.png "Interview With Expat Saanika Gandhi, Author of Children's Book 'The Yellow Kite'")
Exploring Dubai on a budget? We've got you covered with some of the best free things to do in the emirate
21 June 2024
| Last updated on 24 June 2024
Image: Dubai Media Office
Looking for activities to do in Dubai without spending your dirhams?
We all know that doing anything in Dubai may require you to part with some of your cash, but who said fun has to cost you? There are still plenty of indoor Dubai summer activities you can enjoy free of charge.
From a massive family-friendly amusement park to independent film projects, check out these top 10 indoor things to do in Dubai this summer for free!
1. Visit the Modesh World indoor amusement park
Entry is free of charge for all visitors to Modesh World, a kid-friendly indoor amusement park that will be open at Dubai World Trade Centre all summer long until August 18.
Expect live shows, rides, an inflatable park, F&B options, and over 100 games and VR experiences.
Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10AM - 10PM | Friday to Sunday, 10AM - midnight.
Best For: Kids, teens, and families.
2. Get fit for free at Dubai Sports World
Next on our list of the city's top free indoor activities is Dubai Sports World, returning for its 2024 run from June 22 until September 8. Break a sweat while staying comfy in a fully air-conditioned environment, where you can play volleyball, tennis, basketball, football, and more!
Opening Hours: Daily, 8AM - midnight.
Best For: Kids, teens, families, and adults.
Editor's Note: Some facilities at Dubai Sports World may require advance booking.
Image: Dubai Media Office
3. Marvel at artworks and sculptures at Jameel Arts Centre
If you're after a dose of art, culture, and beauty, we recommend adding the Jameel Arts Centre at Al Jaddaf to your itinerary.
With a wide variety of artwork and instalments to see, you can spend hours at this free-to-enter Dubai art gallery. Well worth a visit for a visual feast without having to spend a dirham.
The arts centre often hosts events that are free to attend - visit their official website to see what's on their calendar.
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 10AM - 8PM | Friday, 12PM - 8PM | Closed on Tuesdays.
Best For: Kids, teens, families, and adults.
Image: daniellabaptista_artphoto @ Instagram
4. Spot marine life at the Dubai Aquarium
One of the best free things to do indoors in the city is visiting the Dubai Aquarium at the Dubai Mall, home to over 33,000 live aquatic creatures - including sharks, rays, and schools of fish.
While you have to pay to enter the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you can spot plenty from the outside. A winner for anyone with kids.
While you need Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo tickets to enter inside, you can still see plenty of marine life from outside thanks to the giant glass window.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 10AM - midnight | Thursday to Saturday, 10AM - 1AM
Best For: Kids, teens, families, and adults.
5. Watch a free movie at Cinema Akil in Al Quoz
Tired of mainstream blockbusters? We know just the place to get your indie fix.
Known as the GCC region's first-ever independent cinema, Cinema Akil is located in the vibrant art hub of Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. They bring in movies, shorts, documentaries, and other films from the Middle East and beyond - oftentimes some of these features are free to watch!
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 5PM - 11PM | Saturday to Sunday, 2PM - 11PM | Closed on Mondays.
Best For: Teens and adults.
Editor's Note: Visit Cinema Akil's website to see the latest showings and timings.
Image: Cinema Akil
6. Read to your hearts content at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Home to over 1.5 million printed books, 2 million digital books, and 1 million audio books, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Dubai is any book lover's dream. Not only is it the largest library in the MENA region, but it's also free to enter without the need for a reservation.
Young readers, students, researchers, writers, and bibliophiles are welcome. The library also often hosts events including author visits, story time for children, reading sessions, and more.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9AM - 9PM | Friday, 2PM - 9PM | Closed on Sundays.
Best For: Kids, teens, and adults.
7. Roam through Dubai's indoor Chinatown
Opened in 2023, Dubai Mall's indoor Chinatown is packed with restaurants, spas, retail outlets, and so much more. But if you're not up to spending, you can still enjoy the Orient-themed destination for its Instagrammable décor, giant statues, neon signs, Chinese lanterns, and art installations.
Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday, 10AM - midnight | Thursday to Saturday, 10AM - 1AM
Best For: Kids, teens, families, and adults.
8. Stop by Dubai's Coffee Museum
If you're a self-proclaimed coffeeholic, you'll want to visit the Coffee Museum in Dubai. See the origins of coffee with the legend of the goat herder Kaldi, learn about the popular drink's significance in Arabic culture, its history in the Middle East, explore coffee culture around the world, and check out some historical artefacts including old school brewing pots and coffee grinders used during the First World War.
Entry is free - so coffee lovers, make the trip! The Coffee Museum is located in Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai.
Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday, 9AM - 5PM | Closed on Fridays.
Best For: Teens and adults.
9. Explore Alserkal Avenue's creative hub
If you love visiting art galleries, seeing indie performances, and exploring Dubai's local art and culture scene, then a trip to Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz would be right up your alley.
It's also the location for the annual Quoz Arts Fest, a family-friendly celebration of art, food, performances, and music.
Opening Hours: Everyday, 8AM - 7PM.
Best For: Kids, teens, and adults.
10. Go window-shopping in Dubai
Make the most out of Dubai's air-conditioned shopping centres and stay cool during the summer season. Enjoy some window shopping and sample some products.
Some of the malls like Dubai Hills, Festival City, and the Dubai Mall are so big, you can up your daily step count without breaking a sweat.
.png?itok=EH_x0Pha "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
