12 Fun and Free Things to do in Dubai

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. 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.

Dubai Aquarium

Dubai Aquarium
Explore the underwater world of the marine life and spectacular fishes at the Dubai Mall. Glassed with the world’s largest acrylic sheet, the huge aquarium is the house to about 30000 marine creatures with around 400 sharks. While strolling across the mall, the view of the aquarium from outside is free. You may need to shed out extra bucks for the complete experience of the aquarium and the underwater zoo but the view from the out is no less stunning.
Aquarium, The Dubai Mall (04 448 5200)
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.
Dubai Fountains
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.
Spice Souq
Lost in the aromatic fragrance of the spices, the Spice Souq in the old city of Deira is surely going to tickle your senses. The narrow valleys and the small shops takes on a journey of Dubai standing quite parallel to today’s cosmopolitan Dubai. The place has in store a number of medicinal herbs, saffron and other spice products. If you want to have a taste of spice, then a visit to the place seems a good way to spend the time. The market opens from 9am till 10 pm from Saturday to Thursday. The timings for Friday are limited from 4pm to 10pm.
Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary
If weary of the malls and city life, then take your kids for a close encounter with the animal world and feel a hand on experience in the blissful world of animals. Nestled with thousand of beautiful bird species, the kids are going to love this special retreat. You can’t take your eyes away from the pink flamingoes playing in the Flamingo hide, the entry to which is free of cost.
www.wildlife.ae Phone: 04 606 6822
Hatta Village
Take an escape from the city and slip into the idyllic world of mountains and a calm serene life. With an ideal historical setting, Hatta village reminisces about the bygone era. It gives you a glimpse of the historical and archaeological sites of Dubai often not much talked about. With a history dated 2000 to 3000 years back, it is a unique experience of its kind. Comprising the historical sites, the place also gives you a glimpse of the traditional world of pearl diving.
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.
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.
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
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.
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 Rd., Phone 971 4 349 6874