Emirati Cultural Experience
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Port
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$130
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 4 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Your tour starts with a drive to the Al Farooq Mosque to learn the basics about mosques and the Islamic prayer process.
From here drive to the beautifully preserved Bastakiya Quarter (Old Town) of Dubai for a tantalizing glimpse of the city's pre-oil days from nearly a century ago. After a brief introduction at the Sheikh Mohamed Center for Cultural Understanding, located in a superbly restored Wind Tower House, a knowledgeable guide takes you for a stroll through the neighborhood to help you understand local societal norms related to the beautiful old homes and their unique building techniques.
Next, visit the Bastakiya Mosque to learn the basics about mosques and the Islamic prayer process. Return to the Cultural Center, where a traditional welcome awaits, complete with Arabian coffee and local dates. A delicious home-cooked Emirati lunch is laid out and the different foods explained. Try the various delicacies that include fish, meat and stuffed vegetables as well as a simple, yet tasty, dessert. During lunch you have the opportunity to interact with your gracious Muslim hosts and engage them in a free and frank dialogue about their life in the U.A.E. and their faith. This is an opportunity to interact, one-on-one, and engage with open hearts and minds in an effort to dispel some modern myths about Arabs and Islam. Service of tea and the burning of bakhour (incense) signify the conclusion of your visit.
Return to the pier with an immense satisfaction at having developed a deeper understanding of Arabia in general and the Emirati people specifically.
Please note:
Conservative dress is required: no shorts, short skirts, tank tops or halter tops are allowed. Alcoholic beverages will not be served. Minimum age is 6 years. Tour does not operate on Fridays or holidays.