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Emirati hosts stands before his guests at dinner in Abu Dhabi
woman in Arabic dress poring coffee in Abu Dhabi
large group gathering around room for Emirati dinner in Abu Dhabi
Emirati hosts raises drink to his guests in Abu Dhabi
pot of cooked garbanzo beans in Abu Dhabi

Emirati Meal Experience in the Al Fahidi Historic District

By Dreamdays
9.2 out of 10
Features
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
Overview
  • Traditional Arabic meal in one of the city’s oldest areas
  • First-hand encounter with Emirati culture, customs & heritage
  • Beautiful courtyard setting in a historic wind tower house
  • Gracious Emirati host showcases Middle Eastern hospitality
  • Authentic dishes like savoury stews, sweet ligamat & coffee

Activity location

  • Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
    • Al Bastakiya
    • Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
    • Al Bastakiya
    • Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Check availability


Sorry this activity isn't available on Thu, 31 Oct
Please choose a different date

What's included, what's not

  • What's includedWhat's includedTraditional Emirati meal at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding
  • What's includedWhat's includedDrinks
  • What's includedWhat's includedLive tour commentary provided in English

Know before you book

  • Check-in is 15 minutes prior to the booked tour start time.
  • This experience is not available during the holy month of Ramadan. Lunch is hosted every Sunday and Tuesday at 1 PM. Breakfast is hosted every Monday and Wednesday only at 10 AM. Menu will be shared on confirmation of the booking.
  • In accordance with UK consumer law, activities services are not subject to the right of withdrawal. Supplier cancellation policy will apply.

What you can expect

Step into a bygone era and interact with Emiratis first-hand as you enjoy an Arabic meal at the Sheik Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in historic Al Fahidi. Sample traditional culinary delicacies at either breakfast or lunch as your host shares insight into local culture and heritage.

Just steps from Dubai's buzzing, cosmopolitan centre is the historic district of Al Fahidi, the last wind tower quarter on the Arab side of the Gulf. Walk through the narrow residential lanes of the Al Bastakiya trading village within this district, passing by shops peddling elegant textiles and fragrant spices, shaded cafes, and beautifully restored merchant houses.

Enter the Sheik Mohammed Centre, which is housed in an Islamic wind tower house—these residences date from the 1890s and feature high, open towers designed to catch cool breezes and funnel them down into buildings, like an early form of air conditioning to offer respite from the scorching desert heat.

Take a seat in the cool courtyard beneath hanging oil lamps and delve into a discussion of the traditions and customs of the Persian Gulf with fellow travellers and your gracious host—high value is placed on hospitality throughout the Middle East. Sip on spice-rich Arabic coffee, sample savoury fareeth stew, and nibble on ligamat, a donut-like yoghurt dumpling topped with date syrup and sesame seeds. The feast continues with plenty of other dishes to introduce you to the complex flavours of traditional Emirati cuisine.

Cleaning and safety practices

Enhanced cleanliness measures
  • High-touch surfaces cleaned and disinfected
  • Vehicles and venues cleaned with disinfectants
  • Vehicles and venues kept vacant between travellers
Social distancing
  • Contactless ticket redemption
  • Social distancing measures in place
  • Protective shields in place at main contact areas
Safety measures
  • Personal protective equipment worn by staff
  • Temperature checks given to staff
  • Temperature checks available
  • Masks required
  • Hand sanitiser provided
This information is provided by our partners

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIESSheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
    • Al Bastakiya
    • Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLESheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
    • Al Bastakiya
    • Dubai, United Arab Emirates