Ah, Dubai… Located in the United Arab Emirates, it is now the country’s largest city, with a population of nearly 3.7 million. A symbol of urban development and renowned for its futuristic architecture, Dubai is a veritable mecca of luxury hotels and shopping centres for some, but above all, an undeniably fascinating El Dorado.
Whilst there are plenty of tourist attractions, it remains the city of all records and all excesses. It is, in fact, regarded as the ultimate «luxury» tourist destination. With its wealth of wonders, this city never sleeps. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to be rich or spend a fortune to explore and experience Dubai in depth. In fact, there are plenty of things you can do for free.
Discover our selection of our The 10 best free places to visit in Dubai, to explore this fascinating city and plan an off-the-beaten-track itinerary.
The Moon Lake
The desert is an integral part of Dubai. It lies on the city’s doorstep, just beyond the skyscrapers, and is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and escape the hustle and bustle of a megacity like Dubai.
When people ask what to do in Dubai, apart from visiting the famous tower Burj Khalifa, the desert comes a close second as a must-do activity.
However, whilst exploring the desert on a 4×4 safari remains a timeless classic, it is also possible to explore the golden sand dunes in a completely different way.
Have you heard of the Moon Lake? It was recently discovered in the Al Qudra Desert. This crescent-shaped lake appeared almost simultaneously with the start of the holy month of Ramadan in 2021.
It was most likely created by humans (just like the Love Lakes, for that matter) and there is no doubt that it will attract large numbers of visitors. The view is particularly popular at sunrise and sunset.
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library
The Mohammed bin Rashid Library, whose intricate architecture resembles an open book, is now the largest library in the Arab world and the region’s most ambitious cultural project.
It is expected to welcome around nine million visitors a year.
This seven-storey building, which was opened on 13 June, houses more than 4.5 million books, one of the world’s largest digital libraries, and book conservation laboratories.
Covering an area of nearly 55,000 m², the building houses a wide range of publications. However, even if you’re not much of a bookworm, we’d still recommend popping in to admire this innovative structure.
The Jumeirah Mosque
It is the only mosque in Dubai that is open to non-Muslims and to visitors. It is a very beautiful building, with a large central dome flanked by two minarets.
The mosque is open from Saturday to Thursday, but you can only enter at 10 am. It’s a chance to learn more about Emirati culture and the Muslim faith in an educational and completely open-minded way.
Please wear modest clothing, and women should cover their hair with a headscarf (the mosque provides these on site if you do not have one). Unfortunately, there is an admission charge, but it is very reasonable: 20 AED (just under 5 euros).
Travelling to Old Dubai by «abra»
Crossing the creek by abra is an experience not to be missed! The creek is the stretch of water that separates the Bur Dubai and Deira districts.
Abras are traditional, characteristic wooden boats – the ideal way to cross the creek and reach the spice and gold souks. Pass through Khor Dubai, then head to the souks. Take some photos of the Burj Al Arab hotel.
The abras are easily accessible from the stops along the creek. They set off as soon as the boat is full, roughly every 2 to 3 minutes according to the timetable.
They run every day from 5 am. To take part in this activity, it will cost you just 1 AED per person per journey. You pay directly on board!
The Bur Dubai Souk
Delicate gold jewellery, hand-woven fabrics, traditional perfumes and unique souvenirs: Dubai’s souks are brimming with a thousand and one treasures.
Also known as the «textile souk» or the «old souk», it is situated in the Bur Dubai district, along the Creek.
A favourite haunt of the city’s tailors and up-and-coming fashion designers, its wide array of shops is brimming with fabrics, including fine silks, lightweight cottons, exotic textiles and sari fabrics…
You’ll often find fabric wholesalers from India and Pakistan here. Choose your favourites and speak to one of the tailors, who will be happy to make you a dress, an abaya (traditional women’s garment), a dishdasha (traditional men’s garment) or a bespoke suit, which you can collect in just a few days.
Explore the Al Fahidi Old Town
Situated in the historic heart of Dubai, the Al Fahidi district offers visitors a unique journey back in time through the narrow, winding alleyways of the old city. Also known as Bastakiya, this district is one of the oldest in Dubai, dating back to the 19th century.
With its traditional mud-brick houses, iconic wind towers and shaded courtyards, Al Fahidi offers a glimpse into Dubai’s past, before its transformation into a modern global metropolis.
As you stroll through the cobbled streets of Al Fahidi, you’ll be captivated by the authentic charm of traditional Arabic architecture.
The houses in this neighbourhood are known for their “Barajeels”, or wind towers, designed to capture and channel the wind into the houses for natural cooling – an ingenious method of air conditioning from before the modern era.
The neighbourhood is also home to several important museums and cultural centres. The Dubai Museum, situated in Al Fahidi Fort, is a must-see for anyone wishing to understand the region’s history. Nearby, you’ll find the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where you can take part in cultural workshops, traditional meals and guided tours to deepen your understanding of Emirati culture.
Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem
Based in Jumeirah Al Naseem, you can admire the turtles at the Turtle Lagoon sanctuary. These graceful creatures have been placed in the lagoons of the Medina so that they can be cared for and protected. The Emirates Wildlife Protection Office aims to rehabilitate sick and injured turtles, whilst raising awareness of the threats facing these marine animals.
The enclosure is open to the public free of charge every day, with no booking required. We recommend visiting Turtle Island on Wednesdays at 11.00 am to watch feeding time.
Traditional and fishing villages
On the banks of Dubai Creek, the Heritage Village and the Diving Village are designed to introduce tourists to Dubai’s traditions.
The first is a reconstruction of a Bedouin village where you can eat dosas (lentil flour pancakes), drink Arabic coffee, go for a camel ride or buy souvenirs. The second explains pearl diving, which was the region’s main industry at the start of the century. Entry to both of these cultural sites is completely free.
Riverland Dubai
Located within the Dubai Parks & Resorts, the Riverland complex is divided into four themed areas (India Gate, French Village, Boardwalk and The Peninsula).
These four areas converge at the central square, built in the 19th-century style, where there are various restaurants and cafés. Boardwalk is a neighbourhood with a 1950s atmosphere that offers entertainment for the whole family, along with traditional American restaurants.
The Peninsula is situated in the heart of Riverland and features a large outdoor area that regularly hosts festivals and concerts; entry and parking are free. India Gate, meanwhile, is inspired by 1920s India.
The fourth area is the French Village, which recreates the historic architecture of Europe in the late 1600s, complete with street performances and picturesque restaurants.
The wide range of places on offer makes Riverland the ideal spot for a great time with family or friends, discovering different cultures.
The mesmerising mirrors at Battuta Mall
Have you ever been through our mesmerising hall of mirrors? Don’t miss out on this incredible experience!
Located in the heart of Cour d’Inde, within the IBN Battuta Mall, this shopping centre is the world’s largest themed shopping centre.
It commemorates the journeys of the famous Arab explorer and is packed with unique experiences. Let yourself be swept away by this entertaining and free 100% activity.
