10 Free Things to Do in Dubai This Weekend
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Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and it’s not hard to see why.
When exploring a new destination, it’s natural you’ll want to eat out and spend your money on activities when you’re not on the beach or exploring the city’s architecture.
But it’s totally possible to do things here without spending a penny.
Here are 10 free things to do in Dubai this weekend that’ll help you save a bit of money.
1) Romantic Getaway at Love Lake
Do you need a romantic getaway? There’s a sight near Al Qudra Lake called “Love Lake” – two intertwined lakes that look like hearts.
During the cooler months, pack a picnic and take a stroll here to enjoy the serenity.
You can reach the lake by going along the D63 route, past the street food truck park, Last Exit. From there, turn right and follow the road that will lead you to Al Qudra Lake.
2) Visit Alskeral Avenue
A place bursting with art galleries, performance spaces, and some wonderful restaurants, Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz is probably one of the hippest and artsiest parts of town.
Formerly an industrial estate, this location has now been transformed into a hive of artistic activity.
It’s an excellent area of Dubai where you can see lots of free exhibitions and stroll through shops for a taste of culture without spending any money.
You’ll also find tons of Insta-worthy spots here and there.
3) Coffee Museum
If you’re a coffee-lover, visiting the Coffee Museum is a great free activity in Dubai.
Coffee fuels Emirati life, so here’s the place to celebrate everything caffeine-related.
On the ground floor, you can discover different roasting techniques and ancient antiquities, while on the upper floor, you can sample coffee while reading about how it affects the body.
4) Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
A paradise for birdwatchers, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.
Many migratory birds inhabit this wetland reserve, including grey herons, flamingos, cormorants, ospreys, and black-winged stilts.
During the week, except on Fridays, visitors can visit three bird hides in the sanctuary for free.
In addition to the bird flocks of the Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, tourists will also see intertidal mudflats, mangroves, and lagoons.
5) Stroll Around Dubai Marina
During the winter, you’ll often spot locals strolling or jogging along the 7 km walkway around Dubai Marina.
While you explore the grounds, you’ll always find peace and quiet.
It’s an easy walk – the trail is flat and loops.
Along the way, you can see a lot of spectacular sights and take plenty of great pictures.
There’s an exclusive feel to the Marina, thanks to the luxury yachts that pass by.
6) The Dubai Fountain
This gorgeous fountain is the tallest and the longest outdoor performance fountain in the world.
If you’re looking for something to do in Dubai this weekend, consider checking out the Dubai Fountain.
Designed by WET, the same company that created the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas, it surges as high as 150 meters.
It’s impossible to miss the awe-inspiring sight of dancing waters as they sway in tune with the music and illuminated by colorful lights.
The Burj Boardwalk gives you front-row views of the fountain show, or you can ride an open boat into the Burj Lake to amp up your experience.
Throughout the day, between 1:00 pm and 11:30 pm, each show lasts for approximately 5 minutes and starts every 30 minutes.
7) Relax on Dubai Beaches
There are some of the finest beaches in the world in Dubai, with clear, sparkling waters and bright sun for almost most of the year.
Beach libraries, skating parks, volleyball courts, running tracks, and volleyball courts are all available on the beaches in Dubai.
Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach, Umm Suqeim Park Beach, Al Mamzar Beach, are some of the most popular beaches in Dubai.
8) Stroll Through Al Fahidi District
Dubai’s golden past can be experienced in the Al Fahidi District, which offers a glimpse of how the city looked before skyscrapers rose up.
The district, also known as Bastakiya, was home to pearl merchants centuries ago and parts of it have been restored to show the way of life in Dubai in 1600.
The Coffee Museum and Etihad Museum are two of the local museums that are worth visiting here.
9) Marvel at the Dubai Canal Waterfall
With a gorgeous cascade of vibrant colors where the waterway meets Sheikh Zayed Road, the Dubai Canal is one of the most stunning developments in the city to come up in the past decade.
Take a moment to bask in the glow of this rainbow lightshow as you boat, jog or simply stroll along the Canal.
10) Dubai Aquarium
The main tank at the Dubai Aquarium is the largest suspended aquarium in the world.
It measures 51 meters in length, 20 meters in width, 11 meters high, and contains 10 million liters of water.
More than 20,000 aquatic species live here, as well as over 350 sharks.
On the ground floor of the Dubai Mall, you can get a good look at the aquarium without purchasing a ticket.
Seeing the aquarium from the outside is still an enjoyable experience, even though it doesn’t make for the same experience as walking through the aquarium tunnel.
