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Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding: Our most recommended tours and activities

Dubai: Cultural Lunch at The Sheikh Mohammed Center

1. Dubai: Cultural Lunch at The Sheikh Mohammed Center

Taste traditional Emirati food, and learn more about life in the United Arab Emirates at a 1.5-hour cultural lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai. Located in a traditional wind tower house in the Al Bastakiya trading village of the Al Fahidi Historic District, the SMCCU was set up to raise awareness and demystify the local culture and customs of the United Arab Emirates. With an objective to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between locals and guests, you will learn more about local life through award-winning cultural programs. Sample authentic Emirati dishes while chatting with your host about the culture and traditions of the UAE. Sit in the courtyard of the SMCCU on traditional floor cushions, and taste Arabic coffee and dates, along with a variety of local dishes, including dessert. Ask your host or hostess any questions you have, following the SMCCU motto of “Open Doors, Open Mind.” Each dinner is as unique as the questions you might want answers to. Learn about the local cultures and religion in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

Dubai: Al Fahidi Historical District Heritage Tour

2. Dubai: Al Fahidi Historical District Heritage Tour

Travel back to the days before Dubai was dominated by cutting-edge skyscrapers and manmade islands, and discover the Al Fahidi Historical District, site of the last remaining windtower houses. Meet at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) windtower 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 windtower 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.

Dubai: Emirati Cultural Experience with Emirati Meal

3. Dubai: Emirati Cultural Experience with Emirati Meal

Take a trolley ride that is also a cultural experience with this group tour in Dubai. Enjoy a desert Bedouin experience and a question and answer session at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding Heritage House. Meet your guide and hop aboard the Heritage Express trolley to discover the sights, tastes, and essence of Emirati hospitality. Learn more about the culture at the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding Heritage House. Go to Jumeirah Mosque Majlis and see what life is like for the Bedouin people. Be transported to the past with entertaining and authentic tales of the city. Snack on local treats and have a real Emeriti meal.

Dubai: Emirati Cultural Breakfast Experience

4. Dubai: Emirati Cultural Breakfast Experience

Taste traditional Emirati food, and learn more about life in the United Arab Emirates at a 1.5-hour cultural breakfast at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai. Located in a traditional wind tower house in the Al Bastakiya trading village of the Al Fahidi Historic District, the SMCCU was set up to raise awareness and demystify the local culture and customs of the United Arab Emirates. With an objective to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between locals and guests, you will learn more about local life through award-winning cultural programs. Sample authentic Emirati dishes while chatting with your host about the traditions of the UAE. Sit in the courtyard of the SMCCU on traditional floor cushions. Taste Arabic coffee and dates, along with a variety of local dishes, including dessert. Ask your host or hostess any questions you have, following the SMCCU motto of “Open Doors, Open Mind.” Each experience is as unique as the questions you might want answers to. Learn about the local cultures and religion in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

Dubai: Emirati Brunch & Culture

5. Dubai: Emirati Brunch & Culture

Taste traditional Emirati food and learn more about life in the United Arab Emirates at a 1.5-hour cultural brunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai. Located in a traditional wind tower house in the Al Bastakiya trading village of the Al Fahidi Historic District, the SMCCU was set up to raise awareness and demystify the local culture and customs of the United Arab Emirates. With an objective to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between locals and guests, you will learn more about local life through award-winning cultural programs. Sample authentic Emirati dishes while chatting with your host about the culture and traditions of the UAE. Sit in the courtyard of the SMCCU on traditional floor cushions, and taste Arabic coffee and dates, along with a variety of local dishes, including the Emirates most famous dessert, Ligamat.

Dubai: Dinner at Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center

6. Dubai: Dinner at Sheikh Mohammed Cultural Center

Taste traditional Emirati food and learn more about life in the United Arab Emirates at a 1.5-hour cultural dinner at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai. Located in a traditional wind tower house in the Al Bastakiya trading village of the Al Fahidi Historic District, the SMCCU was set up to raise awareness and demystify the local culture and customs of the United Arab Emirates. With an objective to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between locals and guests, you will learn more about local life through award-winning cultural programs. Sample authentic Emirati dishes while chatting with your host about the culture and traditions of the UAE. Sit in the courtyard of the SMCCU on traditional floor cushions, and taste Arabic coffee and dates, along with a variety of local dishes, including dessert. Ask your host or hostess any questions you may have, following the SMCCU motto of “Open Doors, Open Mind.” Each dinner is as unique as the questions you might want answers to. Learn about the local cultures and religion in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

Other Sightseeing Options in Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

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What people are saying about Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Overall rating

4.6 / 5

based on 182 reviews

The group met at the SMCCU and after taking off our shoes we all sat around the food together. The two very likeable women introduced themselves to us and explained how people eat traditionally in the Emirates. Arabic coffee was served and then you could eat. Meanwhile, the women were allowed to ask any questions about the country, culture and religion. The motto behind it was "open hearts, open minds" and should also allow taboo questions. The women reacted very well and also told very personal things. Unfortunately, our group was a little reserved when it came to asking questions, which was a shame because this openness is a good opportunity. But I really liked the idea behind it, to bring different cultures and people together and to understand each other better. Then you could take the leftovers from the buffet in a small bowl. Great experience in the heart of old Dubai.

We had an extremely knowledgeable guide who was keen to answer any of our questions. The building was beautiful and authentic. The food was plentiful and delicious. Thank you!

The communication was very open and you could ask a lot. As a result, we learned and understood a great deal about the Emirates.

This tour was very informative. The presenter gave great insight into Islam.

Great food and great conversation! The food was delicious