Here at Time Out Dubai we are all about getting out and about (funny that).
And once the sun has set, there are a ton of free things to see and do in the city.
Want some motivation? Check out these activities that you can perform outside in Dubai without spending a single dirham.
Admire the new Atlantis The Royal at night
A fantastic area to take a leisurely stroll to see Dubai’s opulent new hotel, Atlantis The Royal, is along the 21 km of the Palm Jumeirah. On the crescent of the artificial island, the flat walkway passes by a number of mega hotels and is a pleasant evening activity.
Check out the sculpture park in DIFC
With the theme “Tales Under the Gate,” DIFC has been turned into an accessible outdoor art gallery. A different perspective on the contemporary and futuristic works of art on display will be provided by a visit at night, when they will be illuminated by the sparkling skyscrapers of DIFC.
Cool down with a night swim
Jumeirah 2, Jumeirah 3, and Umm Suqeim 1 are the three beaches in Dubai that are now open for night swimming, so head there if you feel like taking a dip after dark. With lighting so you can see where you’re swimming and lifeguards on duty, it’s a terrific way to cool off for nothing at night.
every day from dusk to dawn. Jumeirah 3, Umm Suqeim 1, and Jumeirah 2.
Look around the sculpture garden at Jameel Arts Centre
One of Dubai’s is the Jameel Arts Center, located in Al Jaddaf close to Dubai Creek, and admission is free. You can stroll through the exterior sculpture garden in the evenings. After that, you can enter to view the displays. a fun, healthy evening out.
Ogle Downtown Dubai’s skyline across Dubai Creek
The Viewing Point is a free, 70-meter boardwalk near Dubai Creek that is located 11 meters above sea level. The vantage point provides views of Downtown Dubai’s skyscrapers and even the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library, which is built like a book.
See Burj Khalifa illuminated under the cover of darkness
Even if you’ve seen the water rush up into the air at The Dubai Fountain before as you look up at the Burj Khalifa lit up in lights, one thing is for certain: it never gets old. It is a fantastic free activity to schedule into your evening plans and is well worth several visits.
Downtown Dubai’s Burj Khalifa light show is available every 30 minutes from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays at 7 p.m. and 9.45 p.m.; on weekends at 7 p.m., 8.15 p.m., and 9.45 p.m. (The Dubai Fountain).
Snap nighttime street art pictures in City Walk
If you enjoy exploring City Walk at night and taking in the vivid street art and murals, you’ll have a great time. Find designs by Rone, Eine, Nick Walker, Magda Sayeg, and Blek Le Rat that capture your eye. Charge your phone, then head to City Walk to take some fresh, artistic pictures for your Instagram page (just remember to use flash).
Soak up the kid-friendly atmosphere at Blue waters Dubai
For some breathtaking views, take a trip over to Bluewaters Dubai late at night. The artificial island comes alive in the evenings, especially when vendors are out selling LED light toys and kids are zooming around in miniature automobiles. There are a few viewing platforms along the bridge that are wonderful locations for photography, and the views across to JBR and The Beach are breathtaking.
Splash about in a water fountain at Dubai Marina Walk
Why not gather your kids together and head straight for one of the city’s fountains as it gets dark so they may play in the water? The fountain on Dubai Marina Walk is a great place to cool off. Pack a bag of dry clothing to wear while returning home.
Stargaze at Kite Beach
If you want to relax on the sand after dark then why not schedule a stargazing session? Pack up a picnic blanket to prevent getting sandy as you lay back and look up to the night sky above Kite Beach. It’s recommended to take some binoculars to get a better view of the stars.
Watch an immersive laser, light and water extravaganza at IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City
Lasers dance in the night sky every night alongside a spectacular fountain display at IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City, so are well worth going to see under the cover of darkness in the hotter months. Expect to be wowed; it’s earned two Guinness World Records. This is one that people of all ages will be impressed by.
Mon-Thu 6pm-11pm, Fri-Sun 6pm-11pm (every hour). Dubai Festival City Mall.
Wet your feet in Surreal Waterfall at Expo City
A great activity to do for free post-sunset in Dubai is to check out the Surreal Waterfall at Expo City. Unlike anything you’ve ever seen before the special waterfall allows for visitors to wet their feet by walking on the smooth pebbles that make part of the cool water feature.