Your tour starts with a drive to the beautifully preserved Bastakiya Quarter of Dubai for a tantalizing glimpse of the city's pre-oil days from
nearly a century ago. After a brief introduction at the Sheikh Mohamed Centre for Cultural Understanding, located in a beautifully restored Wind
Tower House, a knowledgeable guide takes you for a stroll around the neighborhood to help you understand local societal norms related to the
beautiful old homes and their unique building techniques. Next, visit the Bastakiya Mosque to learn the basics about Mosques and the Islamic
prayer process. Return to the Cultural Centre where you will be accorded a traditional welcome with Arabic coffee and local dates. A delicious
home cooked Emirati lunch is laid out and the different foods explained. Try the various delicacies that include fish, meat and stuffed vegetables
as well as a simple yet tasty dessert. During lunch you have the opportunity to interact with your gracious Muslim hosts and engage them in a
free and frank dialogue about their life in the UAE and their faith. This is an opportunity to interact, one-on-one, and engage with open hearts
and open minds in an effort to dispel some modern myths about Arabs and Islam. Service of tea and the burning of bakhour (incense) signify the
conclusion of the visit. Return to the pier with an immense sense of satisfaction at having developed a deeper understanding of Arabia in general
and Emiratis specifically.
Dress Code: Please dress modestly. Men and women, shorts and skirts below the knee and shoulders must be covered.