14 absolutely free things to do in Dubai

The Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is a haven for birdwatchers. This wetland reserve is home to many migratory birds like the grey heron, flamingoes, cormorant, osprey, and black-winged stilts, among others. There are 3 bird hides in the sanctuary, free for the public from 9.00am to 4.00pm except on Fridays. A visit to the Ras Al Khor Wildlife sanctuary also features salt flats, intertidal mudflats, mangroves, and lagoons - adding to the beauty of the birds flocking in their natural habitat.

This is museum-cum-shop-come-shrine to all things coffee is located in the cultural neighbourhood of Al Fahidi and tells the history of coffee, alongside an impressive collection of coffee-related artifacts, including a 300-year-old coffee pot! Grab a cuppa and browse through numerous books about coffee, old examples of coffee advertising, and enjoy a few roasting demonstrations which lends the museum its lovely aroma. Entry is free but we're fairly certain you won't leave without a cup of coffee or even some coffee beans to take back home.

Art lovers in Dubai, you absolutely cannot miss the AlSerkal Avenue in the very heart of the city. Once an industrial area, now an electic display of Dubai's diverse cultural scene - the AlSerkal Avenue comprises around 40 warehouses, converted into galleries, dance studios, artisanal cafés and more. In this budding art hub, the Al Quoz Gallery is free to enter and flaunts a beautiful display of contemporary artwork, as well as seasonal events and open-air community days. There are many pop-up shops, concept spaces and quaint cafes in the vicinity, giving you plenty to explore for hours together.

The dazzling Dubai Fountain is the tallest performing fountain in the world! Designed by California-based WET, the creators of the Fountains of Bellagio in Las Vegas, the Dubai Fountain surges as high as 150 meters and is a one of the best free things to do in Dubai. As the dancing waters sway in tune with the music in the accompaniment of colorful lights, you would be left awestruck. The Dubai Fountain is located in the Burj Lake, overlooking the towering Burj Khalifa. To amp up your experience, you can take an abra ride into the Burj Lake or buy tickets for the Burj Boardwalk that gives you front-row seats to the fountain show. Each show lasts for about 5 minutes and starts at an interval of 30 minutes throughout the day, from 1:00 pm to 11:30 pm.

The Ripe Food & Craft Market is an outdoor market with an abundance of dining options, fresh produce by the crate-load and live entertainment every Friday and Saturday at a range of venues in Dubai. This market has something for everyone - local produce, unique toys, take-home gifts, workshops, live music, fitness classes, educational activities, horse riding and even a petting zoo for the kids. The Ripe Markets also have pop-up events that occur throughout the year at various different locations. It's a great free thing to do in Dubai, as you don't have to spend a penny (provided you can curb your temptation while window shopping). Simply amble about, relax and enjoy the free performances while you're here.

While Dubai has a mall around every other corner, the city also has a number of souqs, meandering through tiny alleys in the older parts of the city. From spice souqs to gold souqs and even a whole souq dedicated to perfumes, these traditional markets top the list of free things to do in Dubai. Wandering through the lanes of these souqs transport you to the past and gives one a fascinating slice of history well preserved and chockfull of culture and traditions. They are bustling, vibrant, raw and if you are lucky (and bargain well), you might just get your hands on a rare find for an unbeatable price.

Located in the middle of an arid desert, Al Qudra has a lake and lush green area, ideal for barbequing, camping, cycling, bird watching a whole host of things that bring you close to nature, and away from the hustle of Dubai. You can find a spot you like anywhere, pitch a tent and spend a night under the starlit sky. There are fire pits and washrooms, an added luxury in the wild.

The Love Lakes at Al Qudra is also a nearby spot, considered one of the top romantic spots in the city. The two giant lakes take the shape of intertwining hearts and trees planted around spells out the word 'love'. The fauna here is diverse - from ducks, flamingoes, eagles, swans, and falcons, among many other birds. The flora is awe-inspiring too, with a vibrant collection of flowers, plants, and trees including red begonia, hundreds of thousands of shrub varieties plus over 16000 trees comprising side, olives and plenty of desert staple ghaf.

Dubai has some of the best, free beaches in the world - calm sparkling waters, clean white shores and the Arabian sun shining bright for most of the year. The beaches in Dubai are very well-equipped with running tracks, volleyball courts, skate parks and even beach libraries! Some of the most famous beaches in Dubai include JBR beach, Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach, Umm Suqeim Park Beach and Al Mamzar Beach.

For a glimpse of how Dubai looked before the rise of skyscrapers, head to the Al Fahidi District for a feel of the city's glorious past. Also commonly called Bastakiya, this historic district preserves ancient buildings that once belonged to pearl merchants and has restored certain parts to show how life in Dubai was back in 1600. There are many museums in the vicinity - notable ones being the Coffee Museum and Etihad Museum (entry here costs a modest AED 10). The textile souk in here is a must visit and grabbing a bite and some tea from the Arabian Tea House Cafe is highly recommended.

Adjacent to Al Fahidi District, stands Al Seef, another recently restored and developed heritage area seeped in Emirati culture and history. Here you'll see traditions combined with modern designs, showcasing the city's blend between its proud past and bright future. One half is adorned in traditional architecture with mud-colored buildings complete with arches and romantic wind towers. Fishing nets placed along the waterfront promenade are a nod to Dubai’s fishing heritage. Walk a little further and the architecture evolves into sleek and modern shipping container like buildings. Al Seef has many open-air floating markets and creekside pontoons hosting regional crafts and textiles, Emirati art spaces and pop-ups dedicated to local cuisine. During winters, you'll find several outdoor events, festivals and live entertainment hosted in the district. Don't miss out on the Museum of Illusions while you're here, especially if you're visiting with kids.

With its edgy vibe, millennial outlook and an array of trendy restaurants, La Mer Dubai brings on a platter the best of sun, sea, entertainment and adventure.. You can hit up the La Mer beach for free or simply take a long stroll around the area while admiring its colourful walls and graffiti around every corner. La Mer is undoubtedly one of the most Instagrammable spots in UAE with plenty of fun photo ops. This beachside neighbourhood has a surf park, trampoline park, cinema, gymnasium and 130 establishments in the form of café’s, shops and restaurants. The Laguna Waterpark is a huge hit, especially during summers. It also happens to have the cheapest entry fee among all waterparks in Dubai .

Deep in the desert sands of Dubai, the Al Marmoom Camel Race Track is a modern day version of the old tradition of camel racing. The sport is a favourite pastime among locals and if a must visit for a first timer in Dubai. Watch 60 camels flood from the gates, legs flying in all directions, making their way as fast as they can down the track. Make sure to carry binoculars for a good view from the grandstands. This race track is based at the Dubai Camel Racing Club which also happens to be next to the camel hospital and camel laboratory. Get there early and you’ll have the opportunity to pet the camels and take photos with them before they compete. Entry and parking are both free to the Al Marmoom track.

There are very few places where horse racing can be experienced for free, and Dubai is one of them! For more than 5 months of the year, horseracing events take place at the Meydan Racecourse and culminate in the richest race day in the world, i.e. the Dubai World Cup. While the World Cup tickets are not free, you can visit Meydan racecourse on other days and watch horse racing for absolutely free. The free admission area gives access to a limited section within the Meydan Grandstand, boasting excellent views.

The 10-million litre Dubai Aquarium tank is the largest suspended aquarium in the world and the main tank measures 51 metres in length, 20 metres in width and 11 metres in height. It is home to more than 30,000 marine life and more than 400 sharks. You wouldn't think the world's largest aquarium can be viewed for free, but it's true! You can catch a wholesome glimpse of the Dubai Aquarium for free from the Ground Floor of the Dubai Mall. While it doesn't make for the experience of walking through the aquarium tunnel, catching a glimpse from outside is a treat in itself.

On a golden strip of desert, 37 miles from Dubai stands the desolate ghost village of Al Madam, lost in sand and engulfed by the dunes. 2 rows of colorful houses with rusty iron gates and an old mosque at the end, there is something poetic yet eerie in the sand speckled breeze here. Step into the small houses and you're welcomed by colorful blue and green rooms decorated with ceramic tiles and wallpapers - not to forget the piles of sand that stretch halfway up the walls and a scorpion or two nestled comfortably. The settlement is believed to have been built in the 1970s or ’80s and inhabited by the local Al Kutbi tribe. It was abandoned not long afterward. Today this lost hamlet is referred to as the “old village,” “ghost village,” or “buried village” of Al Madam. Not a soul remains to tell its story, but Al Madam is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for thrill-seeking emiratis.