Five fantastic free things to do in the UAE

The UAE is an amazing place to explore, and not everything will cost you money, either. If you’re on a tight budget, here are five fantastic things to do in the UAE that are absolutely free.

Amaze yourself in Al Ain

The Garden City is so close to Abu Dhabi but some residents never visit, which is a massive shame. Al Ain is full of top things to do and a lot of top activities won’t cost you a thing. Head to Al Ain Place Museum, Al Qattara Arts Centre and Al Jahili Fort and you can explore amazing architecture and learn about the history of the UAE. Al Ain Oasis, a UNESCO world heritage site, is another great place for a stroll among 147,000 date palm trees and if you want to get some amazing views you can drive to the top of Jebel Hafeet, the capital’s highest peak and watch the world go by. What are you waiting for? Go, now. You’ll love it.
www.visitabudhabi.ae.

Get on your bike in the desert

Cycling in the desert may seem like a crazy dream but at Al Wathba Cycle track it’s a reality and when better than the present to give it a go? Grab your bike and head to the track and you can take on circuits of the cool cycling destination at your leisure, day or night. With different loop lengths and cracking views of sand dunes either side of you, it’s a great place for a ride whenever the mood takes you.
Open 24/7. Al Wathba Cycle Track, Al Wathba, take exit 47 on the Al Ain Road and it is behind the camel racing track. Search for it on facebook.com.

Explore the Deira Spice Souk

This Old Dubai souk is brimming with culture, sights, sounds and smells. Easily the most amazingly aromatic free pursuit, a trip to the Spice Souk is an absolute must for anyone handy in the kitchen. You’ll find the full gamut of Arabic spices for sale here, along with oils, nuts and a tasty selection of sweet treats. Even if you don’t buy anything it’s fun to wander around and take in a bit of Dubai history.
Open daily 7.30am-9.30pm. Al Ras, Deira.

See the flamingos at Ras Al Khor

For those of you who know twitching doesn’t only involve involuntary spasms, Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary is the place to be. This avian haven is home to many a feathered friend, and while the flamboyant flamingos top the bill you can also spot herons, cormorants and ospreys, too.
Open daily 7.30am-5.30pm (Oct-Mar), 6am-6pm (Apr-Sep). Ras Al Khor, rasalkhorwildlife.ae (04 606 6822).

Go on an adventure at the Khor Kalba Conservation Reserve

This spot on the east coast of Sharjah near the border with Oman is the perfect place to get away from the city and back to nature. You can go scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, or just admire the wildlife, which includes sea turtles and egrets. Don’t forget your waterproof camera and binoculars.
Open 24 hours. Kalba, Sharjah.