.30am to 5.30pm;
Summer (April – Sept) – 6am to 6pm.
Mamzar Beach
Enjoy a fun filled day at the beach with the kids and see them playing in the waters and making sand castles. The Mamzar open beach is a perfect idea for the beach lovers to go and bask in the sun on a bright sunny morning or relax on the sands on cozy evenings. Do not forget to carry the kids beach play set and let them have a blast shoveling off the sand, filling buckets or just throwing the sands at each other. If you love to swim, then having a dip in the waters is also a bang on idea. And, as you know, there are no expenses involved in a visit to the beach, and it is pure fun.
Location: Al Mamzar Al Khaleej Rd, Al Mamzar, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Timing: It is open to public round the clock.
Jumeirah Open Beach
Jumeirah Open Beach is one of the beach parks that is different from other beaches. It is known for its name and is open to public round-the-clock. The park stretches over an area of about five hectares and a kilometre in length on a beautiful sand beach. It has several facilities including seats with sunshades, swimming pools, rescue services, fields for sand football, jogging lane, beach volleyball, bicycle lane, children’s games area, cafeteria, and public utilities.
Location: The beach is located in the first Jumeirah area along the seaside.
Timing: Open to public round-the-clock
Camel Racing
Exhibiting the culture and traditions of the UAE, the camel racing is organized every year between the months of September to April. It witnesses the relevance of this age old traditional practice of the camel racing. The sport is taken in high regard and showcases highly trained camels from all over the Middle East. The admission is free for watching the race and is worth an experience.
Location: Al Marmoum Camel Racetrack, Dubai Al Ain Rd
Phone: +971 4 832 6526
The Jumeirah Archaeological Site
Unravel the mystery of the past and delve into the historical oceans at the Jumeirah Archaeological Site. With hundreds of tourists and visitors flocking to visit the place, this place has in store some rich historical ruins and treasures narrating the story of the Ancient Dubai. You can visit the Jumeirah Archaeological site for free but a prior permission has to be received from the Dubai Museum’s management for visiting the place. It is open from 9am to 2:30pm (Sunday to Thursday).
Location: Jumeirah2 between Jumeirah and Al Wasl Road
Phone 971 4 349 6874
Timing: 9am to 2.30pm
IMAGINE show at Dubai Festival City
IMAGINE at the Dubai Festival City is one of the best free attractions in Dubai that regularly runs through the week, with some great performances on special occasions. Irrespective of whether it is the Game of Thrones spectacular, or the original production of A Child’s Dream, you are sure to find something sensational here. What’s more it is completely free to see.
Website: www.dubaifestivalcity.com
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
There is nothing more relaxing than gazing at some fish serenely swimming around. If you are on the skint side, you don’t have to go into Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo to see them. You will get a decent view from inside ‘The Dubai Mall’. Do not miss the sight of the sight of rare endangered sawfish. They are educational, fun and free.
Location: The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
Timing: Sun to Wed: 10am to 11pm
Thu to Sat: 10am to midnight
Phone: 448 5200
JBR THE WALK
Attracting the residents and the tourists alike with its aura and class, JBR The Walk is the ultimate destination to check out the luxury and class of Dubai. With a cluster of over 300 cafes, shops, restaurants and top notch brands, this 1.7km pavement area is a perfect place to take a stroll on an ideal day. The fast running luxury on wheels: Ferrari's, Porsche's, Maserati’s echoes the opulence of The Walk. Not too far from the place is the Jumeirah Beach Residence Open Beach so a plan to slip to the beach side also sounds good.
Madinat Jumeirah
Designed in line with beautiful Arabian architecture, you surely can't take your eyes off from this elegant and stylish five star hotel. With the beautiful lake and the mesmerizing setting, the place is nothing less than an epitome of class. The Souq Madinat Jumeirah offers free visit to the visitors with the terrace giving a majestic view of the towering Burj al Arab.
