Waiting for payday? Yep, us too bestie. Luckily for us, Dubai has plenty of cute free things to do across the city.
Whether you’re into something active, or just want somewhere to chill for the day – hit up these spots for a day out in Dubai that won’t break the bank (!!)
Cosmo ME‘s guide to free things to do in Dubai
Hot Girl Walks
ICYMI, hot girl walks are IN for 2025! And luckily for our Cosmo ME readers, we’re bringing you the *ultimate* HGW club in Dubai! Join us over the upcoming weeks as we lead free community hot girl walks across the city. It’s the perfect way to get your steps in and meet like-minded besties! Plus, we have some amazing goodie bags up for grabs each week!
Click here for more info and to sign up!
Camping at Al Qudra Lakes
Camping in the desert has truly never been easier than Al Qudra Lakes. It’s a clean, safe and popular spot for wild camping, open 24/7 and easily accessible. If you’re looking for an adventurous night in Dubai with some marshmallow roasting and incredible sunsets, this is a top pick!
Catch a free film in JLT
JLT Cinema Under the Stars is rolling until Saturday 22nd February 2025, and it’s the ultimate budget-friendly bash. Watching a movie in the park is absolutely free! Every Saturday, starting at 7:30 pm, film fanatics are in for a treat. So, snag your blankets, round up your besties, and make your way to JLT Park in Cluster Q for a cosy movie night under the stars.
Click here for more info.
Reign in love szn at ‘Love Lakes’
Dubai’s ‘Love Lakes’ are a pair of romantically entwined, heart-shaped lakes nestled near Al Qudra Lakes. You can even spot their lovey-dovey shapes on Google Maps, cozily situated next to The Last Lake of Al Qudra. It’s a perfect place for a picnic, and a great free date night spot for V-day!
Free pool day at Barasti
Say goodbye to expensive beach club fees because Barasti Beach Club have just cooked up one of the coolest freebies in Dubai! Their pool is now absolutely, positively, no-strings-attached FREE! Sure, being an early bird might score you the prime sunlounger real estate, but if you’re up for soaking up some rays, grooving to top tunes, and taking a dip without burning a hole in your wallet, this is the ultimate spot to be.
Join a running club
There are so many popular running clubs in Dubai that host free weekly runs for all abilities shapes and sizes, often collaborating with cool brands and sponsors. Club members can also expect socials, events, and much more. This is a great free activity in Dubai for newbies looking to make friends!
Check out some free running clubs in Dubai here!
Head on a hike
Calming landscapes, vitamin D, and breaking a sweat are the ultimate self-care components. The UAE has some beautiful hiking spots for all abilities, with many of them only a short drive from Dubai. Grab your gear and head to the mountains to escape the noise of the city for a while and have some time with your thoughts as you traverse the peaceful trails of some of the UAE’s most incredible landscapes.
Check out our guide to the UAE’s best hiking spots here!
Hit the beach
Dubai is ~the~ city for a beach day. From Kite Beach to West Beach, tons of public beaches in Dubai are the perfect free activity to soak up some sun!
Dubai was recently voted the most popular travel destination in the world, beating other beach destinations like Bali and Cancún. Read more here.
Check out Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Head to the first floor of Dubai Mall, right across from the Dubai Ice Rink and wander through the incredible Chinatown without spending a dime. It’s like a free ticket to an Asian escapade – no strings attached!
Stroll around Alserkal Avenue
Art lovers can take up a free stroll around the many galleries of Alserkal Avenue. This art district in Dubai’s Al Quoz has everything from free exhibitions to independent food trucks. Be sure to check out the Quoz Arts Fest happening on January 25th and 26th!
Head to a free ladies’ night
Bestie, what if we told you that you could get a free night out in Dubai (!!) These spots in Dubai have your night out sorted, with exciting free offerings exclusive for ladies on specified days of the week.
Check out our top picks of the hottest free ladies’ night deals in Dubai here!
Browse the books at Mohammed Bin Rashid Library
Love books but watching your wallet? Swing by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library in Al Jaddaf! They’ve got a whopping 1.1 million books in all kinds of genres, from general reads to info-packed maps. The building is a showstopper – shaped like a traditional Quran book rest, with seven floors, a garden, and even a café by the Dubai Creek. Best part? It won’t cost you a dirham to get in! Just book your spot online, and it’s open for everyone five and up. Time for a bookish adventure without breaking the bank!
Fully redeemable beach club visit
OK, this may not be *entirely* free – but a fully redeemable pool day is one crucial way to make your $$$ go a long way in Dubai. There are plenty of pool day deals in Dubai that have entry fees redeemable of F&B.
Check out our guide to the best redeemable pool days here.