Nope, not even one single dirham needed.

Dubai summer brings a bunch of discount deals each and every year so that you can spend less and do more. But there are also a load of things you can do that won’t even cost you a dirham. 

Here are five of our favourite free things to do in Dubai…

1. Find out some fascinating facts

A visit to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the old way of life in Dubai. You can explore the winding and twisting alleys and pathways, as well as the buildings of the district, used for varied cultural and artistic activities (both public and private) ranging from art exhibits, specialised museums, cultural and artistic societies. If you fancy splashing the cash, for Dhs3 you can enter Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Fort. Go in the evenings when the breeze makes exploring more bearable.

Al Fahidi historical area, Bur Dubai, various timings. Tel: (04) 515 5000. dubaiculture.gov.ae

2. Visit the waterfront fish market

When the Deira fish market closed its doors earlier this year, it made way for a brand new market, the Waterfront Market. The state-of-the-art facility, located on Al Khaleej Road, is spread over more than 100,000 square metres, and sells fresh fish, fruit, vegetables and meat. For real fish lovers, the fish part of the market is open 24 hours a day (aside from between 10pm and 11pm for a deep clean), so you can even head over for a 4am browse.

Deira Enrichment project, Al Khaleej Road, Dubai, fish market open 24 hours (closed 10pm to 11pm for deep clean), meat & poultry/ fruit & veg market open daily 6am to 1am. Tel: (04) 707 1599. waterfrontmarket.ae

3. Get the giggles at a comedy gig

Photo: Dubomedy

Frankie’s Comedy Cellar is returning for a free comedy night at Frankie’s Italian on JBR this Saturday. New host Simeon Goodson has assembled a brand new opening team to tickle your comedic tastebuds. The New York native, a comedy circuit stalwart, will host a rotating cast of comedians alongside live music. And it’s free entry.

Frankie’s, Oasis Beach Tower, JBR, Sat Aug 19, 7pm to 10pm. Tel: (04) 399 4311. More info on Facebook

4. Hit the beach

It might not come with a balearic soundtrack, an infinity pool or complimentary sunglass-cleaning, but Dubai has some pretty great beaches to enjoy. The Beach at JBR is a popular spot and even in this heat, you catch a spot by the sea and soak up the sun in the early morning, or meander to the free craft market (it’s in a hut opposite Pots, Pans & Boards).

The Beach, JBR, daily. www.thebeach.ae

5. Watch a magical fountain show

Dubai fountains tripadvisor

Even those who’ve lived in Dubai longer than the fountains can’t deny that catching a show can be pretty spectacular. A captivating water, music and light spectacle in Downtown Dubai, there’s a reason this is one of our most popular tourist attractions. Performing a range of different songs from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music, the world’s tallest performing fountain is what Instagram dreams were made of. A new top spot to watch it from – albeit a very busy one – is the terrace outside the new Dubai Mall Apple store.

In front of the Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, daily every half hour from 6pm to 11pm, afternoon shows Sat to Thurs 1pm and 1.30pm, Fri 1.30pm and 2pm. thedubaimall.com/the-dubai-fountain

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