UAE resident discounts: 11 places where your Emirates ID can save you money

From theme parks and observatories to staycations and museums, here's how to unlock savings on attractions and family activities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and beyond.

By Sanya Nayeem Published: 2026-06-04T03:06:00+04:00 6 min read
From Ain Dubai (pictured) to museums, water parks, hotels and resorts, there are a host of attractions offering discounted tickets to UAE residents. Picture credit: Unsplash
From Ain Dubai (pictured) to museums, water parks, hotels and resorts, there are a host of attractions offering discounted tickets to UAE residents. Picture credit: Unsplash

Dubai: Love scoring a discount, or always waiting for a good deal? You have the ability to pocket savings at hundreds of attractions and select hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates, thanks to your Emirates ID card.

This vital identity document does more than open doors to banking, healthcare, and government services in the UAE. It automatically unlocks discounts from 15% to 60% at some of the most popular tourist destinations across the emirates. These museums, hotels, theme parks, and tourist locales, offer special discounted fares for UAE residents. Just present your Emirates ID to confirm proof of residency, and enjoy cheaper (or in some cases, free) access to dozens of attractions.

Here are a few you shouldn’t miss:

1. Louvre Abu Dhabi

If you are older than 60, it’s time to flaunt your age. UAE citizens and residents above 60 can access the world-class Louvre Abu Dhabi museum for free, upon presenting their Emirates ID. Tickets are usually priced at Dh70 for adults. Immerse yourself in stories of civilisations and cultures from around the globe, and enjoy interactive exhibitions that change with every season.

Timings: The museum operates from Tuesday to Thursday (10am to 6.30pm), and from Friday to Sunday (10am to 8.30pm). It is closed on Mondays.

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

2. Zayed National Museum

A museum that celebrates the rich history and culture of the UAE, Zayed National Museum traces the story of its people from ancient times to modern day. UAE citizens and residents above the age of 60 get free entry to the museum, upon presenting their Emirates ID. Teachers who live and work in the UAE also enjoy 50% off on the Dh70 entry ticket.

Timings: The museum is open from 10am to 8pm every day, with the last admission one hour before closing.

Location: Saadiyat Cultural District, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi

3. Ain Dubai

Want to see Dubai from a new perspective? Discover breathtaking 360° views of the city, and spot all of its iconic landmarks on Ain Dubai, the world’s tallest observation wheel. UAE residents enjoy 20% off on tickets, which start from Dh116, and can pocket minimum savings of Dh29 on each ticket. Remember to show your Emirates ID when checking in. Customise your 38-minute cabin ride, by opting for a shared cabin or a private one, or including food and beverages to elevate the experience.

Timings: Ain Dubai runs every day, from 10am to 9pm, with the last admission at 8.15pm.

Location: Bluewaters Island, Dubai

4. Museum of the Future

Ever been to a ‘living museum’? Dubai’s Museum of the Future is unlike any other – it has the traditional exhibitions you’d expect at a museum, but also involves immersive theatre and themed attractions, all designed to show how society could evolve in the coming decades by using science and technology.

To avail of the UAE resident discount offer, you will first need to apply for a Fazaa card membership. Membership is free for UAE residents in 2026, as part of the government’s ‘Year of the Family’ initiative, but requires you to possess an Emirates ID to prove your residency status. See the steps to apply for a Fazaa card. Next, book your tickets online, on the Museum of the Future’s official website, museumofthefuture.ae, and use the code ‘MOTF15FAZAA’ at checkout to get 15% off on the regular ticket price of Dh149.

Timings: The museum runs every day, from 10am to 7pm, with the last admission at 5pm.

Location: Shaikh Zayed Road, Dubai

5. The Green Planet

If you have the urge to feed an armadillo, or talk to chatty parrots, head to The Green Planet. This indoor tropical rainforest bio-dome in Dubai is home to dozens of mammals, birds, reptiles and insects, and provides a truly interactive experience and the opportunity to reconnect with nature, right in the heart of the city. The Green Planet regularly offers City Walk residents an exclusive discount of up to 16%, but ensure you check on their website if the offer is active, before making your way there. You will also need to present your Emirates ID upon arrival for validation.

Location: City Walk, Dubai

Timings: The Green Planet runs from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Thursday, and from 10am to 7pm, Friday to Sunday.

6. Dubai Miracle Garden

A visit to the world’s largest natural flower garden is usually on every Dubai bucket list. The 72,000sqm park features more than 150 million blooming flowers, with eye-catching topiaries, and whimsical structures that double as vibrant flower exhibits. While tickets for adults are typically priced at Dh100, and Dh85 for children between 3 and 12, you can present your Emirates ID to get special discounted tickets, priced at Dh60 for adults and children aged three and up.

Timings: Dubai Miracle Garden is closed during summer months and operates from October to May. When in season, it is open from 9am to 9pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 11pm on weekends.

Location: Al Barsha South 3, Dubai

7. Al Noor Island

An initiative by Shurooq (Sharjah Investment and Development Authority), Al Noor Island is an award-winning tourist destination in Sharjah that features seaside boardwalks, a butterfly enclave, a literature pavilion, playgrounds, and dancing light shows, among art installations and eye-catching architecture. While adult tickets are priced at Dh50, children’s tickets are priced at Dh30. You can get 20% off standard tickets as a UAE resident by presenting your Fazaa card and Emirates ID upon entry.

Timings: Al Noor Island is open from 9am to 11pm, Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 12am on weekends. Its Butterfly House is open daily from 9am to 6pm.

Location: Buhaira Corniche Road, Sharjah

8. Select water parks

If you’re looking for a fun way for your family to beat the heat this summer, consider heading to a water park. In Dubai, UAE residents can present their Emirates ID to get 15% off on day passes at select water parks, while in Sharjah, you can pocket savings of up to 20%, giving you yet another reason to add this fun activity to your summer schedule.

9. Select theme parks

For an entire day of laughter and excitement, you can’t beat a theme park. Some of Abu Dhabi and Dubai’s internationally renowned theme parks offer exclusive discounts of up to 60% for senior UAE residents (aged 60+), as long as they are able to prove their date of birth via their Emirates ID.

10. Select observatories

If you’re on the hunt for the best panoramic views of Dubai, several observatories and outdoor terraces in the city offer stunning vistas at discounts of 30% to 50%, for UAE residents who can show their Emirates ID. Always check before booking your ticket, to see if you qualify.

11. Select hotels and resorts

Summer staycations are always a great idea. But when booking at hotels around the UAE, don’t forget to bring along your Emirates ID and ask the concierge about resident discounts. Several hotels in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and other emirates have ongoing offers of 10% to 30% off on the best available room rates, with complementary daily breakfast, free access to the hotel’s recreational amenities, and even daily resort credits or spa treatment discounts. Take along your Emirates ID to ensure you get the best deal.