Authentic Emirati Cultural Meal and Talk in Old Dubai


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From $36.28

85 reviews   (4.76)

Price varies by group size

Lowest Price Guarantee

Pricing Info: Per Person

Duration: 1 hours

Departs: Dubai, Dubai

Ticket Type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Free cancellation

Up to 24 hours in advance.

Learn more

Overview

Enjoy an Authentic Emirati Meal and Cultural Talk in the one of the oldest areas of Dubai, Al Fahidi Al Bastakiya Historical District in our traditional wind tower courtyard. The Meal starts with Arabic Coffee and Dates and is followed by a selection of Emirati local dishes and desert featuring Ligamat and date syrup. After the meal your host or hostess will serve up tea and talk in our Landmark "Open doors. Open minds." cultural exchange. Guests are encouraged to ask questions about local culture and as our motto suggests, no question is off limits. The session concludes with an explanation of the local dress, and guests are welcome to volunteer to try on the attire.


What's Included

Q & A Session with experienced guide about local culture and traditions

Visit includes Authentic Emirati cuisine

Water, Arabic coffee. tea and dates and served

What's Not Included

Transportation to/from attractions


Traveler Information

  • CHILD: Age: 0 - 5
  • YOUTH: Age: 6 - 12
  • ADULT: Age: 13 - 99

Additional Info

  • Face masks provided for travellers
  • Face masks required for travellers in public areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Face masks provided for travellers
  • Face masks required for travellers in public areas
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Service animals allowed
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Experience may be cancelled due to Insufficient travelers

What To Expect

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Our cultural meals are hosted at the SMCCU in a traditional wind-tower house in the Al Fahidi neighbourhood, are an excellent opportunity to learn within an informal environment. The topics of discussion are generated by questions from the guests and lead by one of our cultural presenters. The programme is designed to be entertaining, educational and informative. Topics include Arabic culture, Islam and its impact on local culture, cultural values and sensitivities, important Arabic greetings and expressions as well as insightful anecdotes.

1 hours • Admission Ticket Included


Reviews

Safe space to chat about the culture!
7wangs, 16-05-2022
I oroginally wanted to sign up for the Culture on Wheels & Brunch on a Saturday morning but it wasn't available. I was offered the culture tour and brunch instead. It was informative and offered a safe zone to ask questions about Islam culture which I really appreciated. The site where the tour was conducted was small. It was a group of old houses being preserved. The brunch also offered a taste of local flavor and vegetarian dishes are available though I didn't specify that during signup.

One potential downside could be that you didn't feel like having walked much after the talk because it was mainly sitting, eating and chatting!
A memorable experience.
Maine D Noelani C, 08-10-2022
Wonderful overview about the Emirate culture, Excellent presentation included a cultural luncheon, very unique and tasty. Q&A target specific interest and curiosity one has. This was truly an experience, cultural understanding and insight.
Learn and eat
jackietN7628WJ, 06-09-2022
We had an amazing time learning about the Emirate and Islamic culture. The food was amazing. No topic was ignored. Our presenters were Khawla and Hamad. They worked well together and answered all the questions. I would recommend this dinner to anyone interested in learning about the culture.
A different perspective of Dubai
jonahNJ, 28-08-2022
On our last full day in Dubai, my wife and I had lunch at this Centre located away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai’s city center and gleaming skyscrapers. The Centre is located in a house that is approximately 100 years old. Outside of the Centre is an old rowboat that is very well preserved. Inside, there is a larger room for larger groups and a smaller room for smaller groups. My wife and I were with a small group in the intimate setting which I really enjoyed. We were advised that the gorgeous ceiling was made from wood harvested in Kenya.

Our host was warm and welcoming and we were served dates and Arabic coffee. He then proceeded to give us interesting information about the cultural mores of the Emirati. He explained the clothing worn by men and women, family relationships, the importance of Islam in Emirati culture and other fascinating information. We then had a traditional which was quite delicious! I had garden salad, vegetable stew, chicken biryani and my favorite—camel biryani! The meal ended with Emirati donut bites that were served with date syrup. They were very tasty without being too sweet.

This was a great experience and a lovely, relaxed way to learn more about Emirati culture in an intimate setting with excellent food.
Great cultural experience
Anna_M, 19-11-2022
Great insight to local culture, very hospitable and welcoming experience which was enjoyed by my friends and I, topped with delicious generous helpings of local food and coffee .
The best way to learn about the Emirati culture
carlosaO1062YU, 26-10-2022
It was a fantastic experience. We learn a lot about the Emirati culture. De tour guides where great at answering any questions we had about any topic like religion, culture relationships, etc..
A must visit place!
Inasu C, 15-01-2023
Authentic Emirati experience in a historic 150 years old Neighbour hood. They really mean it when they say ‘Open doors, Open minds’. They try to bridge the gap in so many ways through their genuine, open conversations and indulge in explaining everything related to Emirati culture and tradition, religion, politics, whatever in detail. They are so friendly, you may ask questions related to anything, they would give you the answers. And the food is authentic and tasty as well. Served in traditional utensils, explaining about the ingredients used and from where it comes, detailing in every aspect and humorous while explaining makes this place really impressive! I’m sure they (talk hosts and their team serving food) enjoy working there as much as we enjoyed having our memorable experience there!
Ideal place for guests of all ages, individuals, families with kids, groups, students etc
It was easy to book, but I had a horrible experience trying to find where to go. NO ADDRESS WAS PROVIDED.
ronnieg698, 29-06-2022
I ABBBBSOLUTELY loved our talk with Shayma. She blessed my entire. She was spoke freely about personal relationships, government, economy, education & even expressed certain things that could be better. I had no idea that I was carrying prejudice until being totally blown away by our similarities!❤️ ❤️
TRIPADVISOR was Absolutely no help at all once my money was paid! Not only did they not provide an address for where the experience was held, but I was unable to reach anyone to get the address!




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