Dubai is a melting pot of culture and nationalities, with some of the best foreign restaurants, attractions and entertainment because of it.

But how much do you know about Emirati culture? The foundations that built Dubai as it is today, there is so much to explore when it comes to traditional Arabic foods, history, heritage and lifestyle.

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If you want to immerse yourself in a bit of the local culture, here are our top suggestions to get you started.

Try Arabic coffee at the Arabian Tea House

Tucked away in the Al Fahidi district, this local coffee shop has stood the test of time. First opening in 1977 for residents to unwind out of the heat, now it attracts locals and visitors from all over the city looking for a slice of local culture.

If you want to try a traditional Emirati breakfast, nibble on some raqaq bread or the balateet omelette, and wash it down with a karak tea.

Daily 7am-11pm. Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai. arabianteahouse.com (04 353 5071).

Take an abra ride

Back in the day, abras were the main mode of transport across Dubai Creek. Now, you can try out the traditional boats by either hopping on one as public transport, or hiring one out privately. For Dhs580 per hour, you can hire an air-conditioned boat, with enough space for 20 people. For a fun experience, take your friends and family for a cruise along the water and admire the views as you sail along.

Booking timings vary, marinebooking@rta.ae.

Feast on Emirati culture and cuisine

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Founded in 1998, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding was designed to teach both visitors and residents about the traditions and ways of the Emirati culture and lifestyle. Throughout the year there are a selection of tours and events you can sign up for, including cultural meals and children’s story-time sessions.

Prices vary. Mon-Sun 8am-8pm. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. cultures.ae.

Visit the Shindagha Museum

This Emirati museum has recently reopened after a full refurbishment, and tells you all about Dubai life in decades gone by. Before the skyscrapers and the glamour, the attraction shares everything from what traditional homes featured, to the smells and spices used in traditional Emirati cooking. Also, if you arrive at the museum via an abra, you can get your ticket for free, so make sure to travel there on one of the city’s traditional boats, enjoying a glide across the creek whilst you’re at it.

10am – 8pm (last entry 7pm). Al Shindagha Museum, Al Shindagha. alshindagha.dubaiculture.gov.ae (800 33 222).

Have a staycation at the Arabian Boutique Hotel

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This beautiful boutique hotel is now open in old Dubai and is the first Emirati boutique hotel in the city. Created inside the former residences of historic dignitary Thani bin Abdullah Al-Rumaiti, it boasts stunning traditional rooms and suites — and views over the Creek. Here, you can escape the city, enjoy stepping back in time and sample some traditional Emirati dishes at the restaurant, before taking a stroll through the surrounding souks.

Creek Street, Exit 3, Al Fahidi, Al Shindagha. arabianboutiquehotel.com (04 349 7500).

Take an early stroll through Al Seef

It’s getting hot outside, but you can hide away from the heat by taking a wander through Al Seef early morning as the shops begin to open for the day, or late afternoon as the sun starts to dip. Recreating what Old Dubai would have looked like back in the day, you can stroll through the miniature souks and browse traditional Emirati gifts, from Arabic perfumes to dates and spices. Reward your walking with a visit to ILA Restaurant & Cafe or KHOFO to feast on fresh Arabic dishes served with Creek views.

Al Seef, alseef.ae

Look at some Arabic writings at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Library

Designed to resemble an open book, you can look at some old Islamic manuscripts, journals and even maps of the emirates throughout history at this incredible library. Coming into more modern day, there are Emirati children’s magazines and cartoons, as well as other scripts and poems from local authors over the last few decades.

Free. Mon-Thurs, 9am-9pm, Fri, 2pm-9pm, Sat, 9am-9pm, Sun, closed. Al Jaddaf, mbrl.ae (04 222 2025).

Dine at Al Khyma Heritage Restaurant

Take a step into Emirati culture when you walk into Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. The traditional building has an incredible interior, and you’ll have the choice of sampling some real local favourites.

On some occasions, you can see fresh Arabic bread being baked inside the restaurant, as well as henna art and other cultural activities on show. But if you’re just there to eat, be sure to try out the chicken machboos, and the labneh mint dip. If you’re still not full, finish off the meal with the camel milk ice cream.

Daily 8am-11pm. Al Fahidi. alkhayma.com (055 180 2080).

Visit the textile and spice souks

For some more traditional retail therapy, head down to some of Dubai’s famous souks dotted on either side of Dubai creek. Take a wander through the gold souk and peer over the stalls lined with the precious metal and other items of jewellery.

From there, head over to the Spice Souk, where the narrow passageways are filled with traders selling every herb you can imagine — including saffron for a great price. Finally, jump aboard an abra and sail over to the textile souk, filled with materials and fabrics you won’t find on the high street.

Bur Dubai & Deira.

Ride on the Heritage Express

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You might recognise these special buses (or majlis), which can take you through the streets of Dubai while telling local folklore and stories about how the city came to be. Also teaching you about local customs and heritage, you can pick your tour based on what you are most interested in.

Dhs250 per person. Timings vary. Pick up from Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood. heritageexpress.com (800 07777).

Tour Jumeirah Mosque

Understand more about Emirati culture, beliefs and values by booking a tour of Jumeirah Mosque. Running from Saturday to Thursday, you can enjoy learning about the religion of Islam and mosque itself, before taking a look at the in-house museum and sampling an authentic Emirati buffet.

Sat-Thurs 10am & 2pm. Jumeirah Beach Road, jumeirahmosque.ae (04 353 6666).

Visit the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

If you want to spend an afternoon feeling like you’ve stepped back in time, then a trip to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is a great way to get a glimpse of old Dubai. You’ll find buildings made of coral, stone, mud and wood in an area dedicated to preserving Emirati culture. There are plenty of museums and places to explore, and although closed, be sure to pass the Al Fahidi Fort (the oldest existing building in the city built in 1787).

Al Fahidi. dubaiculture.gov.ae

Have a meal at Ana

A more modern take on things, Ana restaurant in Dubai Mall has reimagined Emirati dishes to create a whole new contemporary menu. Offering incredible views of the more modern Dubai, the dishes offer you everything from Emirati breakfasts to freshly baked breads and shawarma straight from the coals.

Sun-Thurs 10am-midnight, Fri-Sat 10am-1am. Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai. anarestaurant.ae (04 261 1415).

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