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Dubai is a destination that can mean a lot of different things for a lot of different people. No matter what kind of traveler you are, there is a wide variety of things that Dubai can offer you to keep you occupied and stimulated.

From educational centers where you can ask any question to restaurants that seek to show the incredible diversity of the emirates, if you are looking to get deep into the culture and come home with a little more global knowledge than you had when you left, read on for four must-do cultural experiences in Dubai.

1. Spend an afternoon at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

If you are looking to have the ultimate cultural experience in Dubai, then you need to start by spending some time at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Whether you want to learn more about Islamic practices in Dubai or Emirati culture, this educational center seeks to create programming that assists visitors in finding answers to their burning questions.

Positioned in a wonderfully refurbished wind tower house in a historic district, here you can take part in a wide array of activities, from consuming classic cuisine to speaking in-depth with locals. Additionally, they offer heritage tours and guided mosque visits which can significantly enhance anyone’s time sightseeing in Dubai.

2. Experience a desert safari

A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without an evening spent on a desert safari. After all, if you want to get a sense of the full Arabian experience, then there is no better way to do it than hopping onto a camel and heading out into the dunes.

Whether you want a luxury evening safari or a more action-packed daytime excursion with add-on activities such as dune bashing – you are guaranteed to find an itinerary that works for you.

For the optimal experience, make sure you spend sufficient time researching your desert safari provider options so that you choose the right one for you and your travel companions. Read through previous customer reviews and ensure that your chosen provider specializes in the activities which you are particularly interested.

3. Cross the Dubai Creek on a dhow

Dhows are traditional Emirati boats that still make short trips across the Dubai Creek. Generally, these wooden boats are used by local workers to move packages as they have been done for many decades. While in the Dubai Creek area, spend some time watching the local workers and recognize the significance of these frequent imports and exports to the city’s history.

Additionally, you can ride in the dhows across the Dubai Creek to get to and from the souks. This is an essential cultural experience in Dubai and an exhilarating insight into the history of this fascinating city and country. For an exceptional cultural experience, search for hotel rooms in Dubai near the Al Fahidi historical area (Bastakiya).

4. Eat at the Cross Cultural Cafe & Bistro

For those who travel to experience cultural diversity, then there is nothing more exciting than finding a place to eat that shares similar values. The best cultural restaurant in Dubai is undoubtedly the Cross Cultural Cafe & Bistro as it is here where you can embrace the diverse eating customs of the region while dining in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Offering Arabian and Emirati dishes, as well as Indian, Asian, and Western options, you can be assured that everyone in your dining party will be able to find something to enjoy. Whether you want a full dinner or a morning coffee, this is the place to relax or recharge, hang out with old friends or meet new ones, and enjoy the cultural diversity of Dubai.

Have you ever been to Dubai? If so, do you have any recommendations for those who are looking to travel there? If not, is it somewhere on your list?

Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!