Anyone keen on delving deeper into Emirati culture and history should take advantage of the activities, Emirati meals and tours offered through this nonprofit center (cultures.ae; adult/child from Dhs130/65, including cultural dining experiences) in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. Guided by the motto "Open Doors, Open Minds," this unique institution was founded in 1995 by Dubai's current ruler, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, to build bridges between cultures and to help visitors and expats understand the traditions and customs of the UAE.
Set inside restored wind towers, visitors can take part in basic Arabic lessons and calligraphy workshops, join a guided heritage tour or tuck into authentic Emirati meals, sitting Bedouin-style on carpets and pillows. Depending on whether you come for breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, you'll get to taste such local dishes as balaleet (sweetened crunchy vermicelli), chabab (cardamom-spiced pancakes), saloona (a stew) or machboos (a rice and meat or fish dish).
From mid-September to mid-July the center runs highly informative 90-minute guided heritage tours of Al Fahidi Historic Neighbourhood several times weekly. For groups of 10 or more, staff can also organize more comprehensive 2½-hour "Creekside" tours that include a peek inside a mosque, an abra ride and a spin around the textile, spice and gold souqs in Bur Dubai and Deira. All tours conclude with a Q&A session and Arabic coffee, tea and dates.
The center also runs hugely popular tours of Jumeirah Mosque.
All tours and meals must be booked in advance. Check the website for the latest schedule.
