Emirati Cultural Meal & Talk in Al Fahidi: Try Local Dress

Eat Emirati food and ask questions without limits in a centuries-old courtyard

An Emirati cultural meal and conversation at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the Al Fahidi Al Bastakiya Historical District, where you eat local dishes, drink Arabic coffee and tea, and talk with a cultural presenter about Emirati traditions, values and daily life. The session ends with a chance to try on traditional local dress. Choose your meal time—breakfast, lunch or dinner—at checkout.

Step-by-step itinerary

Emirati meal and cultural talk

• Arrive at traditional wind-tower house
• Enjoy Arabic coffee and dates
• Eat Emirati local dishes and dessert
• Drink tea and join cultural talk
• Ask questions about local culture
• Learn about local dress and try it on

The Experience

The meal starts with Arabic coffee and dates in a traditional wind-tower house, then moves through a selection of Emirati local dishes and dessert featuring ligamat with date syrup. The setting is informal and built around your questions: a cultural presenter leads the conversation on topics like Arabic greetings, Islamic influence on local culture, cultural values and sensitivities, and the stories behind everyday customs. No question is off limits—the centre's motto is "Open doors. Open minds."

After the food, tea arrives and the talk continues. The presenter explains the local dress—the kandura, the abaya, the ghutra—and invites anyone who wants to try one on. The whole session runs about 90 minutes, and the pace stays relaxed enough that you can follow the conversation and ask as much as you want. The Al Fahidi neighbourhood around the centre is one of Dubai's oldest areas, so the courtyard itself carries the weight of the place you're learning about.

What’s included

• Authentic Emirati meal (your choice of breakfast, lunch or dinner).
• Arabic coffee and dates.
• tea and water.
• Q&A session with a cultural presenter about Emirati traditions, values, Islamic influence and daily life.
• explanation of and opportunity to try on traditional local dress.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcome

Operated by Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to eat and talk in the same breath rather than listen to a lecture—the meal is the frame, and your questions drive what you learn. The 90 minutes move at a pace that lets you sit with the food and the conversation without rushing through either one.

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Top questions

What Emirati dishes will I eat at this meal?

The meal features a selection of authentic Emirati local dishes and dessert, including ligamat served with date syrup. Arabic coffee and dates start the session, and tea finishes it; water is also served throughout.

Can I ask about Islam and how it shapes Emirati culture?

Yes. The cultural presenter covers Islam and its impact on local culture as part of the standard topics, and guests are encouraged to ask questions about anything—that's the whole point of the session.

What happens if I want to try on the traditional dress?

At the end of the meal, the presenter explains the local dress and invites guests to volunteer to try it on. You're welcome to participate or simply watch and listen.

Do I need to book a specific meal time, or can I choose when I arrive?

You choose your meal time—breakfast, lunch or dinner—when you book. Each option runs the same 90 minutes and follows the same format of food, conversation and cultural exchange.

Is the Al Fahidi location easy to reach, and is it accessible?

The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding sits in the Al Fahidi Al Bastakiya Historical District, one of Dubai's oldest neighbourhoods. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and transportation options to and from the centre are also wheelchair accessible; however, your own transport to the location is not included in the booking.

Will the cultural presenter speak English?

Yes, the guide leads the session in English, making the conversation and cultural exchange accessible to all guests.