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!
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.
A view of Dubai’s scenic skyline from Zabeel Park.Explore Dubai more and book through www.headout.com and get a discount. Click Here!
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.
A pretty clear view of Dubai’s skyline at Dubai Creek Harbour!
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.
Enjoy a relaxing but adventurous cruise on board the Black Pearl Pirate Ship.
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.
Lastly, check out Al Seef District. This destination is a popular leisure and entertainment spot for Dubai residents. It’s also a lively place for dining and souvenirs shopping, and a great place for coffee dates.
What’s so special about this place? For visitors and new residents of Dubai, you will be in for a fascinating journey to the past. All buildings in this place including Starbucks represent the “old town of Dubai”. Imagine walking in the streets of Dubai in the ’90s. Al Seef district is also a cultural and entertainment hub. So, expect to see live events and shows during the winter season. Kids can watch free musical shows and join free activities, especially during Dubai Shopping Festival.
You don’t have to dig deep into your pocket in Dubai. There are a lot of places and activities in Dubai where you can spend time with your friends and family on a small budget. This list is not meant to be exhaustive by any means. If you know some outdoor places that are less than 50 AED, please tell me in the comments below and I’ll add them to the list!
And if you’re planning your vacation to Dubai now, it’s time to allocate those dirhams on hotel stays and rental cars because you can still enjoy outdoor activities, free events and festivals under 50 AED or even free. Yes, Dubai has something for everyone. It’s up to you to explore and discover.
