Travel tips
Practical Tips Before Booking Activities in Dubai – Season, Weather & Local Etiquette
Dubai is a destination that shines all year long — literally. Between the golden dunes of the desert, the turquoise
Step into the heart of Emirati hospitality with a cultural dining experience like no other, hosted by the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU). Set in the charming and historic Al Fahidi district, this experience invites you to share a traditional Emirati meal in a welcoming and open environment — where food becomes a gateway to understanding.
The initiative was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. A visionary leader known for modernizing Dubai while preserving its deep-rooted traditions, Sheikh Mohammed created the SMCCU to foster cultural exchange, tolerance, and mutual respect between UAE nationals and the many people from around the world who call Dubai home.
The goal? To break barriers and answer questions — even the ones you thought you couldn’t ask — through genuine conversations and shared experiences.
During your visit, you’ll sit on cushions in a restored wind-tower house, be served authentic Emirati dishes such as machboos, harees, luqaimat, and Arabic coffee, and engage in a relaxed dialogue with Emirati hosts who are eager to share stories about local life, religion, family, and traditions.
Whether it’s your first time in the UAE or you’ve lived here for years, this experience offers a rare and respectful insight into the soul of Emirati society — guided by warmth, openness, and of course, delicious food.
