Food and Culture Tours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi

These trips are about how people in the Emirates eat, trade and gather. In old Dubai, a guided walk takes you through the Al Fahidi lanes, museums and souks, with an abra ride across the creek and a coffee demonstration; one version adds street-food tastings and another adds hotel transfers. In the desert, you can cook an Emirati meal with a local chef at an oasis and eat it as evening falls, take an afternoon high tea on Bedouin-style seating, or spend an evening at a desert camp with henna, live performances and a buffet with live barbecue. In Abu Dhabi, a guide meets you at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque for a two-hour walk that explains its domes, courtyards and calligraphy.

Practical tips

These are relaxed outings that suit families, couples and anyone curious about Emirati customs. Several of them start on site, so check whether your option includes a transfer. For the mosque, men and women need long sleeves and ankle-length clothing, and women also cover their hair. The walking tour is most comfortable from November to March; in the hot months, pick the morning slot and carry water. Find all our experiences on the Dubai tours page.