Dubai on a budget: what’s free and affordable?

In a city bustling with luxurious resorts, fine dining restaurants and designer boutiques, it is a popular misconception that a budget-conscious trip to Dubai may be out of reach. Fortunately, in Dubai you can find competitive deals on hospitality, pampering, shopping and dining. There are a whole host of free and affordable options available to help you make the most out of your visit.

Transport and getting around

• The most affordable way to get around, Dubai Metro and the Dubai Tram are the city’s fully-automated railway systems, connecting Dubai International Airport (DXB) terminals one and three with iconic landmarks like Dubai Mall, Deira Gold Souk, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Palm Jumeirah and more. Dubai Metro and Tram tickets start from Dhs3 for a journey within one zone.
• Dubai’s cycling scene continues to gain momentum in tandem with the city’s improving cycling infrastructure, making it an ideal location for leisurely rides. You can hire a Careem Bike from stations and locations across Dubai. A one-day pass with unlimited trips for 24 hours starts from Dhs20, with bookings made via the Careem app.
• A time saving and cost-effective way to see Dubai’s top attractions and areas is by taking a hop on, hop off bus tour. City Sightseeing offers two daytime routes and a sunset and night tour, with tickets valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Old Dubai and the Creek

• Old Dubai is one of the city’s most important historical landmarks. Here, you can see what life in Dubai was like during the time of trade, when the Dubai Creek was the lifeline of the whole city.
• Get in touch with Dubai’s heritage by taking an abra trip along Dubai Creek. These traditional boats cross the waters every day and there are four stations dotted along Bur Dubai to Deira, where you can pay as little as Dhs1 for a short one-way journey. If you want to see even more of the city by boat, book a dhow cruise to venture further down the Creek.
• Dubai’s traditional souk markets – the Textile Souk, Spice Souk, Gold Souk, and Perfume Souk – offer a quintessential Arabian shopping experience, blending history and modernity. Visitors can enjoy free sights like the vibrant displays, aromatic spices, and the bustling market atmosphere, making it a memorable cultural experience.
• Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, located in Bur Dubai, is one of the oldest heritage sites in the city. Offering a glimpse into Dubai’s past, it’s known for its traditional wind-tower houses, narrow alleyways, and courtyards, which visitors are free to explore. The neighbourhood is a must-visit for those interested in understanding Dubai’s rich heritage and traditional way of life.
• Set along the historic waters of the Creek, Al Shindagha Museum promises visitors a fascinating insight into the rich past of the UAE, split into several exhibition houses. Entry costs Dhs50 for adults and Dhs20 for students, when booked online.
• Located at Dubai Creek Harbour, The Viewing Point offers panoramic views of the Creek, with a stunning skyline backdrop. Open all hours, the free-to-enter structure is a 70m walkway projecting 26 metres over the water and 11.65 metres above it, offering unobstructed views of both the Creek and Downtown.
• Al Seef is making its mark on Dubai’s heritage district as a home to a myriad of shopping concepts throughout the open-air market, as well as a collection of epicurean delights. Located near the Creek, the 2.5 million square foot development includes a distinct heritage area featuring old architecture, which then blends into contemporary structures.

Attractions and landmarks

• No trip to Dubai is complete without experiencing the architectural engineering feats that make the city what it is today. Downtown Dubai is a lively hub of activity and home to the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, and one of the world’s tallest dancing water fountains. You can appreciate the scale of the tower for free at the base, set to the backdrop of The Dubai Fountain’s choreographed water jets as they put on a dazzling display from 5.45pm to 11.30pm. Should you want to enhance your experience of the display, you can book a Dubai Fountain Lake Ride for Dhs65 per person.
• Dubai Mall, located next to Burj Khalifa, has several attractions that visitors can enjoy without any cost. Located inside the mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo offers a free viewing area where you can see a variety of marine life. Dubai Mall also hosts various art installations and exhibitions that are free to view.
• If you’re visiting Dubai Mall, take a break from the retail therapy to step out onto the ice. The Dubai Ice Rink is a winter wonderland at the heart of the mall and whether you’re an expert skater or a complete beginner, you’re sure to have a blast. Tickets start from around Dhs90 for 90 minutes on the ice.
• At 150m tall and 93m wide with a bridge connecting the two towers, Dubai Frame has become one of Dubai’s most famous attractions since opening in 2018 – and its location in Zabeel Park offers unrivalled panoramic views of the city. Telling the story of old, present and future Dubai, entry costs Dhs50 for adults and Dhs20 for children.
• Taking place every evening and free to attend, IMAGINE in Dubai Festival City is one of Dubai’s most impressive shows. The attraction combines lasers, fountains and surround sound for a truly unforgettable experience.
• Located in the industrial area of Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue is the region’s foremost arts and culture hub. What was once an enormous marble factory has now been transformed into a network of warehouses that are home to creative spaces, top contemporary galleries, a private museum and even a local chocolate factory. Alserkal Avenue is free to visit, but some events will have an entry charge.
• At Al Marmoom Camel Race Track in the Dubai desert, located next to Al Marmoom Heritage Village and the Al Lisaili area, you can find a modern-day version of the traditional sport of camel racing. A pastime that originated in the region, it still has a whole community of avid local followers. Trainers and owners follow in 4X4s, controlling the robot jockeys atop each camel by remote. Dubai Camel Racing Club season is held from October to April and entry is free.
• At 219.5m above ground, Sky Views Dubai boasts stunning perspectives of Downtown Dubai and the city skyline. Perched atop the Address Sky View hotel, this architectural marvel comprises three distinct offerings for unforgettable sightseeing escapades – the Observatory, Glass Slide and Edge Walk. For Dhs80, thrill-seekers can enjoy panoramic views from the 52nd floor at the Observatory, and glide down the spectacular Glass Slide from level 53 to 52.

Culture and museums

• Dubai’s iconic Jumeirah Mosque welcomes visitors of all faiths to admire the surroundings and learn about local culture. Representatives are on hand to conduct guided tours and offer visitors an opportunity to learn more about the Emirati way of life. Open from Saturday to Thursday, guided visits are held at 10am and 2pm. Entry costs Dhs40, including light refreshments.
• Showcasing the history of the UAE, the Etihad Museum on Jumeirah Road features pavilions that cover key moments that led to the founding of the nation on 2 December 1971. The museum includes a documentary about the UAE’s past and an interactive map and timeline illustrating the area before the formation, the unification process, creation of the constitution, and subsequent declaration of the Union. Entry costs Dhs25 for adults and Dhs10 for students, when booked online.
• Jameel Arts Centre is an urban space dedicated to exhibiting modern and contemporary art from local and international artists. Located on Jaddaf Waterfront, close to Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Dubai Festival City, Jameel Arts Centre is open-access and free for all. Visitors are requested to register or check in upon arrival.
• Free to enter, the Coffee Museum at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a great option if you want authentic coffee, featuring Ethiopian, Egyptian and Emirati styles of live brewing, alongside traditional decor and seating as well.
• Nestled along Dubai Creek and designed in the shape of a traditional Islamic lectern, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is the largest in the region. Free to enter, the state-of-the-art facility is home to more than one million titles in both physical and digital forms and consists of study rooms, exhibit spaces, a bookstore and a theatre.
• Opened in 2019, the Quranic Park offers insights into the Holy Qur’an and enhances awareness of the Islamic values of peace, love and tolerance. Spread over 64 hectares, the park has four main sections – the Cave of Miracles, Glass House, the Lake, and Orchards – and features 51 types of plants mentioned in the Holy Qur’an. The park is free to enter for the public, but the Cave of Miracles and Glass House have an entry fee of Dhs5 per person.

 Public beaches

• Dubai is home to several public beaches that are fantastic for a fun day out. Whether sunbathing, taking a dip in the Arabian Gulf or playing an activity on the sand – Dubai’s beaches offer many activities that are free or reasonably cheap.
• Known for its wide range of activities, Kite Beach in Umm Suqeim is one of the city’s most popular spots with various activities, cafés, and a dedicated cycling and jogging track. SOLE MIO, located at Kite Beach, is an affordable beach club option for families. Regular beach passes for adults cost Dhs120 and includes beach access, a beach umbrella, a lounger, and towels. Kids under 12 years old can enter for free, without a lounger, while entry including a lounger and towel costs Dhs80.
• Spread over 106 hectares in the north of the emirate, Al Mamzar Beach Park is home to five pristine beaches and three stunning pools. Walk-in entry costs Dhs5 and car entry is Dhs30. For an extra cost, visitors can also hire a jet ski or book a private, air-conditioned beach chalet.
• A popular spot thanks to its welcoming waters and clean stretch of sand, Jumeirah Public Beach is also one of only a few beaches in Dubai where you can go swimming at night as well as during the day.
• With a promenade full of hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and attractions, The Beach at JBR has it all. Free to visit, this is a great place for sunbathing and swimming.
• Ideal for those looking to capture the iconic Jumeirah Burj Al Arab in their holiday photos, Sunset Beach in Umm Suqeim is a free public beach that offers a relaxed environment, watersports, seaside eats and nightswimming.

Parks, nature and walking areas

• Dubai has a variety of public parks that cater to families and individuals seeking outdoor recreation. Popular options, which have a nominal entrance fee, include Creek Park (Dhs5 per person), Al Mamzar Beach Park (Dhs5 per person), and Zabeel Park (Dhs5 per person). Many of Dubai’s best parks feature a range of activities including children’s play areas, boating lakes, swimming pools, and cycle paths.
• At Mushrif Park visitors can discover 20km of mountain bike trails, which wind their way through a scenic natural setting. The first track of its kind in Dubai, there are multiple routes of varying difficulty levels. While the trails are free to use, there’s a nominal fee of Dhs3 per person for park entry. Cyclists can bring their own gear or pay for rentals on-site. Mushrif Park is also home to tree-top adventure course Aventura Parks, where the active and adventurous can swing from branches and zipline across 80 exciting challenges. Entry from Dhs195.
• Just a 90-minute drive from downtown Dubai is Hatta – a mountain conservation reserve and an enclave of Dubai nestled amid the majestic Hajar Mountains. Extending for 700 kilometres, it is the highest mountain range in the eastern Arabian Peninsula and separates the UAE from Oman. Visitors can explore the region’s rich culture at the Hatta Heritage Village, which is free to enter, while outdoor activities for the adventurous include hiking and walking.
• Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary provides a unique opportunity to explore nature and wildlife in a spot so close to the city. Translating to the ‘Cape of the Creek’, the wetlands serve as a breeding ground for mammals, crustaceans and fish, with more than 20,000 water birds from 67 species – but it is the flamingos that steal the show during the winter. The wildlife features a combination of salt flats, mangroves, and lagoons, and is home to 450 species of flora and fauna. There are three bird reserves located on the perimeter of the sanctuary which are free for the public to access during set daylight hours.
• Al Qudra Lakes, a hidden oasis in the vast Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, is home to a series of manmade lakes spread across 10 hectares of Dubai’s Saih Al Salam Desert landscape. Here, you can spot wildlife in their natural habitats, from desert foxes to oryx or 170 species of bird that live around the lakes including flamingos, swans and several migratory birds. The latest addition to the man-made cluster of lagoons is the Love Lake, carved in the form of two hearts entwined together.
• Al Barsha Pond Park is a fantastic destination for families looking for a fun and free activity in Dubai. The park boasts a large pond with beautiful fountains and plenty of open green spaces for picnics and games. Children can enjoy the playgrounds, which are ideal for all age groups and feature swings, slides, and climbing equipment. Parents can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the walking paths or a workout at the fitness equipment stations. The park also has designated areas for barbecues and a small kiosk for snacks and refreshments.
• For a waterside walk with one of the best views in the city, a stroll along the Dubai Water Canal offers front-row seats to Dubai’s ever-evolving skyline. One of the most spectacular parts of the canal is the illuminated waterfall gushing down from the Sheikh Zayed Road bridge, and several picturesque bridges that light up during the evenings.  Additionally, Dubai Water Canal provides 80,000 square metres of public space and facilities, including a 3km running track and a 12km cycling path.
• A world of floral wonder awaits visitors at Dubai Miracle Garden. The 72,000 square metre garden showcases remarkable structures completely covered with 150 million blooming flowers throughout the different gardens and displays. There are plenty of attractions to see, including the Smurfs Village, a new mini golf course and the world’s largest flower arrangement of an Emirates Airbus A380 superjumbo aircraft. Open seasonally, tickets for Dubai Miracle Garden start from Dhs100.
• Palm Jumeirah is home to some of Dubai’s top luxury resorts including Atlantis, The Palm, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, One&Only The Palm, and Atlantis The Royal. But a resort stay is not the only way you can enjoy the Palm’s charm. Take a stroll down the 11km-long Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk that stretches from one end of the Palm’s crescent to the other, snapping incredible vistas along the way.

Bag a bargain

• Dubai’s traditional souk markets are still a crucial part of daily life and trade today. Taking a wander through one of the bustling souks can reveal the true essence of Dubai’s shopping heritage. These include the Textile Souk, a bustling space with rolls of fabric, fine silks and airy cottons, with prices that are not set in stone; and the Spice Souk, which offers the greatest sensory overload with the vibrant colours and aromas of some of the world’s most prized spices.
• Dubai’s alternative shopping hotspots are perfect if you’re on the look-out for unusual souvenirs, antique finds or chic couture. In the Al Satwa area, explore the city’s hidden gems of retail stores, overflowing with fabrics in bright shades, unusual prints and diverse textures. Here, you can barter and haggle for embellishments, feather trims and exquisite beading, and then take your chosen fabrics to one of the many tailors for a cash-effective couture experience.
• Held in locations across the city, Ripe Market has enjoyed an ever-expanding following of loyal customers. The market is a great place to relax and enjoy the free musical performances and artists that bring entertainment and diversity to the population.
• Dubai’s largest handmade designer, art, fashion and craft market, ARTE The Makers’ Market takes place at Mercato Shopping Mall in Jumeirah and Times Square Center on Sheikh Zayed Road. Held on weekends, the market has free entry and features contemporary and highly original makers and designers.
• Free to visit, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern take on an Arabian marketplace. It offers an immersive experience for visitors, who can explore the traditional architecture, browse the colourful stalls, and shop for souvenirs and gifts. It has more than 25 dining outlets and is a top location for views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab.

Affordable hotels

• Dubai has seen a rise in the number of three- and four-star hotels that are perfect for those looking for style and design on a budget. These hotels provide world-class comfort, amenities and convenience that the city has become famous for.
• A prime example is Emaar Hospitality Group’s Rove Hotels. The three-star properties have become trendy tourist hotspots, designed with quirky, locally inspired art. What makes the hotels so popular is their focus on functionality – be it their DIY laundromats, luggage lockers, a 24-hour supermarket, or self-service check-in stations.
• Visitors can search by neighbourhood if they’re looking to find some trendy hotels at great value. Areas such as Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai, Deira or Al Barsha are some of the best bets for budget hotels. Staying in these bustling areas also offers the chance to experience some of the city’s most exciting spots, provides an authentic glimpse into local life, and gives an insider’s view into the city’s traditional architecture.

 Events

• Now in its 29th season, Global Village is a popular destination that offers a unique blend of culture, cuisine, entertainment, and retail. Taking place from 16 October 2024 to 11 May 2025, tickets for Global Village start from Dhs25 per person.
• Aside from the free citywide sessions available during the month-long Dubai Fitness Challenge, there are plenty of options to stay active year-round without spending a dirham. Start by enjoying some fresh air and scenic sights while getting your steps in along waterfronts and beach- or park-side jogging tracks. These areas often feature free outdoor gym setups, callisthenics equipment and maybe even basketball courts and skateparks, so you can work up a sweat whenever you please.
• This year, Dubai celebrates the 30th anniversary of its annual Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), taking place from 6 December 2024 to 12 January 2025. It will bring together exhilarating performances, irresistible shopping deals from more than 800 global and local brands, amazing raffles and a whole host of DSF exclusives including free-to-watch nightly fireworks and drone shows.
• New Year’s Eve sets the scene for epic celebrations in Dubai. Burj Khalifa will once again be the show-stopping centrepiece as stunning fireworks, lights and lasers flash across the sky. Public viewing areas in Downtown Dubai are free to access.

Deals and discounts

• The Dubai Pass is a great way to experience all that is possible in the city. The all-inclusive prepaid card grants cash-free access to more than 30 key attractions across Dubai, making it the perfect way to explore the city’s world-class destination proposition. Offering convenience, flexibility, ease of use and savings, prices start from Dhs519 for a Dubai Select Attractions Pass.
• A Dubai Stopover Pass combines some of the most iconic attractions, tours and cruises into a prepaid attraction pass to save time and money. Perfect for those wanting to see more of Dubai during a stopover, you can choose two, three or four attractions to visit over 36 hours. Prices start from Dhs349 for adults and Dhs279 for children (3-12).