Dubai

Educational Activities

Experience the ultimate snorkeling activity at the Lost Chambers Aquarium in Dubai. Discover a fascinating underwater habitat and swim with the 65,000 marine animals that call it home. You don’t need any diving experience to participate in this great activity. After an introductory briefing, put on your snorkeling gear, float, and enter the stunning Ambassador Lagoon. Float over the surface as you observe a fantastic array of colorful aquatic life, see rays, reef sharks, and shimmering fish. Enjoy an ideal experience for the whole family.

Experience Dubai as it was a half century ago on a full-day safari of the desert dunes. Following a pick-up from your hotel, head out to the desert landscape and explore it from the back of a camel. Traveling like the ancient nomads, enjoy a stunning journey through the desert on a traditional camel convoy. This is the most authentic way to trace the footsteps of the Bedouin travellers. Upon arrival at a Bedouin camp, soak up the atmosphere of the gentle flames from traditional lamps nestled inside a private royal retreat. Demonstrations of traditional activities, such as henna painting, falconry displays, and authentic folk music and dance will keep you entertained (not available during the Holy month of Ramadan). Learn the traditional ways of making bread according to recipes handed down from generation to generation. End with a scrumptious dinner under the stars as history comes to life in an ageless landscape.

Your tour will begin from the old Al Fahidi Courtyard Houses in the Bastakiya District. From there, you will get to walk through the Coffee Museum, coin, and Dubai Museum. You will then be guided through the textile souk to arrive at the Dubai Creek and Dhow for breath-taking views. Next, you will enjoy an Abra Ride across the Creek, which will involve a traditional boat taking you across to the Deira side of Dubai. Once there, you can explore the various souks (markets), such as the Spice Souk, and Gold Souk in the city. Whether you are looking for an inexpensive knickknack or a diamond necklace, you’re guaranteed to find something to suit you here. Later on, you will encounter the Al Shindaga Watchtower, one of the three watchtowers used to guard Dubai. Your tour includes all entrances to museums as well as your abra ride, and will conclude in the Al Ras district.

Taste traditional Emirati food, and learn more about life in the United Arab Emirates at a 1.5-hour cultural lunch at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai. Located in a traditional wind tower house in the Al Bastakiya trading village of the Al Fahidi Historic District, the SMCCU was set up to raise awareness and demystify the local culture and customs of the United Arab Emirates. With an objective to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between locals and guests, you will learn more about local life through award-winning cultural programs. Sample authentic Emirati dishes while chatting with your host about the culture and traditions of the UAE. Sit in the courtyard of the SMCCU on traditional floor cushions, and taste Arabic coffee and dates, along with a variety of local dishes, including dessert. Ask your host or hostess any questions you have, following the SMCCU motto of “Open Doors, Open Mind.” Each dinner is as unique as the questions you might want answers to. Learn about the local cultures and religion in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.

Your adventure begins when you’re picked up from your Doha hotel and begin heading north for around 40 kilometers. Your first stop will be the Umm Salal Fortress, a tower built for Sheikh Jasim Bin Mohammed Al-Thani’s residence in the late 19th century. This amazing building is closed to the public as it's still occupied, but you’ll have the chance to admire the unique structure from the outside. Next, you’ll visit Al Zubarah, an important archaeological site made famous by its old fort. A square-shaped site with circular towers in three of its corners and a rectangular tower in the fourth, this fascinating fort-cum-museum was built in 1938 during the rule of Sheikh Abdullah Bin Jassim Al-Thani and was erected upon the ruins of a neighboring fort. You’ll then move on to Al Ruwais to discover the Dhow Harbor. Here you’ll take a short break at Ruwais beach to relax and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. On your way back to Doha, you’ll pass by Al Khor, the second-biggest town in Qatar renowned for its gorgeous harbor and golden beaches.

This tour will take you to Sharjah, the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, also known as the ‘Pearl of the Gulf’. Start with a photo-stop at the magnificent Al Noor Mosque on Al Buhaira Corniche and proceed to the largest mosque in Sharjah, the King Faisal Mosque. Then visit the Islamic Civilization Museum. Several galleries display carefully-restored artifacts from around the Muslim world, celebrating Islamic contribution to the World Heritage. Next, drive to Sharjah’s ‘Old Town’. After a stroll through the restored traditional market Souk Al Arsa, visit the Heritage Museum, showcasing the history and traditions of the Emirates and the Emirates of Sharjah. Before returning, you have time to explore Souk Al Markazi, a treasure trove of carpets, jewelry, and handicrafts.

Taste traditional Emirati food, and learn more about life in the United Arab Emirates at a 1.5-hour cultural breakfast at the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) in Dubai. Located in a traditional wind tower house in the Al Bastakiya trading village of the Al Fahidi Historic District, the SMCCU was set up to raise awareness and demystify the local culture and customs of the United Arab Emirates. With an objective to improve cross-cultural understanding and communication between locals and guests, you will learn more about local life through award-winning cultural programs. Sample authentic Emirati dishes while chatting with your host about the traditions of the UAE. Sit in the courtyard of the SMCCU on traditional floor cushions. Taste Arabic coffee and dates, along with a variety of local dishes, including dessert. Ask your host or hostess any questions you have, following the SMCCU motto of “Open Doors, Open Mind.” Each experience is as unique as the questions you might want answers to. Learn about the local cultures and religion in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.