1h30

About this activity

Travel back to the days before Dubai was dominated by cutting-edge skyscrapers and man-made islands, and discover the Al Fahidi Historical District, site of the last remaining wind-tower houses.

Meet at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) wind-tower house. Experience traditional Emirati hospitality, before strolling through the district with your seasoned guide. Learn about the architecture and history of Dubai's Creek settlement buildings.

Continue to the Ruler's Court Mosque (only open to guests of the SMCCU) for a short discussion about the mosque as a part of Emirati life. Return to the SMCCU wind-tower house for Arabic coffee and dates.

Throughout the tour, ask any question you have about life in the city; no question is off limits! Learn about the center’s award-winning programs, and hear about their philosophy, “Open Doors. Open Minds.” The SMCCU strives to raise awareness and demystify the local culture, customs, and religion of the United Arab Emirates, improving cross-cultural understanding and communication between locals and guests.

This unforgettable tourist experience has a duration of exactly 1h30.

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Included

Visit includes a fully guided tour
Water, Arabic coffee and dates
Q and A Session with experienced guide about local culture and traditions
Entry/Admission - Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Not included

Transportation to/from attractions
Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Features

Tourism

90%

Cultural

85%

Reviews

4.8

7

T

Tracy T

5 | 2017-12-30

Our hostess/host were absolutely delightful. There sense of humor and friendly demeanor was great. The tour was very good and it was a privilege to visit the mosque. I would highly recommend.

O

Orkhan G

5 | 2017-01-08

This is the tour I would recommend the most. Despite it might seem like something not very interesting, it is actually a tour not to be missed, absolutely! The best component of this tour is the local guides. Because they are local, their motivation to explain you arabic culture and heritage is genuine and their narration therefore is very interesting. Their highly positive energy will imprint in your memory for many years. Firstly you are going to sit in a circle indoors and hear about local culture as well as have chances to ask your questions to the giude. You will also be offered some beverages to drink and some local pastries to taste. Then you'll take a tour around the area, starting with an old tent where you'll be offered coffee. After sitting there for a while and learning about interesting things that people used to do in the past, you'll then proceed to the mosque and learn some interesting facts about the nuances of its architecture as well as the nuances of Islam. You'll then walk round old buildings and learn the secrets that Arabs used to keep their homes cool, and many other interesting things. Just ask your questions and get exhaustive answers. I will definitely take some other tours of the Sheikh Mohammad Centre for Cultural Understanding if I visit Dubai again.

F

Floyd P

4 | 2016-10-08

Smart presenters, welcome atmosphere, good walk around the Bastikya area. Definitely recommended.

E

Eleanor S

5 | 2015-12-23

excellent. Nasir was a wonderful host, very open and funny. we had a really international group and I felt we had a real insight into the moderate Muslim world and sensible explanations of their culture.

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