Known worldwide for its glamour and grandeur, Dubai also offers a wealth of incredible free experiences that celebrate its art, nature, heritage, and innovation. Whether you’re a culture lover, a nature enthusiast, or simply exploring on a budget, here are 20 fabulous things to do in Dubai — all for free.

1. Explore Alserkal Avenue’s creative heart

Tucked in Al Quoz, Alserkal Avenue is Dubai’s vibrant arts and culture district. Once industrial warehouses, the space now hosts art galleries, concept stores, and cultural events. Wander through Waddington Custot or Elmarsa Gallery to see modern and North African art, or catch community talks and film screenings — all with free entry.

Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1

2. Wander through history at Al Fahidi

Step into Dubai’s past at Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, where winding alleys and restored sand-coloured buildings tell stories of old Dubai. Explore galleries, visit the Coffee Museum, and admire traditional wind towers as you stroll through this atmospheric district by the Creek.

Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai

3. Be amazed by the Imagine Show

Each evening, Dubai Festival City Mall transforms into a stage for Imagine — a breathtaking light, laser, and fountain show projected on the world’s largest water screen. The music, colours, and pyrotechnics make it one of Dubai’s most mesmerizing free attractions.

Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall

4. Capture skyline views at The Viewing Point

For sweeping panoramas of the city, visit The Viewing Point at Dubai Creek Harbour. Extending 26m over the water, this modern structure offers picture-perfect views of Downtown Dubai and the Creek — ideal for sunset photos or a quiet moment of reflection.

Dubai Creek Harbour

5. Meet rescued turtles at Jumeirah Al Naseem

Animal lovers will adore the Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, which rescues and rehabilitates injured sea turtles before releasing them into the Arabian Gulf. Visit the lagoon for free and learn about marine conservation efforts.

Turtle Lagoon, Jumeirah Al Naseem

6. Discover Jameel Arts Centre

A must-visit for art enthusiasts, Jameel Arts Centre showcases regional and international contemporary art through rotating exhibitions and installations. Don’t miss its outdoor sculpture park and serene creekside gardens. Entry is always free.

Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai Creek

7. Bask in the sun at Dubai’s beaches

Dubai’s coastline is lined with public beaches perfect for relaxing, swimming, or sports. Kite Beach offers activities galore, The Beach at JBR has a lively urban vibe, and Black Palace Beach is ideal for peace and postcard views of the Burj Al Arab.

Various locations across Dubai

8. Watch flamingos at Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary

Just minutes from the city centre, Ras Al Khor is a protected wetland and home to over 170 bird species. From the viewing hides, you can watch flamingos wade gracefully through the water — a free nature experience in the heart of Dubai.

Ras Al Khor Road, Dubai

9. Walk the Palm Jumeirah Boardwalk

Stretching 11km along the crescent of Palm Jumeirah, this scenic boardwalk offers stunning ocean views and photo stops. Grab a coffee from a food truck and watch the skyline light up as the sun sets.

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

10. Picnic at Al Qudra Lakes

Escape the city buzz at Al Qudra Lakes, part of the Al Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve. Ideal for picnics, cycling, and birdwatching, the lakes are home to flamingos, swans, and desert wildlife like the Arabian oryx.

Al Qudra, Dubai

11. Visit the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Shaped like an open book, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library is a modern architectural masterpiece. Inside, you’ll find over a million titles, digital archives, and peaceful study areas. Registration is free via the library app.

Dubai Creek, Al Jaddaf

12. Witness camel racing at Al Marmoom

For a uniquely Emirati experience, visit Al Marmoom Camel Racetrack during racing season (October–April). Early morning races are open to the public, offering a glimpse of local tradition and excitement.

Dubai–Al Ain Road, Al Marmoom

13. Enjoy live performances at Riverland Dubai

Located at Dubai Parks and Resorts, Riverland Dubai is a themed waterfront district with street performers, festivals, and outdoor concerts — all free to access. Wander through its zones inspired by France, India, and the Americas.

Sheikh Zayed Road, Opp. Palm Jebel Ali

14. Explore Dubai’s traditional souks

Dive into Dubai’s heritage at the bustling Gold, Spice, and Perfume Souks in Deira. Browse glittering jewellery, fragrant spices, and local crafts, then hop on an abra across the Creek for just AED 1 — one of the city’s most authentic experiences.

Dubai Creek, Deira and Bur Dubai

15. Admire the Dubai Water Canal

Connecting Dubai Creek to the Arabian Gulf, the Dubai Water Canal is perfect for a sunset stroll. Cross the Tolerance Bridge, snap photos of the illuminated waterfall, and enjoy the open-air city atmosphere.

Al Safa, Dubai Water Canal

16. Try Mushrif Park’s mountain bike trails

Get active at Mushrif Park, home to 20km of mountain biking trails through scenic woodlands. There are tracks for all skill levels — free to ride, with a small AED 3 park entry fee.

Al Khawaneej Street, Mushrif

17. Stay fit with free workouts

Throughout the year, Dubai’s waterfronts and parks host free outdoor workouts, yoga classes, and bootcamps — especially during the Dubai Fitness Challenge in November. Many gyms also offer free trial sessions for newcomers.

Citywide

18. Watch the Dubai Fountain show

Outside Dubai Mall, the world’s tallest dancing fountain performs every 30 minutes in sync with music and light. For the best view, head to Souk Al Bahar Bridge or the Waterfront Promenade — and it’s all free.

Burj Khalifa Lake, Downtown Dubai

19. Escape to Hatta Dam

Surrounded by rugged mountains, Hatta Dam is one of the most scenic spots in Dubai. Visit for free, take in the turquoise waters, and enjoy panoramic views — a perfect nature escape.

Hatta, Dubai

Bonus: Stroll along Dubai Marina Walk

Take a relaxing walk along Dubai Marina Walk, lined with cafes, public art, and glittering waterfront views. It’s especially beautiful at night when the skyscrapers sparkle with lights.

Dubai Marina, Dubai

From desert lakes and creative art spaces to cultural districts and breathtaking views, Dubai’s best experiences don’t always come with a price tag. Whether you’re sightseeing, relaxing, or exploring, the city proves that the most memorable moments are often the ones that are completely free.

Gulf Air has announced the continuation of its temporary network via Dammam, extending operations to various international destinations through April 2026. Travel arrangements between Bahrain and Dammam will be provided for confirmed passengers.

Gulf Air has confirmed that its temporary Dammam network will continue operating through April 2026. Key extensions include:

• Paris (CDG): Operations extended until 5 April 2026
• London Heathrow (LHR): Operations extended until 11 April 2026
• Mumbai (BOM), Nairobi (NBO), Cairo (CAI), Chennai (MAA), Bangkok (BKK), Manila (MNL), Casablanca (CMN), Frankfurt (FRA): Operations extended until 30 April 2026

Passengers with confirmed bookings will be provided transportation between Bahrain and Dammam. Gulf Air will also facilitate Saudi transit visas for travelers connecting to Saudi Arabia via the airline’s arranged land transportation. Passengers whose final destination is Saudi Arabia are required to hold a valid visa independently.

Gulf Air advises passengers not to proceed to their departure station without a confirmed ticket. Flights to and from Bahrain International Airport remain temporarily suspended.

Spain has prohibited United States military aircraft involved in the ongoing Iran conflict from using its airspace, a move that highlights growing friction between Washington and European allies.

Defence Minister Margarita Robles confirmed that neither Spanish military bases nor national airspace would be available for operations connected to the war. She described the conflict, initiated by the US and Israel about a month ago, as both “illegal” and “unjust,” reaffirming Madrid’s firm opposition.

The decision reinforces Spain’s position as one of Europe’s most vocal critics of the conflict and is expected to further strain relations with the administration of Donald Trump. Trump had earlier warned of a potential full trade embargo against Spain in response to its stance.

Spanish officials had already indicated that jointly operated US-Spain military bases would not be used in the campaign. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the latest restriction aims to avoid contributing to any escalation.

Meanwhile, the White House suggested on Monday that the conflict could conclude within two weeks, provided Iran agrees to negotiations, warning that failure to do so would result in serious consequences.

Source: The Telegraph

Airlines across the globe are cancelling thousands of flights as the ongoing conflict in Iran pushes jet fuel prices to unprecedented levels, intensifying pressure on the aviation sector.

Data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that nearly one in every 20 scheduled flights was cancelled on Monday. This represents a sharp increase compared with the same period last year, reflecting growing strain on airline operations.

The surge in cancellations follows a dramatic rise in fuel costs. Jet fuel prices, which stood at $742 per metric tonne a year ago, have climbed beyond $1,710. The escalation is largely linked to supply disruptions caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route responsible for transporting roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil.

Crude oil markets have also reacted strongly, with Brent crude prices reaching as high as $116 per barrel during early trading on Monday. Analysts warn that refining jet fuel requires more crude oil than petrol or diesel, amplifying the impact of supply constraints on aviation fuel availability.

Concerns are now shifting from price increases to potential shortages. According to a report by the Financial Times, the United Kingdom is expected to receive its final known shipment of jet fuel from the Middle East this week.

Aviation analyst Alex Macheras cautioned that multiple markets could face severe fuel shortages within days, including major European airport hubs. He indicated that some airports have begun advising airlines to prepare for scenarios where fuel may not be available.

The disruption is not confined to Europe. Airlines across Asia, Africa, and South America are implementing contingency plans, including additional refuelling stops, as the supply situation deteriorates.

Several carriers have already announced capacity reductions. Air New Zealand has cut 1,100 flights through early May, while Scandinavian airline group SAS plans to cancel 1,000 flights next month, primarily affecting domestic routes.

Meanwhile, Vietnam Airlines has warned it may reduce monthly flights by 10 to 20 percent next quarter if jet fuel prices reach between $160 and $200 per barrel. This could impact up to 18 percent of its international services and more than a quarter of its domestic operations.

In the United States, United Airlines has already reduced capacity by approximately 5 percent on less profitable routes, becoming the first major US carrier to take such measures in response to rising fuel costs.

Chief executive Scott Kirby said sustained high oil prices could increase the airline’s expenses by $11 billion, potentially forcing ticket prices to rise by around 20 percent to maintain profitability. He noted that fares have already increased by 15 to 20 percent in recent weeks, warning that higher prices are likely to dampen travel demand.

Kirby added that in a worst-case scenario, oil prices could climb to $175 per barrel and remain above $100 through 2027.

Beyond fuel-related challenges, the conflict has also disrupted travel across the Middle East. Major European carriers, including British Airways, Air France-KLM, and Lufthansa, have suspended multiple routes to and from the region.

Cirium data indicates that approximately 7,049 out of 104,618 scheduled flights—around 7 percent—were cancelled globally on Monday. By comparison, 4,797 out of 102,132 flights, or 4.7 percent, were cancelled on the same day last year.

The impact has been particularly severe in North America, where cancellations reached 14.6 percent of departing flights, significantly higher than the 4.4 percent recorded a year earlier.

Source: The Telegraph

Airfares from the United Arab Emirates have increased significantly in recent weeks, with travel agencies reporting average rises of 15 to 25 per cent. The surge is being linked to reduced flight schedules by regional carriers, a decline in international airline operations on key routes, and mounting operational expenses such as fuel and insurance.

Industry professionals say the price increase, while noticeable, has not dampened overall travel demand. Instead, it has led to changes in how passengers plan their journeys. Imtiaz Hussain Nasir, chief executive of Pinoy Tourism, noted that travellers are now more price-conscious, often comparing options carefully and booking earlier to avoid further increases. Flexibility with travel dates and routes has also become more common.

Recent travel disruptions have played a role in shaping demand patterns. Many passengers postponed trips rather than cancelling them, leading to a rebound in bookings as services resumed. This combination of delayed and new demand has placed additional pressure on available seats, contributing to higher fares.

Rashida Zahid, vice president of operations at musafir.com, said travellers are increasingly adopting strategic booking habits. According to her, most passengers now secure tickets around eight to ten days before departure, as prices tend to rise sharply within the final few days. While direct flights remain the preferred choice, more travellers are opting for indirect routes when the cost savings are substantial.

The limited presence of international carriers is another factor influencing prices. Rino Steephen, sales manager and partner at Azzam Travel and Tourism, explained that a large share of current flights is being operated by UAE-based airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Air India. Reduced competition, he said, is contributing to higher ticket costs.

Popular outbound destinations from the UAE include India, the Philippines, several African nations, Turkey, Thailand, Georgia, Armenia, Malaysia, Singapore, and major European cities such as London, Paris, Milan, and Barcelona.

Flight availability continues to play a critical role in pricing. With fewer direct options, many travellers are choosing longer, indirect journeys, sometimes at higher overall costs, to reach their destinations while managing budgets.

Experts also point to broader global pressures affecting the aviation sector, including rising fuel prices, increased insurance premiums, and operational risks. These factors are feeding into ticket pricing worldwide.

Despite higher fares, booking patterns vary depending on urgency. Some passengers continue to book immediately due to pressing travel needs, while others plan weeks in advance to secure more favourable rates. Airlines, meanwhile, are offering greater flexibility in ticket changes and cancellations to accommodate shifting travel plans.

Looking ahead, industry observers expect demand to remain strong. Nasir said travel activity is likely to recover steadily as operations stabilise, although fares may stay elevated on high-demand routes with limited capacity. Steephen added that while UAE carriers are operating without seat restrictions, the absence of more international airlines continues to shape pricing trends. Any easing of fares, he noted, will depend on how conditions evolve in the coming weeks.

Source: Khaleej Times

Qatar Airways has announced temporary delays in handling customer service requests, including refunds, citing a significant rise in demand. The airline said response and processing times may be longer than usual, while teams continue to work continuously to address all pending cases.

Under updated guidance, passengers holding confirmed bookings for travel between 28 February and 15 June 2026 are eligible to request either a full refund or a change of travel dates.

For customers with cancelled bookings, the airline clarified that if a booking cannot be retrieved through its system, it is likely already undergoing refund processing, and no further action is required. However, if the booking remains accessible, passengers may apply for a full refund or modify their travel dates. Any additional services purchased alongside tickets will be refunded separately after the main ticket refund is completed.

Passengers who still intend to travel can reschedule their journeys on Qatar Airways-operated flights up to 31 October 2026, subject to seat availability and fare conditions.

The airline noted that refunds will be issued to the original form of payment and may take up to 28 working days to complete. Customers can monitor the progress of their refund requests through the airline’s online tracking system.

For tickets booked through travel agents or third-party platforms, passengers have been advised to contact their original point of purchase to initiate refund requests.

Qatar Airways also directed customers to its official website for further assistance and updated information, including frequently asked questions.