Winter is coming and it means the weather in Dubai is cooling down! And did you know that the final week of October is the start of the outdoor season in the United Arab Emirates?
Popular outdoor events and festivals are being held over the country. Tourists are flocking to the beaches, and the parks smell like barbecue. Many families barbecue in the parks and relax. Many UAE residents and long-term visitors head to the desert for camping and sandboarding. So, if you’re planning to visit Dubai for the very first time or if you’re an old-time resident and want to explore more this year but don’t have a massive travel fund, here’s a list of outdoor places in Dubai that you can visit on a small budget. Most of these are less than 50 AED or even free!
Read more: things to do in dubai on a small budget
First, visit Zabeel Park and head to the iconic Dubai Frame, where you can see the old town and the new glitzy metropolis of Dubai.
Zabeel Park is a perfect destination if you want to have a picnic or go for a walk but at the same time discover something different. Yes, it’s absolutely breathtaking and also pocket-friendly! Zabeel park is considered the center between the old districts of Dubai and the new business and entertainment hub. Head down there early in the afternoon and enjoy a cuppa under the trees. There are some small stand-alone stores where you can grab an ice cream or a cup of coffee. You can also bring a picnic basket and enjoy a scrumptious lunch overlooking Burj Khalifa and the famous Dubai Frame. At 5 PM, walk towards Dubai Frame to watch the beautiful sunset inside the metaphorical bridge. The best thing about this is you can watch how Dubai’s scenery changes from dusk until evening.
Things to do inside the Dubai Frame
Dubai Frame is a cultural landmark. An iconic structure, 250 meters high, frames the old Dubai and the new Dubai. It’s both a museum and an observatory platform where you can have a bird’s eye view of the city’s picturesque skyline and watch the city below you!
As a long-time resident of Dubai, it never occurred to me to visit the Dubai Frame until I had kids. I have this clear picture of the old Dubai having been here since I was 15. So, for me, that was enough! I explored the city when there were just a few towers on Sheikh Zayed Road and witnessed Dubai Shopping Festival being held in Bur Dubai and Deira. But after visiting it, I realized how magical it is to revisit the past and remember the good old days. It was also fun walking on the “metaphorical bridge” where you can see crystal-clear the city beneath you! So, whether you’re a UAE resident or a first-time visitor, it’s a must to visit the Dubai Frame and also explore Zabeel Park.
Entrance to the park costs 5 AED. However, if you’re visiting Dubai Frame, you can enter the park through a separate gate. Skip the line and buy your ticket in advance.
Secondly, visit Dubai Creek Harbour in Ras Al Khor. A free destination that offers beautiful skyline views of Dubai. There are many restaurants and cafes in this urban park. So, you can have a coffee and walk along the harbor. Or treat your kids to ice cream. There are many free seating areas, a state-of-the-art playground, and art structures great for a photo-op. It is also the best place for you to do wildlife spotting. From November up to March, you’ll see exotic birds and ducks on the creek. Here’s a tip. When you visit this place, check out the water fountain that lights up beautifully with Burj Khalifa on the backdrop. It’s quite a pretty scene! Indeed, Harbour Creek is one of the free places to visit at night in Dubai. Not only it’s picturesque but also accessible. You can reach this place from different directions in Dubai. Plus, there are ample free parking spots for everyone.
Another way to explore this place is by enjoying a short but scenic boat ride around the creek. There are two ways to do this. One is by taking the 5 AED boat ride offered by Dubai’s RTA. It’s perfect if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on a boat cruise. The second thing is to go on a cruise provided by a tour agency. One of my best experiences is taking a cruise on board a pirate boat.
My kids loved this cruise as they had the chance to mingle with Captain Jack. We also had fun on board the Black Pearl pirate ship enjoying the music and the views. The 1-hour cruise includes complimentary popcorn and soft drinks or water. Plus, a photo-op with Captain Jack Sparrow was fab! If you don’t mind spending a bit, then I highly recommend this cruise. Your kids will have a blast and it’s a great experience for the little ones.
Furthermore, there are many free activities you can do at Dubai Creek Harbour with your family. One of them is to check out the art installations scattered around the area. You can also go for a scenic walk and watch Burj Khalifa from afar. There are many seating areas for sunset viewing and a state-of-the-art playground for kids. Plus, there are picnic tables and great picnics with a view.
