Hey Folks! You might have visited Dubai to sight the captivating malls, restaurants, high buildings, and other iconic landmarks. Have you ever thought of cultural things to do in Dubai? In fact, this cultural melting pot in the desert has its own unique set of traits and quirks that you won’t find anywhere else, and it’s all down to the hundreds of different nationalities who have made Dubai their home.
If you are wondering to explore the Arabian Culture and historical landmarks in UAE, you are at the right place. From Arabic coffee to textile, you can find an array of cultural things and attractions in Dubai. Moreover, visiting Dubai provides an opportunity to sample a bit of every country’s taste and tradition.
Keep reading to explore the culture and history of skyscraper city!
1. Wander Through Al Bastakiya:
Al Bastakiya holds the memories of an era that pre-dates the federation of Emirates. Before the glitz and glamour of this city, it was an area sheikhdom, where Bedouins lived as herders, date farmers, and fishermen.
A tour of this historic site provides the tourists with a break from the glitzy glass, concrete, and steel of Dubai city. Travel through time as you walk through winding narrow lanes and alleyways, exploring historic architecture made of coral, mud, gypsum, and palm wood. Look up as you walk, and admire wind towers – the air conditioners of the past – fitted on old houses. Wander through heritage museums and art galleries soaking up Emirates history and culture.
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2. Ride Traditional Abra:
Get ready to observe the charm of old Dubai by riding a traditional abra. Through this 14 kilometers spectacular stretch, you can sight the benchmarks of Deira and Bur Dubai.
A ride on a traditional abra is one of the cheapest and authentic cultural things to do in Dubai. You can opt for different types of Abra rides, such as:
- Air-conditioned Abra
- Petrol Abra
- Electrical traditional Abra
Plan your journey to capture the worthy culture of Emirates!
3. Stroll Along the Creek:
Another cultural activity in Dubai that you can do is, stroll along Dubai creek. During your walk to Dubai Creek, you can see various dhows sailing to and from India, Pakistan, Sirilanks, etc.
Aside from strolling, you can take a boat ride to capture the panoramic view of modern Dubai. Additionally, you can sample some of the food here. Here, you can relive Dubai’s past as a trading port. This was once the hub of the region’s commercial activity, but an evening here feels a world away from the mall.
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4. Visit Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding:
To gain a greater appreciation of Dubai culture, be sure to visit the SMCCU – Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. In this center, you can take part in a range of activities, including:
- Arabic classes
- Heritage tour
- Guided mosque visit
What’s more? Take a seat on the bedouin carpet & pillows to enjoy a range of delicious dishes. Moreover, in this educational center, you can ask any question about Arabian culture and history.
5. Haggle at the Spice Souk:
Do you love to bargain with shopkeepers? Welcome to the world’s best traditional marketplace. It is one of the most adventurous cultural things to do in Dubai.
For a traditional Arab-style marketplace experience, look no further than spice souk in Deira. Here you can feel that you are wandering through narrow alleyways and breathing in rich aromas of rose petals, saffron, and frankincense.
Pick up a few tasty souvenirs for your friends & family!
6. Eat Pavement Cuisine In Deira:
Hey Foodlovers! There is no dearth of restaurants in Dubai serving traditional meals. Dubai is home to cultural and traditional foods. If you are visiting cultural things to do in Dubai, add Deira Cuisine to your list.
Whether you are visiting Dubai on a budget or not, don’t pass the vibrant evening scene of Deira Dubai. Here you can eat like a local and pull up chairs at a roadside eatery.
Order a spit roast chicken & watch the world go by!
7. Grab Breakfast at Farmers Market:
Want to eat something fresh and delicious? Explore fresh foods, diverse crafts, and live entertainment at farmers market Dubai. The market has something for everyone, such as:
- Workshops
- Live music
- Fitness classes
- Educational activities
- Horse riding
And Much More!
8. Visit Hatta Heritage Village:
Welcome to the journey of citadels, forts, and towers in Dubai mountain town!
Another gem in the modern culture of Dubai is Hatta Heritage Village. It is one of the best cultural things to do in Dubai and see the real old fort from inside. It allows the tourist to understand how Arabian people lived in the old days.
The Hatta heritage village is one of those attractions that is a must if you are into cultural experiences and like to explore the history and heritage of the local population. The village dates back to up to 3,000 years ago, which is ancient for a country that only established itself in 1971!
9. Watch Camel Racing:
Camel racing is one of the most traditional and best-loved sports in the UAE.
It is one of the thrilling cultural things to do in Dubai. At Al Marmoom Heritage Village, you can witness the world’s biggest racing track.
Camel racing in Dubai draws in large crowds and promises to be an excellent tourist attraction. The races taking place in the UAE even include traditional customs, rituals, and folklore during the entire day of racing to evoke the customs of the region amongst visitors and tourists.
10. Visit Jumeirah Mosque:
Last but not least! One of the most remarkable cultural landmarks in Dubai is Jumeirah Mosque.
Widely regarded as one of the most photographed mosques in Dubai, Jumeirah Mosque stands out for many reasons. It’s made entirely out of pure-white stone, in the traditional Fatimid style that originates from Egypt and Syria and features intricate geometric designs, Arabic calligraphy, and keel motifs on the domes.
Plan your tour to Dubai to explore all these cultural things to do in Dubai!
