Enjoying a Budget-Friendly Night Out in Dubai
Craving a Saturday night where the bill totals Dhs0? Sometimes, it’s essential to give your wallet a break while still enjoying a vibrant weekend. Thankfully, a free Saturday evening doesn’t have to be monotonous, especially during the lively summer months.
If you appreciate this: Check out our list of 116 top business lunch deals in Dubai, organized by area. Get ready for an exciting night filled with fun activities that won’t cost you a dirham!
Free Activities to Explore on a Saturday Night in Dubai
Immerse Yourself in Alserkal Avenue
Alserkal Avenue offers a delightful range of free activities, from art exhibitions to window shopping. Occasionally, you can even catch a complimentary film screening at the Akil cinema, so be sure to check their website for schedules. The artistic displays are endless, and don’t miss the Mestaria and Zawyeh galleries for a unique experience.
Open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM (individual store timings may vary). Located at 17th Street, Al Quoz. Visit alserkal.online or call (04 333 3464).
Marvel at the Dubai Aquarium
Located inside the Dubai Mall, you can browse the stores and make your way to the aquarium. While entry requires a fee, you can enjoy a grand view of a significant portion of the tank from outside for free. Watch in awe as reef sharks, stingrays, and various fish species swim gracefully by. Capture stunning photos as you take in the underwater spectacle.
Open Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 10:15 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 10 AM to 11:15 PM. Find it at Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. More info at thedubaimall.com or call (800 3822 462 55).
Explore Chinatown
Take a leisurely stroll through Chinatown in Dubai Mall for an authentic Asian cultural experience. Located on the first floor opposite the Dubai Ice Rink, this area features stands and shops showcasing beautiful ceramics and plates, alongside stunning ceiling decorations perfect for selfies.
Open daily from 10 AM to midnight. Located at The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. For more, visit thedubaimall.com/chinatown.
Experience the Dubai Fountain Show
Few places in the world offer the chance to witness a magnificent water show for free. The Dubai Fountain performs every 30 minutes starting from 6 PM, so secure a spot on one of the nearby bridges for the best view. Watch as the Burj Khalifa illuminates with vibrant colors and the fountain reaches breathtaking heights.
Performances daily from 6 PM. Located at Burj Khalifa, Downtown Dubai.
Engage with Art at the Foundry Art Space
The Foundry Art Space presents a variety of free activities for an enriching evening. Enjoy thought-provoking exhibitions, talks, and film screenings, or relax in elevated pods with a good book. The rotating displays offer something new to see each month, encouraging repeat visits.
Open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Located at Boulevard Crescent, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai. More details at foundry-downtowndubai.ae or call (04 367 3696).
Wander Through Souk Madinat
Capture stunning tourist photos at Souk Madinat, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Burj Al Arab, whether by day or night. The bustling atmosphere adds to the charm, making it a perfect outing.
Shops open daily from 10 AM to 11 PM; restaurants from 8 AM to 2 AM. Located at Al Sufouh 1. More information at jumeirah.com or call (04 366 8888).
Stroll Around City Walk
City Walk comes alive at night, offering a vibrant atmosphere without requiring you to spend a dirham. The area features incredible art installations from local artists, turning it into an open-air exhibition. It’s a fantastic spot for unique Instagram posts!
Visit citywalk.ae for more details.
Sign Up for Free Gym Trials
If you prefer an active Saturday, explore various free trials offered at gyms throughout Dubai. Ladies can enjoy a complimentary session at boutique gym FitnGlam, where you can test facilities and classes at any of their three locations. For boxing enthusiasts, BoxIQ in Al Quoz also provides free trial sessions.
FitnGlam: Open Monday to Friday from 6 AM to 11 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 10 PM. Various locations available at fitnglam.ae or call (04 333 2215).
BoxIQ: Open Monday to Thursday from 6 AM to 9 PM, Friday from 6 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Located at Level M, Al Joud Centre, Al Quoz. Visit boxiq.me or call (058 563 6123).
Explore the Gold Souk at Night
Take a stroll through the traditional Gold Souk on a Saturday night and observe the vibrant marketplace as vendors showcase their exquisite jewelry. Enjoy the atmosphere without the pressure to purchase, or if you find some spare dirhams, consider ending the evening with a Dhs2 abra ride along the canal.
Open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Located in Deira, Al Ras.
Drive to Love Lake
For a romantic outing, visit Love Lake, where two intertwined heart-shaped lakes create a picturesque view, especially at sunset. Pack a picnic to enhance the experience amidst nature, which is home to over 100 species of plants and animals. Take a drive along the D63 route and turn right onto the road for Al Qudra Lakes to reach this serene spot.
Open daily, 9 AM to 5 PM, and Sundays from 12:30 PM to 5 PM. Located at Al Qudra.
Read at Mohammed bin Rashid Library
If you seek a quieter Saturday evening, consider spending a few hours at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library. Spanning seven floors, the library houses over a million books, including atlases, religious manuscripts, poetry, and literature. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you browse and read.
Entry is free, but you must book a timed entry slot in advance. Open Monday to Thursday from 9 AM to 9 PM, Friday from 2 PM to 9 PM, Saturday from 9 AM to 9 PM, and closed on Sundays. Located in Al Jaddaf. More info at mbrl.ae or call (04 222 2025).
Go Night Swimming at Kite Beach
Kite Beach is open for night swimming, providing a completely free way to enjoy the water. Floodlit for safety, you can swim under the stars and savor the warm waters. For an unforgettable experience, arrive before sunset, bring a picnic, and watch the sun dip below the Burj Al Arab before diving into the moonlit waters.
Open daily from sunset to sunrise. Located at Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, and Umm Suqeim 1.
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