Emirati Meal And Talk

Authentic Emirati Cultural Meal and Talk in Old Dubai

★ 4.9 178 reviews

1 hour 30 minutes, free cancellation.

from $36.29 per person

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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Meeting point: Al Seef (Bur Dubai)
Cancellation: Free cancellation

Overview

This is a meal with a purpose. You sit down at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Al Fahidi, and eat Emirati food while an experienced host answers whatever you want to ask about local life, faith and customs. The session runs for one hour and thirty minutes and ends where it began, at the centre's head office on Al Mussallah Rd, next to Al Seef.

The format is simple. Arabic coffee, tea, water and dates are served alongside authentic Emirati cuisine, and the food is the excuse for a long, open question and answer session. Reviewers repeatedly describe hosts who take any question, on everything from dress and traditions to daily life in the Emirates, and who answer in a relaxed, informal setting. Several said it worked best as an early stop on a Dubai trip, giving context for everything that comes after.

Groups are capped at nine travellers, so the conversation stays personal. It suits curious visitors who want to understand the place rather than just see it, and it works for families, since children can attend with an adult. The venue is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and service animals are allowed.

What's Included

Included

Visit includes Authentic Emirati cuisine
Water, Arabic coffee, tea and dates and served
Q & A Session with experienced guide about local culture and traditions

Not Included

Transportation to/from attractions

Itinerary

Arrive at the centre
Sit down to eat
Culture talk and Q&A
End at the meeting point

Arrive at the centreMake your way to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding head office on Al Mussallah Rd in Al Fahidi, next to Al Seef. The activity ends back at this same meeting point.
Sit down to eatAuthentic Emirati cuisine is served, with water, Arabic coffee, tea and dates.
Culture talk and Q&AAn experienced guide leads a question and answer session about local culture and traditions. Reviewers said almost any question was welcome.
End at the meeting pointThe activity finishes back at the centre.

A spread of Emirati dishes on a table with dates and small cups of Arabic coffee

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of the session.

Bring questions. Reviewers again and again said the talk is guest-led, so the value depends on what you ask. Several recommended arriving with questions ready.
Finding the venue. One reviewer found the centre hard to locate and recommended getting there early. Give yourself plenty of time before the start.
Small group feel. The listing caps the group at nine travellers. Reviews describe an intimate, personal atmosphere.
Food and drink. Authentic Emirati dishes come with Arabic coffee, tea, dates and water. Several reviewers described the food as good.
Accessibility. The listing states the venue is wheelchair and pushchair accessible and service animals are allowed. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Timing your visit. Several travellers recommended doing this early in a Dubai trip, as the cultural context helps everything afterwards make sense. The activity ends back at the meeting point, leaving the rest of the day free.

Where this tour sits among 3 tours in Emirati Cultural Meals listed here (from-price per person, USD)

Emirati Meal And Talk (this tour)$36.29
Tastings Plus Dinner$150
Flavors Of Arabia, Emirati Cuisine$299

Common issues. Transportation to and from the venue is not included, so you arrange your own way there. The session needs a minimum number of travellers to run; if that minimum is not met, the listing says you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund. One reviewer expected a broader spread of Emirati dishes than was served. Confirmation also arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability, so it is not instant.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

The visit includes an authentic Emirati meal with water, Arabic coffee, tea and dates, plus a question and answer session with an experienced guide about local culture and traditions. Admission to the centre is included. Transportation to and from the venue is not.

Is Hotel Pickup Provided?

The listing does not state pickup, so check the live booking page before you travel. The meeting point is the centre's head office on Al Mussallah Rd in Al Fahidi, next to Al Seef, and the activity ends back there.

How Long Does It Last?

The experience runs for one hour and thirty minutes. The whole visit takes place at the centre, with no transfers between stops.

Is It Suitable For Children And Wheelchair Users?

Children can attend but must be accompanied by an adult. The listing states the venue is wheelchair accessible and pushchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and most travellers can participate.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times are based on local time. If the minimum number of travellers is not met, you will be offered a different date or experience, or a full refund.

How Big Is The Group?

The listing sets a maximum of nine travellers. Reviews describe a small, personal setting where hosts welcome questions on local culture and traditions.