GuidesMay 5, 2022

25 affordable things to do in the UAE this May

Selma Abdelhamid

Selma Abdelhamid

sum team
Optimized-20210123_093623.jpg

25 affordable things to do in the UAE this May



it's getting hot, and options for affordable activities are getting limited. You'll find suggestions in previous blog posts here, here and here but if you haven't made any plans yet, we've put together a list of things to do with your family specifically over these Eid holidays.

Location: Al Mamzar, Dubai

Now is the best time to enjoy the beach! For an even more unique experience, grill your own BBQ under the shade of the trees at Al Mamzar Park for just AED 5/person. Chalets are also available, prices starts at AED 150.

Timings: Sun-Wed: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Thurs-Sat & Public Holidays: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM

mamzar.png

Explore the marina on a wooden dhow. The special package for UAE residents costs 30 AED for children and 40 AED for adults, soft drinks included. Duration: one hour. Book online.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

61714001224dc.png

Mazmi coffee is one of the most beautiful cafes in town, with spectacular creek views. Owner Ilaria is a loyal Dirham Stretcher follower and will give any child free homemade gelato provided they mention Dirham Stretcher and the accompanying adult spends 20 AED (which isn't hard because her coffee is delicious!). Throw in an abra ride or two and your kids will love their day out!

More information here.

Timings: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily

WhatsApp Image 2021-12-13 at 17.21.57 (12) (1).jpeg

Not far from Dubai but much cheaper - you'll pay only 25 AED for adults and 15 AED for children aged 2-12 for the Sharjah Aquarium and Maritime Museum combined. Find more information here.

Timings: Mon-Thurs & Sat: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Fri: 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Sun: Closed

WhatsApp Image 2021-12-20 at 11.35.49 (3) (1).jpeg

Let your kids go wild on this adventure playground! Make sure to bring swimsuits as they will get wet, and a picnic because they will end up hungry! Entry costs 25 AED/child for 2 hours, book online. Find more information here.

Timings: Tues-Thurs: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Fri-Sun: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Optimized-20210123_093623.jpg

Never a boring moment here! The Antique Museum is not a real museum, rather a huge shop but definitely worth a visit if you like memorabilia and other curiosities. Entry is free. Find more information here.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM daily

WhatsApp Image 2021-06-17 at 17.39.08 (16).jpeg

The House if Wisdom is not only a beautiful, serene space but also an amazing free library in the Sharjah University area. Find more info here.

Timings: Sun-Thurs: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Fri & Sat: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM

WhatsApp Image 2021-07-19 at 15.36.49.jpeg

Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

Oldie but goodie! The kids just never get tired of it. Check out the Fountain Shows at 2:00 PM-5:00 PM, running every hour and every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM-11:00 PM.

WhatsApp Image 2022-05-02 at 3.15.00 PM.jpeg

Location: Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai

This splash pad is amazing but the water is a bit cold, which is why not many people visit it in the cooler months! Now it's the perfect place to cool down in the sun! Ticket Price for Dubai Hills Residents is AED 20 (kids under 13) and AED 25 (adults) , Non-Residents AED 30 (kids under 13) and AED 40 (adults).

Timings: Sun-Thurs: 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM, Fri & Sat: 10:00 AM to 7:30 PM

splash.jpeg

Sharjah Desert Park is a complex of 4 museums/centres: the Childrens' Farm, the Sharjah Natural History Museum, the Islamic Botanical Garden and Arabia's Wildlife Center. Entry for all 4 costs 15 AED for adults. Find more information here.

Timings: Sun-Thurs: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, Fri: 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM, Sat: 11:00 AM to 5:30 PM

69338060_10157084767685280_8323090103555588096_n.jpg

Location: The Sustainable City, Dubai

If your children like animals, they will enjoy this small sanctuary nestled in the middle of Sustainable City. It's a fun (and free!) exercise for youngsters accessible to residents as well as non-residents. Go in the morning or late afternoon, bring a picnic mat and some food or drinks, then sit back and relax while the kids feed the animals and play on the playground. Find more information here.

Timings: Open 24 hours

SC.jpeg

Operated by the RTA, the water bus connects Marina mall and the opposite side. A day pass costs 25 AED and children under 5 go free. Find more information here.

Timings: Mon - Thurs: 4:00 PM to 10:15 PM, Fri: 5:05 PM to 10:30 PM, Sat & Sun: 4:50 PM to 10:45 PM

marina waterbus.jpg

Location: Opposite Lulu Hypermarket, Al Sharq, Al Mujarrah, Sharjah

Missing the rain? Don't worry, The Rain Room is permanently installed in Sharjah's Al Majarrah neighborhood. An adult ticket costs AED 25, children go free up to 5 years. Teachers and students pay 15 AED (IDs required).

Timings: Sat–Thurs: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Fri: 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM

WhatsApp Image 2022-04-29 at 1.18.44 PM.jpeg

Location: Al Warqa 5, Dubai

Experience safari in Dubai. The Dubai Safari Park, which is located in Al Warqa 5, is home to nearly 3,000 species from all over the world. The African Village, Asian Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Explorer Village, and Adventure Valley are among the five main attractions at Dubai Safari Park. Visitors can also stroll freely and visit attraction such as the Safari Journey and the Kids Farm. Prices start at AED 10 and vary depending on the package. Also read this guest blog review on our blog.

Day Timing: Everyday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Night Timing: Mon-Thurs from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Fri-Sun from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM

safari.jpeg

Priced at only 5 AED for children and 10 AED for adults, this museum is a real Dirham Stretcher- literally! It is mostly interesting for children aged 5+ and teenagers, who will love the interactive displays and illusions.

Find more information here.

Timings: Mon-Sat 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Fri 4:00 to 8:00 PM (please double check as timings may vary)

65316197_10156956339025280_2859255760120971264_n.jpg

Location: Exit No.37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai

Global Village has been extended until May 7 this year! Pay GV one last visit before you say goodbye until autumn...

Tickets are available on our website for AED 14, use code SUM5 for get further discount.

Timings: 6:00 PM to 2:00 AM daily

IMG_1167.jpeg

Location: Mleiha Archaeological Centre, Sharjah

Entry to the museum is free of charge, in addition there is 20% discount on Eid packages.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM

mleiha.jpeg

Join the annual celebration of culinary scene taking place from the 2nd to the 15th of May 2022. The Dubai Food Festival is a great opportunity to taste set menus from well-known restaurants starting from AED 95 during the Dubai Restaurant week (May 6-15). Experience a Masterclass, Exclusive Chef's Tables, Culinary Collaborations and immersive experiential events with Foodie Experiences.

dff.png

Hatta Kayak is a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction in Dubai. Other water activities include Pedal Boats and Water Bikes. Ticket prices start from AED 60 (Single Kayak).

Timings: Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, Sat & Sun: 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Hatta dam 8 (1).jpg

If you find yourself in the Fujeirah area this summer don't miss the Al Aqah Heritage Village. For 20 AED (kids go free), you'll get access to several small museums. Without any doubt the star of the day for kids will be the Classic Cars Museum. Find more info here.

Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily

WhatsApp Image 2021-12-16 at 16.27.26 (12) (1).jpeg

Not cheap but a treat: a guided kayak tour in the mangroves of Al Zorah. Book via the official website of Quest for Adventure and get 15% off everything with code DS2022 (price after discount: 115 AED for children and 149 AED for adults for a 2 hour guided tour). The thick, natural mangroves of Al Zorah cover over 1 million square meters and are home to over 102 species of local and migratory birds, including the famous pink flamingoes. Find more info here.

Timings: Wed-Sun: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM

WhatsApp Image 2022-03-18 at 15.13.15 (7) (1).jpeg

Location: Al Jubail Island, Abu Dhabi

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Abu Dhabi is the Mangrove Walk in Jubail Mangrove Park. While it is largely a mangrove preserve, it also supports a diverse range of species, including fish and birds, which may all be seen from the site's two-kilometer boardwalk. There are also other options such as water activities, arts and wellness. The walk experience starts at AED 5 for kids and AED 15 for adults.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily

jubail.jpg

The Six-Board Game Cafe is located right in front of Burj Khalifa and a place for the whole family with a vast library of more than 1,000 games! Play unlimited games for only 35 AED.

Location: Burj Vista, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

Timings: Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM, Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 2:00 AM

six.png

There are loads of public beaches in the UAE, but UAE Kite Beach has a special vibe and makes you feel like you're on a holiday! Beach access costs 35 AED for children and 45 AED for adults. Book online and read our guest review here.

Timings: 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily

Capture.JPG

Educational and fun, this tour costs 30 AED for children and 50 AED for adults. The funniest part for sure is to wear the beekeeping suits!

Find more information here.

Timings: Mon-Sun 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

unnamed (5) (1).jpg

Share on
SUM-logo

UAE's Leading Lifestyle Community


Register to our newsletter to receive exclusive offers and discount codes.


By signing up, you agree to SUM terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.

  • facebook
  • instagram

@ 2025 SUM. All Rights Reserved. SUM