Budget mini breaks: enjoy a Dubai stopover for under AED100

Put the pedal to the metal and race against friends and family at EKart Zabeel, where a standard ticket costs just AED95. Located on the rooftop of Dubai Mall Zabeel, the thrill-packed experience lets you get behind the wheel of an electric go-kart and zoom around an indoor circuit. Everyone is welcome, from beginners to experts, plus you can enjoy great views of Burj Khalifa. 

Soak up Dubai’s glorious sunshine and cool off in the azure sea, all without spending a dirham. If you’d like to combine sightseeing with exercise, go for a walk or jog along the 14km track – with amazing views of Jumeirah Burj Al Arab to take in as well. When you get peckish, there are plenty of top-notch food trucks to explore. And don’t forget to check out the ever-popular SALT, a homegrown burger spot with a menu full of delicious yet inexpensive bites. 

Watch in awe as 250 Nile crocodiles go about their day at this dedicated 20,000sqm facility next to Mushrif Park. The family-friendly attraction allows you to interact with the ancient reptiles at feeding stations, while the museum is full of fascinating croc facts. Adult tickets cost AED95 per person, while children (aged three to 11) can enter for AED75 each.

This futuristic mini-city was built for Expo 2020 Dubai, which welcomed 192 nations and 24 million visitors. Free attractions include Al Wasl Plaza, where you can witness the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface, and the astounding fire-and-water feature Surreal, plus picturesque parks and three themed playgrounds. You can also buy tickets to experiences including Garden in the Sky (AED40 per person), a rotating observation tower which rises 55m above the ground. 

Dubai’s thriving arts hub Alserkal Avenue is always a great place to go for fun and thought-provoking cultural experiences. Located in Al Quoz, the pedestrianised neighbourhood has a range of art galleries that you can explore for free. These include the contemporary art space Carbon 12, the India-focused 1x1 Art Gallery and The Third Line, which promotes talents from the Arab world. 

The dancing fountain show outside Dubai Mall is high on the to-do list for many visitors to the city. Behold the mesmerising performance daily, which is free to watch and takes place every 30 minutes from 6pm to 11pm. Get even closer to the spectacle by accessing the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk (AED25 per person) or set sail on the Dubai Fountain Lake Ride (AED73.25 per person). Once the show is over, look up and marvel at the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa, as it pierces the sky at 828m tall.

Settle into a cosy sofa and watch amazing films from across the globe at this arthouse cinema. Tickets cost around AED50 each, and you can browse a diverse calendar of flicks including Hollywood classics, avant-garde gems, fascinating documentaries and so much more. Don’t forget to pick up a snack from Run by Project Chaiwala café in the foyer, which serves everything from saffron chai to sweet potato masala fries.

There’s so much to enjoy at this indoor trampoline park in Al Quoz. Practise your aerial moves as you bounce around, test your prowess on the X-Park Ninja Warrior obstacle course, leap off the Cliff Jump, play a game of dodgeball, see if you can slam dunk a basketball and more. Tickets cost AED90 for one hour – jumpers must be over 110cm tall, while young kids will love MiniBounce in The Springs Souk. 

This iconic attraction in Zabeel Park resembles a giant picture frame, standing at 150m tall and 93m wide. Visitors can admire spectacular views of Dubai’s famous landmarks, wander along the glass bridge and learn about the city’s rich history and exciting future via high-tech installations. Tickets cost just AED50 for adults and AED20 for children.

Nothing is as it seems at this family-friendly attraction on Bluewaters Island, which is designed to confound the senses. The interactive museum boasts a collection of optical, auditory and tactile illusions, along with magic tricks and technological marvels. Prepare to be dazzled and delighted by visual oddities on screens, interactive installations, unexpected objects and more. Tickets are AED75 per adult and AED60 per child (aged seven to 17).