Dubai is blue water, sandy beaches, palm trees and desert safaris. It’s the place to shop till you drop and indulge in gourmet food. There’s just so much to do here and so much happening around that it’ll keep you busy all day long, no matter how old you are. Sports, shopping, technology; You name it.
Dubai is called one of the most expensive cities in the world and with good reason. The ultramodern architecture, luxury cars everywhere and man-made islands may make it seem like only rich people can make it here but that’s not true. There are ways to make the most out of your stay in this spectacular city for free.
Watch The Dubai Fountain
You can head to The Dubai Mall for daily performances of the second largest dancing fountain in the world located on the man-made Burj Khalifa Lake right next to the world’s tallest building. With the water reaching up to 140 metres high, syncing lights and music blaring all around, it’s truly a mesmerizing experience.
You can get there by Dubai Metro.(Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station)
Pro tip: Catch two performances if you’re going to take videos of the perfectly choreographed fountain for snapchat or Instagram. Holding your phone in front of you won’t let you enjoy it that well.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Designed like a traditional Arab town with stalls, boutiques, cafés, home accessory stores, luxury brands, and over 24 exquisite restaurants, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is picture perfect. With a view of the popular Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and turquoise waterways, anybody would love strolling through the souk and clicking numerous pictures.
Although there’s no direct access to Madinat Jumeriah by Dubai Metro, it’s not far from the FGB station so you could take a cab from there.
Camp
Al Qudra is a peaceful camping spot complete with a small lake (and ducks in it) just 40 minutes East of Dubai city. In the colder months, grab your friends, a tent, other supplies and enjoy a super awesome weekend without having to worry about being broke the next day.
Movies Under The Stars
Watch a blockbuster sitting on a giant beanbag on Sundays from 8.30 pm at the Wafi Pyramids Rooftop Gardens in Oud Metha. No reservations required. And yes, the best snacks will be within your reach too. It doesn’t get any better than that.
Kite Beach
Are you into water sports or just sitting back and relaxing on a beach? Kite Beach is a great option either way. You can rent equipment and head towards the turquoise waters or watch kite surfers and enjoy a beautiful view of the Burj Al Arab. There are children’s play areas too.
See also; 10 Most Beautiful Beaches in The World.
Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort
This one’s for the history lovers! Dubai Museum, located in Al Fahidi Fort, is said to be the oldest existing building in Dubai. The location is great because it’s near the Dubai Creek and Old Souk which are great places to just walk around, observe and click pictures. The area around the museum has old houses and shows the traditional way of life. (The admission fee of the museum is AED 3.)
Dune Bashing
Make friends who own 4×4 vehicles and you’re set. Desert safaris are something you must experience when you’re in the Middle East. Once you get the hang of it, it’s incredibly fun.
Dhow Yard
Traditional sailing vessels or dhows are definitely photograph-worthy. Head towards Al Khail Road and turn off just before Business Bay Crossing in Oud Metha to walk around a dhow yard and click pictures. It’s fascinating to explore the Al Jaddaf dhow building yard.
Parks
Parks like Zabeel Park, Mushrif Park, etc. are beautiful with lots of stuff to do like cycling, free wifi surfing, working out and swimming. They’re also great for barbeque parties. Also, the environment is cooler thanks to big, beautiful trees. You could click some great pictures too, especially in May when the trees in Zabeel Park are gorgeous shades of orange, yellow and green.
See also; 10 of World’s Most Beautiful Gardens.
City Walk
Designed to look like urban European streets lined with cafés, restaurants and designer stores, City Walk is very impressive to say the least. It’s perfect for an outdoor stroll and to click great pictures because the temperature is controlled and there’s always a place to grab a bite to eat nearby. It’s located in Jumeirah, a 4 minute drive from Downtown Dubai.
Jebel Hafeet
It may be quite expensive to see the world from the top of Burj Khalifa but don’t despair. Go higher than that without spending a Dirham. Take a road trip to the highest peak in the UAE in Al Ain. Jebel Hafeet is 1.249 meters high and the views are amazing. Better yet, the lively park beneath the peak with a hot spring will turn into one of you favorite spots in the country.
This list proves that it doesn’t always take a lot of cash to enjoy a city or country. Just do some research and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.
Best Places to Visit in Dubai
Here are some of the best places to visit in Dubai:
- Burj Khalifa: The iconic Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and offers breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck.
- Dubai Mall: Located next to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world and offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It also features attractions like the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
- Palm Jumeirah: This man-made island is shaped like a palm tree and is home to luxurious resorts, stunning beaches, and the famous Atlantis, The Palm hotel. It’s a great place for relaxation and enjoying water sports.
- Dubai Creek: Visit the historic heart of Dubai, where you can take a traditional Abra boat ride along the creek and explore the vibrant souks (markets) selling spices, textiles, and gold.
- Dubai Marina: This modern waterfront district is known for its skyscrapers, luxury yachts, and lively atmosphere. Enjoy a stroll along the marina promenade or dine at one of the many waterfront restaurants.
- Jumeirah Mosque: As one of the few mosques in Dubai open to non-Muslims, Jumeirah Mosque offers a fascinating glimpse into Islamic architecture and culture. Guided tours are available.
- Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve: Experience the desert landscape by taking a desert safari tour, which includes activities like dune bashing, camel riding, and traditional entertainment, followed by a delicious Arabian dinner under the stars.
- Dubai Museum: Located in the Al Fahidi Fort, the Dubai Museum provides insights into the city’s history and culture through exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations.
These are just a few highlights, and Dubai has much more to offer. Whether you’re interested in modern architecture, cultural experiences, shopping, or outdoor activities, Dubai has something for everyone.
Best Time to Visit Dubai
The best time to visit Dubai is during the winter months, from November to March. This is when the weather is most pleasant with mild temperatures and clear skies. During this time, you can expect daytime temperatures ranging from the mid-20s to low 30s Celsius (mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit), making it comfortable for outdoor activities and exploring the city.
Dubai experiences extremely hot and humid summers, with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The months of April to October are characterized by scorching heat, high humidity, and occasional sandstorms, which can make outdoor activities uncomfortable and limit your options for exploration.
If you’re planning a visit to Dubai, aim for the winter months when you can enjoy various outdoor attractions, such as visiting the iconic Burj Khalifa, exploring the Dubai Mall, or experiencing the desert safari. Additionally, Dubai hosts several major events and festivals during the winter, including the Dubai Shopping Festival and the Dubai Food Festival, offering visitors a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
It’s important to note that Dubai attracts tourists year-round, so you can expect crowds regardless of the season. However, the winter months tend to be slightly less busy compared to the peak summer season.