A Local's Guide to the Best Cheap Things to Do in Dubai

So many budget-minded travellers avoid visiting Dubai believing a trip here will be way too expensive. While Dubai can be a pricey destination, it doesn't necessarily have to be.

Sure, some of Dubai's iconic bucket list attractions, like going to the top of the Burj Khalifa, are going to cost you. But did you know you can get great views from the top of the Dubai Frame for a fraction of the price?

There are countless cheap and even free things to do in the UAE's most glamorous city - you just have to know where to look.

From going beach hopping and seeing free attractions like the famous Dubai Fountain Show to grabbing happy hour drinks at expat hangouts and getting acquainted with Dubai's street food scene, visiting Dubai on a budget is not only possible, but you're going to enjoy a fun and local experience. 

If you're looking for cheap things to do in Dubai on your next trip, this guide has you covered with the city's best free attractions and cheap activities, as well as a few local tips and tricks that will help you save even more during your visit. 

Seeing the Dubai Fountain Show is one of the most iconic things to do in Dubai. But did you know it's absolutely free to view? This dazzling light, water, and music show takes place on Burj Lake, which is right outside of the Dubai Mall and directly at the base of the Burj Khalifa. 

The show takes place nightly from 6pm until 11pm (every 30 minutes). If you don't mind paying a bit for drinks or dinner, many affordable restaurants in the Dubai Mall and Souk Al Bahar offer excellent Fountain Show and Burj Khalifa views. Five Guys, Time Out Market, and Joe's Cafe are all great options.  

Dubai is famous for its views. While going to the top of the Burj Khalifa and seeing the Palm Jumeirah from above both come with hefty price tag, but for amazing Dubai views that won't break the bank, you can go to the top of the Dubai Frame instead. 

For AED 50, you'll get to ascend the 150-metre frame. The views of both "old" and "new" Dubai are absolutely spectacular. You'll also have the chance to walk along the frame's vertigo-inducing transparent walkway at the top. All in all, this is a great deal for the equivalent of USD $14.

Plus, the Dubai Frame is located in Zabeel Park, which is a lush oasis in the middle of the city. When the weather is nice, it makes for a great picnic spot.

If you're looking for free beaches in Dubai, Kite Beach is a local favourite. This stretch of sand is wide and long, so there's always somewhere to put down your towel, despite the beach's popularity.

Kite Beach is a great swimming beach, but it's also a hit amongst kite surfers who get serious air when the wind picks up.

Planning to make a day of it? Those in the know bring drinks and snacks to enjoy a cheap picnic lunch on the beach.

But if you don't come prepared, you'll find dozens of affordable food trucks and family-friendly restaurants lining the beach. This is also one of the best places in Dubai to catch the sunset, which is another completely free activity. 

The Ripe Market is a bit off the well-trodden tourist track, which is part of the appeal. This seasonal market is open on Saturdays and Sundays from October to May.

This is a prime place to shop for locally made goods and dine on affordable eats from the market's 15+ food trucks. Admission is just AED 5, making a trip to The Ripe Market one of the best cheap things to do in Dubai.

Even if you don't want to buy anything, this is a fun place to explore and get a feel for what it's really like to live in Dubai. As an added perk, it's located right next to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.

When in Old Dubai, you simply have to take an abra ride across the gorgeous Dubai Creek. Abras are traditional wooden boats that have been crisscrossing the creek for centuries. They remain a very popular mode of transportation today.

For just AED 1, you can take the 5-minute ride across the creek from Deira to Al Seef or Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. These three areas make up the most famous parts of Old Dubai.

So, taking an abra ride is a fun and cheap way to go sightseeing in Old Dubai. 

Speaking of Old Dubai, the historical areas of Al Seef and Al Fahidi are some of the most picturesque and culturally important parts of the city. They're also home to many of the best cheap things to do in Dubai.

Take a stroll through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and you can visit the Coffee Museum (AED 10) and the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (free).

Keep walking along Dubai Creek until you get to Al Seef, where you can explore the heritage-inspired souks and shops for absolutely free. 

When it comes to cheap things to do in Dubai for foodies, you'll want to spend some time eating your way through Satwa.

This is another neighbourhood in what is considered Old Dubai and it's a great place to get ultra-affordable eats.

A few local recommendations are Ravi for Pakistani food and Al Mallah for Lebanese. But it's well worth walking around to see what whets your appetite. 

Luckily, taxis are affordable in Dubai and great for getting you to places that aren’t accessible via the metro.

However, if you’re trying to save money and don't want to depend on taxis, the metro system does a good job of connecting you to all of the city’s major hot spots, like the Dubai Airport, Old Dubai, Downtown Dubai, and the Dubai Marina.

Local tip: Download the Careem app and book affordable taxis using the “Hala Taxi” button.

With the hot and humid summer season comes endless discounts in Dubai. From massive sales at the malls to mind-boggling deals across the city, you can save big if you’re willing to brave the heat.

As part of Old Dubai, Deira is known as the most affordable area to stay in Dubai, and it's also one of the most lively and interesting. 

There are multiple budget-friendly ibis hotels in this part of town that put you right next to many Old Dubai attractions and activities that are featured on this list.

Deira also has multiple metro stations, making getting around Dubai both cheap and easy. Plus, Deira is a 10-minute metro ride from the airport, so you'll save on transport costs getting in and out of the city. 

Another reason why budget conscious travellers love staying in Deira is because it's home to some of the most authentic South Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants in the city. And the restaurants here are a fraction of the cost of what you'll find in Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina.

It's a great place to base yourself for cheap eats, which can help you save big when visiting Dubai. Find an ibis hotel in Deira and Dubai.

That’s it - everything you need to know about finding the best cheap things to do in Dubai. With these budget-friendly attractions and travel tips, you're bound to have a fantastic time exploring Dubai.