Zero Dirham Delights: Indoor Adventures in Dubai, All FREE!
As a freelancer, I’ve been mostly at home, feeling pretty isolated and stuck in a rut. I figured if I didn’t do something soon, I might actually go insane.
So after some meditation, I decided I needed to get out ASAP. But I have some issues: I’m not keen on being under the sun for too long AND spending money. I’m so thrifty that it might actually take an apocalypse threat to make me splurge!
To make things easier, I asked around and made a cool list of free things to do indoors in Dubai. Check it out and make the most of your dirham-free trips too!
What can you do in Dubai indoors for free?
There are many things you can do in Dubai indoors for free. You can check out spots like Dubai Mall Chinatown, Jameel Arts Centre, Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili, Souk Al Marfa, and The Old Library.
Appreciate the Charms of Chinatown in Dubai Mall
Media from mahesh_murthy
Website: https://thedubaimall.com/en/campaign/chinatown
Address: Dubai Mall Service Road – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: 800 38224 6255
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Chinatown in Dubai Mall, on the first floor near the Dubai Ice Rink, is a vibrant cultural hub with a direct link to Address Fountain Views. It’s a must-see for anyone looking to immerse themselves in authentic Asian vibes!
Just pass through the grand golden gate, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by intricate architecture, vibrant fabrics, and exquisite décor straight out of the Orient.
I also love that the air is filled with the delightful smells and tastes of Asian cuisine, making each stroll a sensory adventure. For me, every corner looks perfect for Instagram, with plenty of photo-worthy spots to capture!
Pro tip:
Fan of unique treats? Don’t miss out on grabbing some matcha Kit Kats and other cool Asian snacks while you’re in Chinatown!
Get Artsy at Jameel Arts Centre
Media from jameelartscentre
Website: https://www.jameelartscentre.org/
Address: Jaddaf Waterfront – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 873 9800, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Thursday & Saturday – 10 AM to 8 PM
- Friday – 12 PM to 8 PM
Jameel Arts Centre is fantastic for art lovers! This cool white building at Jaddaf Waterfront is filled with light, featuring white-walled rooms and cute little gardens. I reckon it’s a great place to dive into contemporary Middle Eastern art.
Here, you’ll wander through 3 floors of ever-changing exhibitions and installations. Don’t miss the Art Jameel Shop for unique finds, the serene Artist’s Garden, and the 7 desert gardens for a bit of nature to chill and soak up some culture.
Right next door, I suggest checking out the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park with its impressive outdoor sculptures as well. Then, remember to treat yourself to a meal at Teible, a Green Michelin Star restaurant, for some amazing local dishes!
Pro tip:
Looking for a bit of zen? At Jameel Arts Centre, don’t miss climbing up to the rooftop for awesome views of the Versace Hotel and the beautiful water scenery.
Explore Dubai’s Poetic Roots at the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
Media from muaaz_zakria
Website: https://dubaiculture.gov.ae/en/attractions/museums/al-oqaili-museum
Address: Sikka 26A – Deira – Al Ras – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 33222
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 9 AM to 2 PM
- Friday – 9 AM to 12 PM
The Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili in Dubai takes you on a journey through Arabic literary history. Housed in a charming heritage building, it showcases the life and works of poet Mubarak Bin Al Oqaili.
Here, you’ll see his original manuscripts and tools, offering insight into his creative process. The elegant architecture preserves Emirati cultural heritage too! In my opinion, this could help in your immersion and make you feel more like a local in the city.
Pro tip:
Know what else is cool at the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili? The folks there can give you some free dates (fruit) and water if you’re feeling a bit peckish.
Chill at Souk Al Marfa: Deira’s Cool Market
Media from soukalmarfa
Address: 78R6+97V Souq Al Marfa – Dubai Islands – Front – Dubai Islands – Front – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 777 9500
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 2 PM to 2 AM
- Saturday – 12 PM to 2 AM
Want to do some window shopping? The lively Souk Al Marfa provides a vibrant shopping experience and a dose of cultural flair. This indoor marketplace stretches 1.9 km along the Deira Islands’ waterfront, offering you and your crew a cool retreat.
With over 400 stores to explore, the souk boasts everything from beautiful carpets and aromatic spices to trendy fashion finds and the latest electronics. Even if you’re not buying anything right now, I bet some items can still make your early Christmas list.
Pro tip:
If Souk Al Marfa doesn’t have many stores open during your visit, you can always swing by the nearby Bismi waterfront market. It’s packed with great offers and discounts, ensuring you’ll find something special!
Don’t miss Krua Thai nearby (just 1 minute away!. This is where you can indulge in authentic street food, find traditional attire, and discover handcrafted treasures straight from Thailand.
Borrow Your Favorite Tales at The Old Library
Media from theoldlibrarydubai
Website: http://www.theoldlibrary.ae/
Address: Gold & Diamond Park – Building 7 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 321 3939, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, Tuesday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 4 PM
- Thursday to Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM
Bringing your kids with you? The Old Library in Dubai offers a literary treat with weekly storytime sessions starting at 10 am every Monday. Imagine cozy nooks and engaging tales that spark young imaginations!
I also appreciate that first-time visitors can enjoy their first session for free, making it easy to discover this charming English-language library.
And if you want, becoming a member helps sustain operations and adds to the library’s collection of new books. I think it’s also a fantastic way to encourage a love for reading while supporting a cherished community institution in the city.
Pro tip:
Note that The Old Library is a place that exclusively lends books. This spot is very small, so there’s not enough space to sit and read. It’s best to plan accordingly!
Bringing your car? The library’s got you covered with free parking for 2 hours! You may also use this time to enjoy nearby attractions like Al Quoz Mall and Dubai Garden Centre.
Groove to Live Music at Time Out Market Dubai
Media from timeoutmarketdubai
Website: https://www.timeoutmarket.com/dubai/
Address: Level 3 – Souk Al Bahar – Downtown – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 54 375 2421, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 12 PM to 12 AM
- Friday – 12 PM to 1 AM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 10 AM to 12 AM
Time Out Market Dubai is a must-visit, especially if you want to beat the heat indoors. Entry is free, but get ready for a feast with diverse culinary delights like Reif Japanese Kushiyaki and Masti.
Love music? I think you might like that the market hosts live music 3 nights a week, including chill Jazzy Mondays, perfect for a relaxed evening out.
Pro tip:
For the best view of the fountain shows starting at 6 pm, snag a seat on the outside balcony at Time Out Market Dubai. It’s the spot to be for a front-row experience!
Discover Art Vibes at an Alserkal Avenue Gallery
Media from alserkalavenue
Website: https://alserkal.online/
Address: 17th St – Al Quoz – Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 333 3464, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
Alserkal Avenue is amazing if you’re interested in art galleries and cultural vibes. You can stroll through cool warehouses like Custot Gallery and Elmarsa Gallery, where you’ll find everything from contemporary pieces to North African art.
Besides art, this spot sprawls across 500,000 sq ft, with food spots, fashion boutiques, and live music venues. It’s a buzzing spot for community events—a perfect hangout place, in my opinion.
And if you love cars, you can check out Nostalgia Classic Cars here as well! Admire restored classics and a showroom full of Ferraris, BMWs, Porsches, and Mercedes from around the globe. Who knows? These might just inspire you to own one someday!
Pro tip:
Are your pups sad you’re going out? Alserkal Avenue is actually pet-friendly! Bring your furry friends along for a fun adventure.
Find Cool Relics at the Antique Museum
Media from antiquemuseumhandicraft
Website: https://antiquemuseum.ae/
Address: 12B 19 Street – Al Quoz – Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 4 347 9935, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 8:30 PM
The Antique Museum is a cool spot for anyone interested in old treasures. This Dubai spot is packed with stalls offering antiques, ceramics, and handmade items, ideal for a unique browsing experience!
You can also expect a fun treasure hunt vibe as you wander through the rustic area. Known as the biggest hub for handicrafts and eco-friendly products, I believe it’s great for collectors or anyone wanting special souvenirs and gifts.
Not only that, but the museum also supports women. It showcases many crafts made by female artisans around the world, so make sure to check out those trinkets too!
Pro tip:
So note that the Antique Museum is huge, with thousands of items spread across interconnected warehouses. I believe it’s smart to spend at least 2 to 3 hours there to fully enjoy the treasure-hunting experience.
Catch a Flick on the House at Cinema Akil
Media from cinemaakil
Website: http://www.cinemaakil.com/
Address: Al Serkal Avenue – Warehouse 68 – Al Quoz – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 56 995 1225, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 2 PM to 11 PM
If you fancy just sitting somewhere cool and comfy, Cinema Akil is a lovely spot to catch a movie. This independent cinema brings films from around the world to the UAE. With its red velvet seating and vintage film posters, I feel it’s a lovely place to relax.
Expect a mix of films from different eras and directors here too. I love that the cinema often has free screenings, so keep an eye on their website for these events.
Pro tip:
If you’re a fan of chai or Karak (a strong, spiced tea), Cinema Akil is the place to be! For us, the food here is amazing, and it has a good number of teas to choose from!
Dive into the Underwater Wonders at Dubai Aquarium
Media from dubaiaquarium
Website: https://www.thedubaiaquarium.com/
Address: Dubai Mall – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 10:15 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 10 AM to 11:15 PM
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo provides an amazing marine experience. It’s home to over 33,000 aquatic animals, including sand tiger sharks and graceful rays.
Located on the ground floor, I bet the free view already offers plenty of ways to see its underwater wonders. Even when you’re just peeking from outside, the view is jaw-dropping!
And if you have kids, why not take them to see the aquarium? They can bring their binoculars for the small fish too! For me, it’s an awesome spot to get them interested in sea creatures from a young age.
Pro tip:
If you want to upgrade, you can always pay up! Just walk through the Dubai Aquarium’s 48-meter tunnel surrounded by sea creatures, or try a fun glass-bottom boat ride.
Feeling brave? You can even snorkel with sharks in a safe cage or dive with an oxygen tank! I think the Underwater Zoo is equally awesome too, with surprises like “King Croc,” a massive 750 kg crocodile.
Meet Dubai Mall’s Prehistoric Resident Dino
Media from oppseus
Website: https://www.thedubaimall.com/
Address: 57WJ+R62 – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Contact Details: +971 800 382246255, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Open 24 hours
In Dubai Mall, checking out Dubai Dino is a must! This 24-meter-long Diplodocus skeleton, over 155 million years old, wows visitors of all ages. It’s housed in the Souk Dome, where its immense size and historical value truly stand out.
Best part? You can swing by to see this ancient giant whenever the mall’s open. The way I see it, this makes it a super convenient stop on your mall adventure.
Pro tip:
For a packed day at Dubai Mall, plan ahead so you can also hit the slopes at Ski Dubai and explore other attractions. Make the most of all the activities available!
Volunteer at Make A Wish UAE
Media from makeawish_uae
Website: https://www.makeawish.ae/
Contact Details: +971 2 666 5144, [email protected]
If you’ve got the time for it, why not volunteer with Make A Wish UAE? This organization makes dreams come true for kids with serious illnesses, bringing them hope and happiness when they need it most.
As a volunteer, you’ll help grant wishes, whether it’s arranging dream vacations, meeting celebrities, or creating unforgettable adventures. Of course, you could always request to do most work indoors, like packing items, fundraising, and the like.
All in all, I believe it’s a deeply rewarding opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of children and their families.
Pro tip:
Want to stay organized at Make A Wish UAE? Stay on top of all volunteer tasks by using a digital calendar or planner. This way, you’ll always be in the loop about important appointments, meetings, and deadlines.