Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Tourist attraction · Al Souq Al Kabeer ·

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Tourist attraction · Al Souq Al Kabeer ·

Emirati cultural center offering meals, heritage tours, & mosque visits

Information

Al Mussallah Rd - Al Souq Al Kabeer - Al Fahidi - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Get directions

@cntraveler

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20 Best Things to Do in Dubai, According to Our Local Editors | Condé Nast Traveler

"Housed in a beautifully restored house with a traditional wind tower in Al Fahidi, SMCCU offers communal meals and open Q&A sessions designed to build bridges between Emiratis and visitors — no question is off-limits and you’re guaranteed a very warm welcome." - Nicola Chilton

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-dubai

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

@afar

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"Dubai isn't just about shopping and architecture. The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understandingoffersenriching and intellectually stimulating tours,meant to engage and inform visitorsabout Emirati history and culture.Visit the center for a communal Emirati breakfast followed by a walking tour ofthe surrounding Bur Dubai neighborhoods, where Dubai's rulers have lived since the early 20th century. And if you’reeager to visit a mosque, the centerrunsthe only mosque toursforguests of all faiths. The center isclose toseveral historical and cultural attractions, including Al Fahidi Historical District and Al Bastakiya. By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Local Expert"

The Perfect Weekend in Dubai

Photo by Tibor Bognár/age fotostock

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding

@cntraveler

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What to Do in Old Dubai: Our Guide

"This non-profit produces special events (traditional Emirati meals, heritage tours) aimed at eliminating cultural barriers and increasing awareness of local U.A.E. cultures and customs. Join the group for a traditional Emirati breakfast or lunch, held multiple times a week and based on recipes from founder Abdullah bin Eisa Al Serkal's mother." - Dylan Essertier, Laura Ratliff

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/what-to-do-in-old-dubai-our-guide

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Krishna K.

Google

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is an excellent place to learn about the UAE’s rich culture, traditions, and history. Entry is free, which makes it even more special and accessible for everyone. The centre beautifully showcases old photographs, traditional dresses, utensils, and displays that reflect the lifestyle of Emirati people in earlier times. You can also see pictures of old rulers and important political meetings with world leaders, which gives a deeper understanding of the nation’s journey and leadership. The centre explains Arab food culture, customs, and daily life in a very simple and engaging way. It’s a perfect place for tourists as well as residents who want to understand the roots and values of the UAE. The environment is calm, informative, and well maintained. The staff members are extremely polite, friendly, and welcoming. They treat visitors with great respect and make you feel comfortable throughout the visit. Their warm hospitality truly reflects Emirati culture — “Welcome in well” really feels genuine here. As a lovely bonus, snacks, tea, and traditional sweets are offered for free, which adds to the overall experience and gives you a taste of local hospitality. Overall, this centre is highly recommended for anyone interested in learning about UAE culture in an authentic and respectful setting. A must-visit place in Dubai!

Mardyana U.

Google

It was a lovely afternoon at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The surrounding neighbourhood felt soothing, with its sandy tones along the creek, where the charm of the old town blends naturally with the rhythm of present-day life around the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. After a short wait of about 30 minutes, we were welcomed into a spacious room dressed with Bedouin-style carpets and pillows. The cultural meal session is the main highlight here, opened with warm conversations over Emirati coffee, known as gahwa, in a setting referred to as the majlis, a traditional space for gathering and dialogue. At the center of the room, a selection of local Emirati dishes was served, including a sweet finish of luqaimat with date syrup.

Louisa C.

Google

We joined a couple of programs conducted by the Centre. We are so pleased we did it. The programs were well organized and staff are very attentive and so open to answer any questions asked. We learned so much about Emirati culture and Dubai from them. Thank you to each and every member of the team we met. On our first visit, we joined them for lunch. Our host was so helpful, informative and open. We, and our fellow visitors, learned and shared so much. Plus the lunch was really nice 👍 On the other program we joined was Heritage Tour which also helps us learn more about the culture and religion. Certainly a highlight of our visit to the UAE. Would recommend to anyone interested in learning more about the history and culture of the nation.

Randika H.

Google

The best place to go if you want to learn about UAE culture and traditions. I learnt so much from this experience and definitely recommend it to anyone who is seeking to understand the background of this beautiful country. The traditional breakfast served was absolutely delicious and presented beautifully!

Google

Good experience with Ahmed and ors. An opportunity to revive the transition of the UAE through culture and tours.

Mingjing H.

Google

Food was excellent! By excellent I mean it was better than restaurants with 5 star reviews on Googlemaps. It has ample options for both vegetarians and meat eaters. Mr. Abdulla Alserkal the host who worked their for past 30 years was very charismatic and interactive. I asked questions such as how many tribes are there in UAE? what are the differences between them? Tell us about the dance and music practices in UAE? And learned some fun facts like the UAE dance head movement imitates the movement of camel neck when they move. And that there are 9 minister seats reserved for women in UAE. HOWever, I didn't give 5 stars. I think you as a visitor came to the lunch with good questions, then everybody will benefit from understanding the Emirati culture nuances. If we don't ask questions, it would be a little awkward just eating quietly

Daniele M.

Google

I’ve been to SMMCU a few times and I love everytime I go there! It’s the best place in Dubai to experience the Emirati culture 🇦🇪 Everyone is very friendly and they are happy to share their history, their traditions and their own stories with us! They have launched a new tour, so if you would like to experience the culture but also go sightseeing in Dubai this is the perfect tour for you. It combines both worlds: the main attractions in Dubai, such as Burj Khalifa and Dubai Frame, and the real life in the Old Dubai. I’d like to thank the presenter Noora and everyone in the team. It was a really special day for me! Thank you guys! All the best for you! ❤️

Gabe M.

Google

We've been around for a couple decades and wanted to go for many years. Definitely the best iftar experience we had in the UAE in 20 years. The small group was very mixed from all over the world, people only on a stop-over, on holiday, new expats to many years residents. The local Emirati guide from SHA made us totally comfy, packed the evening full of so much info and was open to answer the most personal questions. The experience was amazing.