15 fantastic free things to do indoors in Dubai

There are lots free things to do indoors in Dubai.
From excursions to experiences, and plenty of pursuits to plan that will help you beat the heat and look after your bank balance at the same time.
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For bargain hunters who love a freebie, here's a round-up of fabulous free things to do indoors in Dubai.
Fantastic free things to do indoors in Dubai
Get your art fix at Alserkal Avenue
If you are after a one-stop spot to feast your eyes, then a trip to Alserkal Avenue is a must. With a long list of art galleries and performance spaces to enter for free, you can spend a whole day at the Al Quoz location.
Well worth a visit to get a dose of culture without having to spend a dirham, making it one of the best free things to do indoors in Dubai.
Open daily 10am-7pm. Al Quoz, alserkalavenue.ae (04 333 3464).
You might also like: 5 must-visit museums in Dubai
Discover old treasures at the Antique Museum
(Credit: Supplied)
If you find objects from years ago interesting you will find a trip to the Antique Museum (which is a bit of a treasure trove nestled in Al Quoz) fun.
Admire treasures from the past as you look at the different stalls selling antiques, ceramics and hand-made wares.
If you do want to part with some cash you can take home something very unique.
Open daily 9am-8.30pm. Al Quoz, fakihcollections.com (04 347 9935).
Watch a free film at Cinema Akil
Cinema Akil is one cool spot to sit back and catch a movie. The cute cinema – kitted out with red velvet seating and walls lined with vintage film posters – sometimes puts on free screenings so it's worth keeping an eye on the website for when free events are on.
Timings vary. Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, cinemaakil.com.
Check out the underwater zoo at Dubai Aquarium
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Marvel at marine life at the Dubai Aquarium inside The Dubai Mall. Make the most of the air-conditioned shopping centre as you check out the different fish swimming about behind the glass tank. You may even spot a shark, or two.
While you have to pay to enter the Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, you can spot plenty from the outside. A winner for anyone with kids.
Open Mon-Fri10am-10.15pm, Sat-Sun 10am-11.15pm. The Dubai Mall, thedubaiaquarium.com (800 382 246 255).
Admire the resident dinosaur at Dubai Mall
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Sure to go down with aspiring archaeologists and Jurassic Park fans is a visit to see the 24-metre-long dinosaur skeleton that lives inside Dubai Mall. Visit the Souk Dome to see the 155 million-year-old Diplodocus longus named Dubai Dino.
One of the best free things to do indoors, especially with kids, you can see the artefact any time during the mall's opening hours which is an added bonus.
Mon 10am-midnight, Tues-Sun, open 24 hours The Dubai Mall.
Stroll around Chinatown in Dubai Mall
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While you're in Dubai Mall, head to the first floor opposite the Dubai Ice Rink with direct access to Address Fountain Views, as the new destination promises to offer an authentic Asian experience that you can stroll around for free.
Mon-Thu 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai.Dubai. thedubaimall.com
Explore the creative hub at Jameel Arts Centre
(Credit: Supplied)
Make your way to Jaddaf Waterfront to immerse yourself in everything Jameel Arts Centre has to offer. The creative centre has three floors waiting for art enthusiasts to check out the exhibitions and installations.
Make sure to also pop into the Art Jameel Shop, the Artist's Garden, the seven desert gardens, and Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park.
Open Sat-Mon 10am-8pm, Tues, closed, Wed-Thu 10am-8pm, Fri noon-8pm. Jaddaf Waterfront, jameelartscentre.org (04 873 9800).
Learn about the classical Arabic poet at Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
(Credit: Supplied)
If you love to see old artefacts and discover more about Arabic history then a trip to the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili could be right up your street.
Visiting the free museum, which is a homage to Mubarak Bin Al Oqaili (1875–1954), will allow you to understand the pioneering poet and to see some of his original, handwritten work as well as the pens and tools he used to pen his poems.
Open Mon-Thu 9am-2pm, Fri 9am-noon, Sat-Sun, closed. Al Ras, Deira, dubaiculture.gov.ae (04 515 5000).
Visit Souk Madinat
(Credit: supplied)
If it's feeling too hot to wander around the Gold or Spice Souks in Deira, try heading to Souk Madinat instead. All created within the comfort of air-conditioning, you can wind around the alleys – decorated as if you're in one of the historic markets. Filled with traditional Arabic perfumes, sweets and gifts, take a browse for no cost at all.
Daily 10am-11pm. Al Sufouh 1. soukmadinatjumeirah.com (04 366 8888).
See the summer shows at The Foundry
If you didn't know already, The Foundry is one of the best places in Dubai to see art. With free shows all summer, there's loads to explore.
Not only free to attend, you can view a series of new works every few weeks from the creative community, including local and international artists.
Free. Daily 10am-10pm. Dubai Downtown Boulevard, foundry.downtowndubai.ae (04 367 3696).
The Old Library: Take the kids for story time
Every Monday morning little bookworms are invited to attend story time at The Old Library. A storyteller reads to the tots from 10am and the first time is free for non-members to take their children to. After the first complimentary session, the parent/guardian must join as a member.
Mon-Friday 10am-6pm, Sun noon-4pm, The Old Library, Gold & Diamond Park.
Looking for another library to explore? Fiker Institute is also recommended: it has over 15,000 books, spanning over 40 categories.
Listen to live music at Time Out Market Dubai
Foodie hotspot Time Out Market Dubai is one of the best indoor places in town to head to during the warmer months.
With free entry into the trendy market (you will have to part with cash to eat but with so many tasty options you will be happy too) as well as live music three nights of the week, and free entertainment for kids every Sunday, it must be on your summer to-do list.
You might also like: The best desserts at Time Out Market Dubai
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai, timeoutmarket.com.
Keep busy by volunteering
Why not give something back this summer by helping others in need.
There are lots of non-profit organisations in Dubai that will welcome people wanting to use their free time to help out. Check out a list of places to donate your services here.
Various locations across the UAE.
Try a new fitness class
Want to get back into exercising? Keen to work up a sweat doing something new? ClassPass allows you to discover a new fitness session without you being committed long-term. A great way to find what is right for you without having to spend your hard-earned cash.
Various times and locations. classpass.com
Other free things to do indoors in Dubai
The 56 best things to do indoors in Dubai
Your ultimate guide to beat the heat
How to summer indoors: picnics, wildlife walks and yoga under the sea
Our AC-approved places to play
10 must-try indoor attractions in Dubai
Don't worry – they all have air conditioning

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