Top 10 Best Places To Visit In Dubai For Free 2024-2025

A hub for Businesses, a city of modern marvels, one of the major and fastest growing cities, Dubai, has some of the best and free places to visit in Dubai that offer entries, free of cost. But is it all just talk or does it actually have some irresistible places to visit in Dubai with family for free or also on your trip with friends, partner or solo? You will find out as you scroll below on our list. So get ready to know the locations, timings and all that you will need to know in order to get to your favourite destination, that too without losing on your wallet.

Planning Dubai? The Government of Dubai is now accepting online applications and you can now Apply Dubai Online with trusted partners like dubaivisaservices.co.uk and make your dream trip to Dubai a reality.

Top 10 Free Places To Visit In Dubai

Ready to take off? Here you can find the Top Free of cost places In Dubai.

The Dubai Fountain

This fountain is one of some free tourist places in Dubai and consists of a design driven by five circles in different sizes, two arcs and water nozzles driven by powerful pumps shooting water to 152 metres. More than 6,600 lights and 25 colour projectors lighten up the fountain. The fountain performs every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 11 PM daily. Some recommend arriving early to get a good viewing spot. Various musical pieces sync with the movement of the fountain, among them classical, contemporary Arabic and world music are mostly played. 

• Timings - 

  • Afternoon Shows : 1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (except Fridays). Fridays at 1:30 PM and 2:00 PM. 
  • Evening Shows : 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, every 30 minutes. 

• Address - The Dubai Fountain, Downtown Dubai, In front of Burj Khalifa, Near The Dubai Mall - Dubai.

• Nearby Attractions - The Burj Khalifa & Dubai Mall.

• Things To See At Dubai Fountain - Burj Park & Fountain Show.

The Dubai Mall

It houses over 1,200 stores including luxurious, sportswear and children's shops. The two major department stores here are Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's. The mall contains more than 200 dining options, from casual eateries to fine dining. Festivals and events take place within this mall, including music concerts, fashion shows and cultural celebrations. The mall has an area of more than 1 million square metres or the size of 200 football pitches while also being some of the places to visit in Dubai for free.

• Timings - 10 AM to 11 PM All Week.

• Address - Financial Center Road, Downtown Dubai, Near Burj Khalifa - Dubai.

• Nearby Attractions - Burj Park & Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

• Things To See At The Dubai Mall - Try window shopping or The Waterfall.

Mall of the Emirates

Tourists can visit Mall of the Emirates free of cost in Dubai. There are over 630 shops here, including high-end fashion houses, flagships, and international stores. Some say the top three floors are for rich people, while the lower floors have more realistic prices. This mall includes a multiplex cinema, the Dubai Community Theatre and one of Dubai's largest indoor family entertainment centres: Magic Planet. 

The mall has over 100 restaurants and cafés, including well-known western chains and local specialist food outlets. Ski Dubai is an indoor ski resort in the Middle East and snow park. It has floor-to-ceiling windows where one can admire the slopes. One can pay a visit to Santa at Ski Dubai during Christmas.

• Timings - 10  AM–12  AM.

• Address - Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1 - Dubai.

• Nearby Attractions - Burj Park & Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

• Things To See At Mall of the Emirates - The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) & Dubai Miracle Garden and Butterfly Garden.

Kite Beach

Kite Beach, located in Dubai's Jumeirah area, is one of the most popular beaches in the city. It is known for its changing atmosphere, different water sports and other facilities. With the iconic Burj Al Arab as a backdrop, it forms a picture-postcard setting, ideal for visitors and photographers alike. Living up to its name, Kite Beach is indeed synonymous with kite surfing, given the consistent wind and serene water conditions for both amateur and expert kite surfers.

Besides water sports, Kite Beach also has a skate park for skateboarding and BMX enthusiasts and an outdoor gym area with some exercise equipment to entice the fitness crowd. The beach has a scenic boardwalk perfect for jogging, walking, or cycling that makes Kite Beach one of the favourite destinations of those looking for action on the sea.

• Timings - 10 AM until 10 PM.

• Address - Kite Beach, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah 3 - Dubai.

• Nearby Attractions - Dubai Fountain & Wild Wadi Waterpark.

• Things To See At Kite Beach - Relax on the beach & Beach volleyball. 

Dubai Gold Souk

The souk is one of quality, variety, and competitive prices. You find them selling gold jewellery, silver jewellery, precious gems, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, religious figurines, and sculptures. They sell gold coins, biscuits, bars, or cards. Haggle, as one would at the souk. Some say that bargaining 50–75% off of the quoted price is recommended. You can also get your worn-out bits of jewellery repaired at the shops and booths that are on the streets.

• Timings - 10 AM until 10 PM.

• Address - Dubai Gold Souk, Deira, Al Ras - Dubai.

• Nearby Attractions - Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood & Al Seef.

• Things To See At Dubai Gold Souk - Precious Stones, Pearls, Platinum, And Silver.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a perfect blend of traditional Arabian style with a modern twist. It has high-class boutiques, art galleries, souvenir shops and restaurants that offer international cuisine along the waterways while giving a perfect view of the Burj Al Arab. The ambiance and beauty has been enhanced by traditional lanterns, Arabian architecture, and winding canals, giving it a magic shopping experience. If you wish, you can pay and even ride an abra through the canals. 

• Timings - 10 AM till 11 PM.

• Address - Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Road, Umm Suqeim, Dubai, UAE.

• Local attractions - Burj Al Arab, the Wild Wadi Waterpark and the Jumeirah Beach.

• Things To See At Souk Madinat Jumeirah - Arabic souvenirs, spices, carpets, jewellery, and artworks.

Dubai Marina Walk

Dubai Marina Walk is a 7-kilometre waterfront promenade for strolling, dining, and just enjoying the scenic views across the marina. Lining the walkways are cafes, restaurants, and shops that are always popular with locals and visitors. In fact, this place is one of the great avenues where cycling, taking boat rides, and nightlife are happening.

• Timings - Open 24 hours, but the shops and restaurants operate, typically, from 10 AM to midnight.

• Address - Dubai Marina Walk, Dubai Marina, Dubai, UAE.

• Local attractions : JBR Beach, Ain Dubai, better known as a Ferris wheel, and Skydive Dubai.

• Things To See At Dubai Marina Walk - Street performers, yachts, eating well, and scenery of the waterfront.

Jumeirah Public Beach

Jumeirah Public Beach is one of Dubai’s most popular open beaches, known for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and views of the Burj Al Arab. With free entry, it’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach also has amenities such as showers, changing rooms, and lifeguards.

• Timings - Open 24 hours, though swimming is usually safer during daylight hours.

• Address - Jumeirah Public Beach, Jumeirah Road, Dubai, UAE.

• Nearby Attractions - Burj Al Arab, Kite Beach, and the Jumeirah Mosque.

• Things To See At Jumeirah Public Beach- Dubai skyline views, Burj Al Arab in the distance, and family-friendly beach areas.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)

Guided tours, traditional meals and question-and-answer sessions give a deeper look at Emirati culture at the SMCCU. It is a great and free place to understand Dubai's religious customs together with a very rich heritage in a friendly atmosphere. As it were, its motto is "Open Doors, Open Minds," depicting quite precisely its mission-to bridge cultural gaps.

• Timings - Sunday to Thursday, 9 AM to 5 PM - Friday closed.

• Address - Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE.

• Local attractions : include the Dubai Museum, Al Seef, and Dubai Creek.

• Things to see At SMCCU: Traditional wind towers, Emirati Architecture, and Cultural Exhibits.

Al Qudra Lakes

Al Qudra Lakes is a heaven in the desert consisting of man-made lakes surrounded by sand dunes which has become a favourite hang-out spot for picnics, nature spotting and stargazing for free. With its famous Heart-Shaped Lake and "Love Lakes," the area attracts couples, families with kids, and bird watchers alike.

• Timings - Open 24 hours but better accessed in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat.

• Address- Al Qudra Lakes, Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve, Dubai, UAE.

• Local Destinations: Al Qudra Cycling Track and Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve.

• Things To See At Al Qudra Lakes: Rare birds, desert wildlife, outstanding sunsets.

Tips For First Time Visitors Dubai

As a person visiting Dubai for the first time, there are some things that you must remember while you are in Dubai so that you can have maximum savings and save yourself from inconveniences.

• Respect local culture.

• Take the experience of Dubai Beaches.

• Experience the desert.

• No public drinking.

• Wear less revealing clothes.

• Get a good sunscreen.

Conclusion

The free things to do in Dubai ranges from natural wonders to man-made marvels and cultural attractions such as the Dubai Fountain, Jumeirah Public Beach, Gold Souk and Souk Madinat Jumeirah-all showing something different that makes the city so charming. Enjoy the serenity of the deserts in Al Qudra Lakes, take a thrilling walk along Dubai Marina Walk or enjoy Emirati culture at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding. These free attractions let you be one with Dubai's beauty and cultural richness without burning a hole in your wallet, whether you are travelling with the family, on a romantic getaway or on a solo adventure.

FAQs

Q1. What are the best free places to visit in Dubai in 2025?

Ans: There are a number of places you can visit for free including the Dubai Fountain, The Dubai Mall, Kite Beach and lots more, check the complete list above.

Q2. Which places are free to visit in Dubai?

Ans: There are a lot of places that offer free entry for its visitors like the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) and a lot more, check the complete list above.