Dubai is often associated with luxury and extravagance, but you’ll be glad to know that this amazing city still has a lot to offer even if you’re on a budget during a weekend in Dubai.

Whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or an arts and culture vulture, we have curated a must-try list of some of the best things you could do over the weekend without spending more than Dhs50. Try one or mix and match a few to stay within your budget.

So, get your friends together and enjoy a fun-filled and affordable weekend. Here are our top picks to curate the perfect weekend.

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Bike around Jumeirah Beach

Perhaps you’re looking for a unique date idea or are trying new ways to get active, bike riding is a great choice. Bikes can be pricey to buy but renting one in Dubai can cost as little as Dhs20. Careem Bike rentals are a fab choice and you can find them dotted all around the city. If you’re after a scenic route, Jumeirah Beach is ideal. You can hop on and off in this neighbourhood, grab a bite to eat, make a pit-stop at the beach, all for under Dhs50. In fact, it costs just Dhs20 for a one-day package or Dhs50 for a week package, so you can put pedal to the metal for even longer, should you wish.
From Dhs20. Jumeirah Beach Road.

Bowl your friends over at GLITCH

Entertainment centres aren’t just for kids, especially in Dubai. And if you’re in the mood for endless fun, with your friends, you’ll be excited to know that indoor activity centre GLITCH has over 30 games to choose from. If you’re trying just one activity though, practice your swing with a game of bowling.
From Dhs30. Sun-Thu, 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat, 10am-midnight. GLITCH, Level 2, Al Ghurair Centre, Deira, glitcharabia.com.

Check out the Glass House at Quranic Park

If you’re a plant-lover looking to get some shade from the sun, head to Quranic Park’s Glass House. This beautiful indoor oasis contains 29 plants and trees, including corn, olive trees, basil, barley, pomegranates, banana, wheat and various other flora. When hunger hits, a small café is available inside or you can bring your own snacks along to enjoy outside in the stunning park area. Be sure to stop by the observation deck where you can soak in enviable views across the park. If the weather is cool enough, you can also enjoy cycling, walking or running, plus other activities.
From Dhs5 (Glass House entry fee). Open 9am-9pm. Al Khawaneej 1

Explore the Coffee Museum

Coffee connoisseurs in Dubai, make your way to the Coffee Museum. You can learn all about the local and global history of coffee, including how it made its way into the region from the Ethiopian highlands. You’ll get to explore ancient artefacts, like coffee grinders and other trinkets. Entry is absolutely free so be sure to get something cute from the museum shop on the way out, such as jewellery shaped like coffee beans.
Free (entry). Villa 44, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood, Bastakiya, coffeemuseum.ae (04 353 8777).

Kick it with the cool kids at Alserkal Avenue

There’s always something going on at Alserkal Avenue and if you’re an arts and culture vulture, its bound to become your favourite hangout. Unless an event is being hosted here, it’s free to explore the arts compound. Other must-visit pit-stops, include Cinema Akil and NightJar coffee.
Free (entry to the arts compound). Open daily 10am-7pm. 7th Street, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1 (04 333 3464).

Take an abra ride

If you’d like to have the ultimate dreamy experience on a budget, an abra ride is just the ticket. A ride on this motorised water taxi will take you across the stunning Dubai Creek and travels from Bur Dubai to Deira. During your boat ride, you’ll take in scenic views including old souks, hotels and other tourist attractions like Al Fahidi Historical District. The best part? It costs just Dhs2 per ride.
From Dhs2 (per person). Bur Dubai and Deira.

Stroll around Al Seef

Charming Al Seef is one of the best spots to stroll around for hours and it’s absolutely free to enter. There are plenty of budget-friendly things to do here too. You can enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants or cafés, take a scenic walk as you take in the breathtaking Dubai Creek, or even pick up cool textiles and trinkets from one of the souks. Just keep your budget to Dhs50 and you will be set. Reward yourself with a cup of Karak tea at Arabian Tea House for an authentic way to end your experience. As the weather in Dubai is heating up, the best time to visit is in the evening for a breezy experience.
Free (entry). Dubai Creek, Al Seef Street, alseef.ae

Spend the day at Dubai Mall

Like everything else, visiting a mall in Dubai is an experience. And if you’re hoping to tick off some tourist attractions, Dubai Mall needs to be on your list. The best part is you don’t have to spend any money here (if you can resist it). Explore the world’s largest mall for free, see the towering Burj Khalifa up close, peek into the Dubai Aquarium indoors and catch the Dubai Fountain show outside. You can also enjoy a meal or a drink for under Dhs50. Better yet, get a takeaway and tuck in while watching the fountains do their thing.
Open daily 10am-midnight. Downtown Dubai, thedubaimall.com

Watch the sunset at Al Sufouh Beach

Fill up a picnic basket for Dhs50 with some snacks and bring along a blanket to enjoy a sunset at Al Sufouh Beach — one of the best spots in the city to watch the sun slip down behind Burh al Arab. This popular beach is open 24/7, making it a perfect spot to have a late-night chat, a stroll or to enjoy a tranquil evening with your pals or other half.
Free. Open daily 24/7. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Al Sufouh.

Engage in some arts and culture

This thoroughly funky building on the Jaddaf Waterfront is original in its programming and forward-thinking in its research. Fiercely independent, it supports artists from the MENA region like few other establishments. And you can too by popping along and immersing yourself in this incredible creative centre. The best bit… it’s free access to all! Which means you can spend your hard-saved dirhams in the gift shop or at Teible, the venue’s super-stylish artisanal bakery.
Free. Sat-Thurs 10am-8pm, Tuesdays closed, Friday noon-8pm. Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org (04 8739 800).

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