From enjoyable days out to beverages that will not cost you a dirham, we've rounded up a few of the very best free activities in Dubai.
10. Roam around an art gallery
Who stated Dubai has no culture? You'll discover a lot of it within the walls of the city's many excellent (and often complementary) art galleries. The best location to begin is Alserkal Opportunity in Al Quoz, a hotbed of imaginative skill. There's constantly an assortment of exhibitions, workshops, lectures and screenings. Another good place for art lovers on a budget is the Al Fahidi Historic Area, home to the charming XVA Gallery (which functions as a boutique hotel) and the Alserkal Cultural Structure.
9. Visit a museum
Dubai has lots of unique (and sometimes simply plain quirky) museums that you can go into free of charge or for extremely little. We love the Dubai Coffee Museum in the Al Fahidi Historic Area, where you can appreciate centuries-old mills, roasters and pots from all over the world. There's a Coin Museum in the exact location, which is worth a wander even if you're not a significant numismatist. Or, if words are more your thing, you can look at a museum dedicated to the poet Al Oqaili, situated in the Al Ras area in Deira-- it's housed in one of the gorgeous heritage houses in Dubai. Naturally, there's likewise the outstanding Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort, which is currently under restoration; however, it generally costs Dhs3 to enter.
8. Hit the beach
Unlike the expensive pay-to-enter hotel beaches, they may not offer a Balearic soundtrack or complimentary sunglasses-cleaning; however, Dubai still has some excellent positive public beaches to take pleasure. The Beach at JBR is a perennial favourite-- though be sure to arrive early to capture the very best patch of sand as it gets hectic. Kite Beach is another gift, named for the kite internet users that regular it. However, if you wish to prevent the crowds, try Secret (or 'Black Palace') Beach-- this spot is a bit trickier to discover; however, you'll be rewarded with uncrowded waters and postcard-worthy views.
7. Take an abra ride across the Creek
We're encouraged this is the best cruise in the city, and it costs just Dhs1. The Creek is the historic heart of Dubai, which when divided the town into two locations: Deira and Bur Dubai. Till the building of Al Maktoum Bridge in 1963-- the very first bridge in Dubai-- the only method to obtain from one side to the other was in a weak little wooden boat called an abra. It's still unquestionably the most fun (and budget-friendly) method throughout.
6. Enjoy the dancing water fountains
It's timeless and for a good reason. The Dubai Fountain is the largest fountain performing excellent watery regimens to Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, etc. The shows happen every half hour in the evenings starting from 6 pm to 11 pm (and up until 11.30 pm on weekends). When it releases on October 22, Palm Water Fountain at The Pointe will take the title for the world's largest water fountain-- you can catch the three-minute efficiency every 30 minutes, from 7 pm to midnight.
5. Have some free fun in the desert
Forget those pricey desert safari plans-- you can have your fun out in the sand. We love the Al Qudra location, which is just a 30-minute drive from the city. You can bring your bike, choose a leisurely cycle around the Al Qudra Cycle Track, or grab a sandboard and carve some dunes. Watch out for the friendly wild oryx and gazelle, too.
4. Go bird-watching free of charge
Why pay money to go to a zoo when there's some unbelievable wildlife right on your doorstep? We are, of course, speaking about the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, located at the mouth of Dubai Creek. While more than 20,000 birds inhabit the sanctuary, it's perhaps most famous for its splendid flock of flamingos. To see them, all you have to do is rock as much as one of 3, seeing hides dotted around the perimeter of the sanctuary. These are open from 7.30 am to 5.30 pm from October to March and 6 am to 6 pm from April to September. The entrance is free, and there are binoculars offered to borrow, too.
3. Take pleasure in a complimentary ladies night
There are many ladies nights in Dubai that you could relatively easily sip your way through the entire week without investing a single dirham. On Tuesdays, choose places at Pier 7 in Dubai Marina. At Atelier M, females get three complimentary drinks and beauty services from 6 pm to midnight. Downstairs, at Mom Zonia, they can get four free drinks and 25 per cent off the food menu at 11 pm and 6 pm. On Wednesdays, head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah, where ladies night deals are available across 11 venues, including complimentary beverages at The Noodle House, Perry & Blackwelder's and Trattoris.
2. There's something for the young boys, too
That's right; the giveaways aren't just for girls-- attempt heading along to a gents' night. On Tuesday nights, McGettigan's in Souk Madinat Jumeirah hosts an 'Auld Fashioned' gents' night, using lads three free drinks when they purchase a Dhs50 food voucher. Not too shabby.
1. Secure free things on your birthday
Did you know there are many dining establishments, bars and tourist attractions around Dubai that wish to treat you on your birthday, with terrific discounts, deals and even giveaways? For example, you can register your date of birth on the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark website and get a free day pass to the epic waterpark.
