Justine Pountney, Reservations Consultant, recently returned from Dubai, where she mixed Emirati culture with a touch of luxury, from a traditional breakfast at the Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the souks to a private yacht cruise around Palm Jumeirah and a desert feast under the stars.
By Justine Pountney
Reservations Consultant
I’ve just got back from Dubai, and I wanted to share a few of the things that made the trip so memorable. I was keen to see beyond the glitz and get a feel for Emirati culture, though I’ll admit I couldn’t resist a bit of luxury too.
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A Taste of Emirati Culture in Old Dubai
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, in the heart of Old Dubai.
It was a lovely opportunity to learn more about Emirati traditions, customs and everyday life. The experience included a traditional Emirati breakfast, with plenty of time to ask questions and hear more about the local culture. It offered a different perspective on Dubai and was a welcome change of pace from the city’s more modern attractions.
It’s an experience worth considering if you’d like to see beyond the usual tourist sights. Chris also shares his thoughts on the cultural side of the city in our article, Out and About in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Afterwards, I took a stroll through the nearby souks. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are well worth exploring, with their colourful displays, fragrant spices, beautiful jewellery and traditional perfumes. There is plenty to catch your eye, and part of the fun is having a go at bargaining!
For a memorable lunch, I would definitely recommend Arabian Tea House.
Set in a charming courtyard in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, it has a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of character. We enjoyed a selection of sharing dishes, featuring local meats and regional specialities, which gave us the chance to try a little of everything.
There were plenty of local diners enjoying their lunch too, which made the experience feel all the more genuine. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon and sample some traditional Emirati food.
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A Little Luxury on the Arabian Gulf
Of course, no trip to Dubai would be complete without experiencing a little of its more luxurious side.
One afternoon, we chartered a private yacht and headed out around Palm Jumeirah. We had time to admire the coastline, stop for a swim in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch on board.
It was wonderfully relaxing, with fantastic views of Dubai’s skyline along the way. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or celebrating a special occasion, a private yacht trip is a lovely way to see the city from a different perspective.
An Evening in the Arabian Desert
For a complete change of scenery, I also recommend heading out into the desert for an evening.
As the sun begins to set, the city gives way to wide-open dunes and a very different side of Dubai. We enjoyed a traditional dinner under the stars, accompanied by local music and dance performances. It was a memorable evening and a chance to experience some of the region’s traditions in a beautiful setting.
There are also plenty of activities for those looking for something more adventurous, from dune buggy rides to other desert experiences. You can make the evening as relaxed or action-packed as you like.
If a desert safari is on your list, Mary also shares her experience of an evening of dune driving and dinner under the stars in A First-Time Journey to Dubai.
My Dubai Recommendations
What I enjoyed most about this trip was seeing just how much there is to experience beyond the familiar sights. Spending time in Old Dubai, trying local food and learning about Emirati culture gave me a much greater appreciation of the destination. Then, of course, there were the special touches – from lunch on a private yacht to an evening in the desert – that made the trip feel even more memorable.
Dubai really does offer something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, adventure or a little indulgence, I’d recommend making time for a few of these experiences during your stay.
Thinking about a holiday to Dubai?
From city-centre hotels to beautiful beachfront resorts, our team can help you find the right base for exploring everything Dubai has to offer.
Justine Pountney, Reservations Consultant, recently returned from Dubai, where she mixed Emirati culture with a touch of luxury, from a traditional breakfast at the Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and the souks to a private yacht cruise around Palm Jumeirah and a desert feast under the stars.
By Justine Pountney
Reservations Consultant
I’ve just got back from Dubai, and I wanted to share a few of the things that made the trip so memorable. I was keen to see beyond the glitz and get a feel for Emirati culture, though I’ll admit I couldn’t resist a bit of luxury too.
/
A Taste of Emirati Culture in Old Dubai
One of the highlights of my trip was visiting the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, in the heart of Old Dubai.
It was a lovely opportunity to learn more about Emirati traditions, customs and everyday life. The experience included a traditional Emirati breakfast, with plenty of time to ask questions and hear more about the local culture. It offered a different perspective on Dubai and was a welcome change of pace from the city’s more modern attractions.
It’s an experience worth considering if you’d like to see beyond the usual tourist sights. Chris also shares his thoughts on the cultural side of the city in our article, Out and About in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Afterwards, I took a stroll through the nearby souks. The Gold Souk and Spice Souk are well worth exploring, with their colourful displays, fragrant spices, beautiful jewellery and traditional perfumes. There is plenty to catch your eye, and part of the fun is having a go at bargaining!
For a memorable lunch, I would definitely recommend Arabian Tea House.
Set in a charming courtyard in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, it has a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of character. We enjoyed a selection of sharing dishes, featuring local meats and regional specialities, which gave us the chance to try a little of everything.
There were plenty of local diners enjoying their lunch too, which made the experience feel all the more genuine. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon and sample some traditional Emirati food.
/
A Little Luxury on the Arabian Gulf
Of course, no trip to Dubai would be complete without experiencing a little of its more luxurious side.
One afternoon, we chartered a private yacht and headed out around Palm Jumeirah. We had time to admire the coastline, stop for a swim in the warm waters of the Arabian Gulf and enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch on board.
It was wonderfully relaxing, with fantastic views of Dubai’s skyline along the way. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, with friends or celebrating a special occasion, a private yacht trip is a lovely way to see the city from a different perspective.
An Evening in the Arabian Desert
For a complete change of scenery, I also recommend heading out into the desert for an evening.
As the sun begins to set, the city gives way to wide-open dunes and a very different side of Dubai. We enjoyed a traditional dinner under the stars, accompanied by local music and dance performances. It was a memorable evening and a chance to experience some of the region’s traditions in a beautiful setting.
There are also plenty of activities for those looking for something more adventurous, from dune buggy rides to other desert experiences. You can make the evening as relaxed or action-packed as you like.
If a desert safari is on your list, Mary also shares her experience of an evening of dune driving and dinner under the stars in A First-Time Journey to Dubai.
My Dubai Recommendations
What I enjoyed most about this trip was seeing just how much there is to experience beyond the familiar sights. Spending time in Old Dubai, trying local food and learning about Emirati culture gave me a much greater appreciation of the destination. Then, of course, there were the special touches – from lunch on a private yacht to an evening in the desert – that made the trip feel even more memorable.
Dubai really does offer something for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, adventure or a little indulgence, I’d recommend making time for a few of these experiences during your stay.
Thinking about a holiday to Dubai?
From city-centre hotels to beautiful beachfront resorts, our team can help you find the right base for exploring everything Dubai has to offer.
The Maldives had been on my bucket list for years, so finally getting there and waking up to turquoise water, powder-soft sand and sunsets that look like postcards was a real pinch-me moment. I was very lucky to experience an educational trip with Beachcomber Tours and Stewart Travel, staying on……
I often think back to April in Marmaris, Turkey, sitting in a classroom listening to Sarah Archer talk about Mauritius and the Beachcomber brand. It all looked incredible, but there is nothing quite like experiencing a destination for yourself. The journey, the smells, the food, the scenery… and most importantly,……
One of Mauritius’ most iconic resorts has entered an exciting new era. Following a four-month renovation programme, Trou aux Biches Beachcomber reopened on 15 October 2026, unveiling a collection of thoughtful enhancements designed to elevate the guest experience while staying true to the character that has defined the resort for……
The Maldives had been on my bucket list for years, so finally getting there and waking up to turquoise water, powder-soft sand and sunsets that look like postcards was a real pinch-me moment. I was very lucky to experience an educational trip with Beachcomber Tours and Stewart Travel, staying on……
Sam recently had the opportunity to visit the Maldives on an educational trip to experience two outstanding Constance properties firsthand: Constance Moofushi and Constance Halaveli.
It’s not just the luxurious overwater villas, the crystal-clear lagoon, powder-soft white sands, or the exceptional cuisine that make this island so special. It’s the overwhelming sense of happiness and tranquillity that washes over you the moment you arrive at this picture-perfect paradise.
Back in May, we were incredibly lucky to embark on a fabulous educational familiarisation trip to the beautiful Sun Siyam resorts in the Maldives, hosted in partnership with Beachcomber Tours.
This milestone year is made even more special with Dinarobin being named the only Mauritian hotel in TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best 2026 awards, ranking an impressive 19th among the world’s top 20 hotels.
This milestone year is made even more special with Dinarobin being named the only Mauritian hotel in TripAdvisor’s Best of the Best 2026 awards, ranking an impressive 19th among the world’s top 20 hotels.
Michelle Laldenga, Senior Reservations Consultant, shares her stay on Denis Private Island, a peaceful Seychelles retreat where nature, privacy, and simple island living take centre stage.
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Your Journey into the wild
We’re excited to introduce two new destinations: Zanzibar and Tanzania, offering a different kind of experience, up close with wildlife and the great migration. Our latest brochure is packed with inspiration to help you discover these incredible destinations.
