Your ultimate guide to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU)

• About the Centre
• Initiatives
• Getting there
• Contact Info

Do you want to uncover some of the interesting details about the UAE’s rich, cultural past? Are you excited to learn about some of the age-old traditions and customs of this cosmopolitan country? Head on over to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding and get an exclusive insight into Emirati culture and tradition. Colloquially known as Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, the platform invites everyone to participate in an array of activities, aimed to enhance their awareness and appreciation for the UAE.

ABOUT SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING (SMCCU)

Established in 1998, Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai and Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE . the visionary leader of Dubai established the centre with the aim to provide education to expats about the rich and diverse culture of the Emirati people and their customs. It is located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, one of the most popular historic sites in Dubai.

SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING DUBAI INITIATIVES

The centre offers various programmes that allow visitors to understand Emirati traditions and the day to day life of an Emirati citizen. From an exciting glimpse into the local food and cuisine to interactions with local Emiratis, the programme has been designed to remove cultural barriers and educate visitors and residents about the historic past of the region. Here is a list of some programmes and initiatives launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.

CULTURAL MEALS 

Ever wondered what a typical Emirati meal is like? Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, Emirati Fuala and Cultural brunch throughout the week while sitting on traditional Bedouin-style carpets at the centre. You can join open events or choose to have a private booking through the centre’s website.

The feasts feature traditional foods such as khabeesah (pumpkin mash),  aseed (porridge), balalit (Emirati pancakes), luqaimat (dumplings served with date syrup) to name a few.

SMCCU HERITAGE TOURS

In addition to their unique culinary experiences, the cultural centre also hosts various guided walking tours. The tours cover a range of historical landmarks and culturally significant sites. You can refresh yourself with Arabic tea, coffee and dates while on the tour.

Heritage Tour, Dagger Museum and Mosque Visit

Hop aboard the Heritage Express to enjoy this tour in Dubai. Relive history as you travel through the narrow sikkas and traditional residences featuring the signature wind towers along the Dubai Creek. The tour includes a visit to the Diwan Masjid concluding with a Q/A session at the historical house.

Public tour dates are present on the Centre’s event calendar, however, you can book private tours for a group of 10 by visiting the website and requesting for one. The duration of the tours (public/private) is 90 minutes.

Creekside Walking Tour

The creekside walking tour takes you through the Al Fahidi Historic District. On this tour, you can visit the Diwan Mosque, the Textile Souk, travel on an abra and journey across the creek to Deira.

In Deira, you can enjoy a visit to the Gold and Spice Souk and the tour concludes at the SMCCU house for a Q&A session. As with all tours offered by the centre, both public and private tours are available.

• Public tours take place every Monday at 03:00 pm while you may need to request a private tour
• Private bookings are available from 1st November to 31st March.
• A group of ten people is required for a private booking
• The duration of these tours (public/private) is two and a half hours.

Jumeirah Mosque Visit

Jumeirah Mosque is one of the two mosques in Dubai, open to non-muslims. You can enjoy a traditional light breakfast on arrival before participating in the presentations.

The presentations at the mosque include a demonstration of “Wudu” a pre-prayer cleansing ritual. Inside the mosque, visitors are given a detailed overview of the religion and culture of Emiratis. 

• The Mosque has a dress code and both men and women should be dressed modestly. Traditional dresses are provided at the mosque for those wishing to honour the customs
• This tour takes place daily from 10:00 am to 02:00 pm except for Fridays
• The tour ticket costs AED 35 per person
• Registration begins 30 minutes before the commencement of the programme
• The tour includes Emirati refreshments
• The Jumeirah Mosque tour is unavailable at the moment but is expected to resume soon

SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMES

The Centre has programmes for schools and universities where students, teachers and parents from across the globe can experience a stimulating and interactive introduction to Emirati culture. 

The programmes are conducted in the courtyard of the historic wind tower house and include an interactive presentation of traditional Emirati meal etiquette.

Participants are introduced to the customs and traditions of an Emirati family’s everyday life and discuss topics like the importance of coffee in Emirati culture as part of honouring guests.    

The cultural mosque programme highlights the importance of the house of worship and its importance in Emirati culture. All programmes feature Q&A sessions where students can ask questions from cultural experts.

The goal of these programmes is to impart principles of global citizenship, allowing students to explore and develop attitudes of care and empathy while learning to recognise different identities, while understanding and appreciating diversity.

TEACHERS’ INDUCTION PROGRAMME

The centre also hosts a specialised Teachers’ cultural induction programme that allows teachers unfamiliar with Emirati customs and traditions to develop a comprehensive understanding of the country.

• Teachers participating in the programme are awarded a personalised certificate of participation
• The programme is also extended to parents’ associations
• For bookings, email at schools@cultures.ae

CORPORATE INDUCTIONS

Realising the fact that the UAE’s workforce comprises of more than 200 nationalities, the centre has developed a corporate cultural awareness programme.

This programme aims to provide a greater understanding of Emirati culture to foster the proper integration of a global workforce in society. In the Corporate Induction Programme, Emirati presenters inform participants about the Emirati business etiquettes while instilling cultural sensitivity

DESERT FRIENDS

The centre also organises a live talk hosted in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical District to highlight the historical significance of the camel in Emirati history and culture.

BIRDS OF PREY

One of the centre’s newest programmes is a ‘Heritage and birds of prey tour’. The tour focuses on the historical significance of the falcon and other indigenous birds, offering participants an opportunity to capture great shots of these beautiful creatures.

The idea behind the programme is to give participants an opportunity to gain insight into UAE culture as well as appreciate the diversity of the avian species present in the deserts. The tour lasts approximately 150 minutes.

• Booking is required
• A minimum of ten people are required for the tour.

SHEIKH MOHAMMED CENTRE FOR CULTURAL UNDERSTANDING IFTAR PROGRAMME

The SMCCU Iftar Programme aims to provide firsthand experience and educate visitors about the iftar or the “Breaking of the fast” tradition during the Holy Month of Ramadan. The programme takes place at one of the centre’s traditional houses in the Al Fahidi Historic District. Visitors get to experience iftar with traditional Arabian delicacies while learning about the holy month of Ramadan. 

• The gathering for the iftar events commences 30 minutes before the call to prayer every evening during Ramadan
• Advanced booking is required for participation in the programme
• The duration of the programme is 120 minutes

CULTURAL EVENTS

The SMCCU holds public events annually, for special occasions such as the National Day. The centre also organises an Annual Art Competition titled “Treasures of the UAE”.  

GETTING THERE

If you’re planning to visit the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Center for Cultural Understanding:

• Hop aboard the Green Line towards Bur Dubai
• Exit at Al Fahidi Metro Station
• Take the Al Musallah Road Exit
• Walk from Al Fahidi Roundabout to Al Musallah Road
• Look for the signs of Wind Tower neighbourhood on your left
• Your destination will be on the right side of the second entrance to the House #26

SMCCU DUBAI CONTACT INFO

If you want to know the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding location, timings or contact details, check out the following details:

• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding Address: House 26 & 47, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Al Musallah Street, Bur Dubai
• Cultural Centre for Understanding Sheikh Mohammed Timings: 09:00 am – 02:00 pm| Sat: 09:00 am- 01:00 pm.
• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural understanding SMCCU Contact: + 971-4-353-6666

With that, we wrap our guide to the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding.

With the motto ‘Open Doors, Open Minds’, the centre offers everybody a unique opportunity to appreciate the Emirati traditions through an extensive range of programmes.

Similar to this cultural centre, there are many heritage sites across the UAE such as Al Ain Oasis, Hili Archeological Park and Al Bidya Mosque that you can explore.

What are your favourite historical places in the UAE? Let us know in the comments below.

Cover Image Credits: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for Cultural Understanding