EAT

One of the most beautiful moments during Ramadan is breaking fast with family and loved ones. However, even if you don’t observe Ramadan, there are plenty of ways you can immerse yourself in a culinary experience that honours the region’s cultural culinary roots.

Gerbou in Nad Al Sheba is a favourite for its Emirati heritage and gorgeous setting that fuses nature and architecture. Try the Iftar menu for a tapestry of tastes, with cold mezze, mixed grills, umm ali and saffron kunafa. Dotted across the city, from the beach to Jumeirah Archaeological Centre, the gorgeous Arabian Tea House is great for the whole family. Offering a cultural journey through Emirati food and hospitality, dip into dishes like Machboos hammour, freshly-made falafel, tikaa laham, chicken shawarma and date salad. Moonrise offers one of the cooler culinary experiences, with its 15-seater restaurant in Satwa serving a Japanese twist on Arabic dishes, or try Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant for Emirati salads, soups, grills and seafood amidst the wind towers of Al Fahidi.

EXPLORE

Ramadan is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the story of the Emirates, and luckily, there are plenty of places to do so.

Find out how food has shaped this city with either a walking tour with Frying Pan Adventures or a cultural meal at Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, where local cuisine sets the stage for a tasty learning experience. Stroll through the labyrinthine alleyways of Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood to feel the city’s history. Here you’ll find both the Coffee Museum and Coin Museum, antique stores, XVA Art Gallery, and you’ll be perfectly placed to hop on an abra to the Gold or Spice Souq across the Creek. For an experience with a bit more action, book a desert safari with Platinum Heritage, which will take you into the heart of Dubai’s golden dunes, with camel rides, dinner in a traditional Bedouin camp, along with henna, bread-making, star-gazing, storytelling and dance.

ARTS & CULTURE

Dubai is one of the best cities in the world for arts and culture, with many galleries and cultural enclaves highlighting the extraordinary talents of Arab creatives. Come and take a walk through history.

If you’re a bookworm, Mohammed bin Rashid Library has a section with over 68,052 books dedicated to the history, culture and heritage of the UAE. Or head to Kutubna – a bookstore, café and cultural centre all rolled into one – that celebrates Kahleeji and regional voices through exhibitions, events and family-friendly activities. Abu Dhabi deserves a visit too, setting itself as the new arts and culture heart of the UAE. The newly-opened Zayed National Museum is perfect for all ages, taking you through the history of the Emirates via its customs, nature, connections, coastlines and more. While here, swing by the Abrahamic Family House and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to marvel at the architectural beauty of these religious landmarks. For an art infusion, Ishara Art, Third Line Gallery, Lawrie Shabibi, Tabari Art Space, Jameel Arts Centre and many more hold Arab-centric exhibitions and events throughout the year, and are well-worth a visit for some visual immersion.

SHOPPING

Whether you’re shopping for gifts, souvenirs or a slice of Arabia to make your house feel like home, you’ll find all sorts of treasures at these local gems.

Bait Elowal is a beautiful dining and cultural retreat in Sharjah, where you can sip Arabic coffee whilst browsing the shelves of Soghat Elowal and Al Kutubkhana, with their ethically-sourced, handcrafted homewares, jewellery, keepsakes and books. Kave in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue is part upcycled café and fair-trade shop, where you can pick up trinkets, treasures and redesigned furniture from regional artisans. The Maker’s Guild in Times Square Mall is perfect for Arab-inspired gifts – from notebooks to coffee cups – while the Gold, Spice and Textile Souqs in Old Dubai hold plenty of charm and provide ample opportunity for browsing and bartering to find your perfect new purchase.

FAMILY FUN

A proud, family-friendly nation, there is myriad opportunity to entertain – and edu-tain – kids in the UAE. For culture-rich experiences that are also bucket-loads of fun, try these…

All aboard the Heritage Express, a traditional trolley-turned-moving majlis, which will take you on a tour of Dubai, from historical landmarks to Jumeirah mosque and a Bedouin experience in the desert. It’s an engaging way to hear stories about the Emirates, told by its people. Global Village is a Dubai icon – a world-within-a-city where you can experience 90 different cultures in one place. Make a beeline for the Middle East pavilions, from the UAE and Oman to Jordan and Saudi, to meet locals, sample traditional dishes and pick up a souvenir. Plus, there are loads of rides, activities shows and parades for kids, earning you some big brownie points. Lastly, for something unique, visit Al Wathba Desert Resort, Bab Al Shams or The Falcon Hospital and book your kids a falconry experience. They’ll learn about the vital role these feathered friends have played in Emirati society for thousands of years and maybe have a go at flying them!