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Highlights
- Enter Al Khayma Heritage House by crossing Dubai Creek on a traditional Abra. This restored 19th-century wind-tower building once served as the Gulf's natural air-conditioning system.
- Taste authentic local flavors where locals do: indulge in dates, Arabic tea or coffee, camel milk chocolate, and street food from trusted vendors — avoiding tourist-focused stalls.
- With Premium Tastings, enjoy an Arabic coffee-making experience. You'll grind cardamom, blend spices, and pour using a traditional dallah.
- The Premium option also includes camel milk ice cream, fresh lemon mint juice, karak chai (a condensed milk street tea), falafel and shawarma, plus freshly made luqaimat (fried dough balls).
- Choose the Group Tour with Transfers variant for hotel pick-up and drop-off. All variants feature an Abra ride, heritage house entry, and core food inclusions.
Your Experience
Explore an enlightening food and cultural journey through Old Dubai, featuring iconic sites such as Abra crossing, Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Al Khayma Heritage House. This tour includes delightful street food tastings along the way.
Exploring Old Dubai
The adventure begins at the Creek waterfront with a five-minute ride on an authentic wooden ferry known as Abra, which costs one dirham per crossing and accommodates approximately 15 passengers. Upon reaching Deira, your first destination is Al Khayma Heritage House—a 19th-century merchant home distinguished by its badgir (wind tower) that exemplifies the Gulf's traditional passive cooling system by channeling sea air into the living spaces below. Your guide will share insights on Dubai’s history prior to modern skyscrapers.
Discoveries in Souks
The tour continues through the bustling Spice Souk and Gold Souk, where your guide highlights items traded for commerce versus those displayed primarily for tourists' interest.
Culinary Delights
Your journey includes stops at select vendors: a stall preparing luqaimat (warm fried dough balls sprinkled with sesame seeds and honey), a cart serving karak chai in the condensed-milk style that has become Dubai's signature street beverage, and a counter offering camel milk ice cream infused with flavors like saffron and cardamom. The Premium Tastings upgrade features an Arabic coffee session where you grind beans mixed with cardamom and rosewater, achieve the perfect blend, and pour from a dallah into a finjaan cup. Your guide will explain each element's significance in Gulf hospitality culture.
By the end of this tour, you'll have gained a complete understanding of Dubai’s authentic flavors.
Inclusions & Exclusions
- English-speaking live guide
- Traditional Abra ride across Dubai Creek
- Entry to Al Khayma Heritage House
- Visit Spice Souk and Gold Souk
- Arabic tea or coffee served with dates
- Dates provided as a snack
- Camel milk chocolate treat
- Bottled water available throughout the tour
- (Group Tour with Transfers option only) Pickup and drop-off service included
- (Premium Tastings only) Arabic coffee-making session experience
- (Premium Tastings only) Sampling of camel milk ice cream, karak chai, fresh lemon mint juice, falafel, shawarma, luqaimat
- Meals are excluded from what is included.
- Personal shopping expenses at the markets are not covered.
- Gratuity charges will be your responsibility.
This product offers multiple ticket options. Some items above (like transfers or fast-track access) may only apply to specific options — confirm what's included when you select yours.
Must Know
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered when visiting heritage areas.
- Wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat to stay comfortable during your tour.
- Bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated throughout the experience.
- Please note that this tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or those using wheelchairs.
- Baby strollers, luggage, and large bags are not permitted on this tour.
Ticket Delivery
- Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
- Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.
- Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.
Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers to the most common questions travelers ask before booking this experience.
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