Step into a bygone era and interact with Emiratis first-hand as you enjoy an Arabic meal at the Sheik Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in historic Al Fahidi. Sample traditional culinary delicacies at either breakfast or lunch as your host shares insight into local culture and heritage.

Just steps from Dubai's buzzing, cosmopolitan centre is the historic district of Al Fahidi, the last wind tower quarter on the Arab side of the Gulf. Walk through the narrow residential lanes of the Al Bastakiya trading village within this district, passing by shops peddling elegant textiles and fragrant spices, shaded cafes, and beautifully restored merchant houses.

Enter the Sheik Mohammed Centre, which is housed in an Islamic wind tower house—these residences date from the 1890s and feature high, open towers designed to catch cool breezes and funnel them down into buildings, like an early form of air conditioning to offer respite from the scorching desert heat.

Take a seat in the cool courtyard beneath hanging oil lamps and delve into a discussion of the traditions and customs of the Persian Gulf with fellow travellers and your gracious host—high value is placed on hospitality throughout the Middle East. Sip on spice-rich Arabic coffee, sample savoury fareeth stew, and nibble on ligamat, a donut-like yoghurt dumpling topped with date syrup and sesame seeds. The feast continues with plenty of other dishes to introduce you to the complex flavours of traditional Emirati cuisine.