KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Take a photo with a majestic falcon perched on your arm
- Admire some beautiful artwork at the Calligraphy Museum
- Learn how to write your name in Arabic, fancy pen-in-hand!
- Sample Arab coffee blends at a popular café
- Dig into street food and visit textile souk, spice souk and gold souk
- Both printed or smartphone vouchers accepted
Overview
As you journey through its narrow lanes, discover more about what life was like here before the skyscrapers came on this Dubai tour that takes you through iconic souks. Your tour begins with a gentle stroll to the historic Alfahidi district, one of the oldest heritage sites in Dubai. The first stop is a traditional Bedouin tent where you will share a coffee and learn about the life of the Bedouin people and meet a pet falcon who is treated with love and respect by his owner (falcons are no longer used for hunting in the UAE) and the falcon is usually a willing accomplice in any souvenir photos you may wish to take! At a neighboring tent, take a look at some traditional abayadresses and kandoura (the all-white robes worn by Arab men).
After a short fun stint at the Calligraphy Museum, visit the Coffee Museum to learn about local coffee customs, sample some delightful Arab blends in the cute café before moving on to soak up a little more culture on a shopping extravaganza! The local art gallery we are visiting is nestled in a beautiful old Persian house, displaying many unique local ceramics, glassware, and sculptures as well as paintings and photography. Visit the oldest existing building in Dubai, Al Fahidi Fort, which dates back to 1787 and has recently been converted into a museum where visitors can learn more about life of Dubai before the skyscrapers arrived.
Recharge your batteries and stop for a quick street food bite of doner kabab or falafel sandwich. Soon it’ll be time to visit your first souk stop which will be the vibrant textile souk where you will enter a world of multicoloured cashmere and fine silks! Then at the nearby Abra stop, take a water taxi to the other side of the creek and taste dates covered in creamy white chocolate made from camel milk, a local delicacy and a must-try while you are visiting the old town. Next on the itinerary is a visit to the spice souk where you can learn about the different spices used in Arabic, Iranian, and Indian cuisine. The final stop on this cultural and commercial journey will be the largest gold souk in the Middle East, a fascinating place that should be number one on every tourist’s itinerary. A feast for the eyes, the gold souk features incredibly lavish Arabic jewellery and dazzling displays of gold and other stones. Your guide will be on-hand to aid you in the bartering process should you wish to buy anything. End your whirlwind journey through the culture and exotic souks of Dubai at the Al Ras metro station.About The Supplier:
Urban Adventures are a handpicked network of 150+ global destinations, locally owned and operated by professional and passionate urban explorers. Collectively they create and run 1000's of fun and unique day tour itineraries that support local communities and help travelers uncover the local side of a city. Urban Adventures has a team of passionate guides who are the heart and soul of the tours and guarantee a great time.
INCLUSIONS
- Local English-speaking guide
- Cold water
- Arabic coffee (or a cold drink for those who do not fancy coffee)
- Dubai museum entry ticket
- Doner kabab or falafel sandwich
- Abra water taxi fare
Exclusions
- Transfers
- Tips/gratuities for driver and guide