The Emirati Edit: Breakfast in Al Fahidi, Al Sadu Weaving and Rare Gulf Maps

Explore Emirati heritage across four emirates: meals in Al Fahidi, weaving in Abu Dhabi and rare Gulf maps in Sharjah

A weekly guide highlights one destination in each emirate where residents and visitors can experience Emirati culture first-hand, from traditional meals in Dubai’s Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood to Al Sadu weaving at Abu Dhabi’s Qasr Al Hosn and a vast archival collection of Gulf maps in Sharjah. The selections include the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in Dubai, the House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi and the Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies in Sharjah.

“Open doors, open minds,” reads the motto of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, which has operated since 1998 from a restored wind-tower building in Al Fahidi.

The centre’s cultural meals are positioned as an immediate way to engage with Emirati life. Presenters lead conversations over a traditional spread, discussing the influence of Islam on local traditions and everyday values while encouraging guests to ask questions. Practical details are clearly set: breakfast is served on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9am, lunch runs Monday to Thursday at 1pm, brunch is available Friday to Sunday at 10.30am, and Tuesdays feature Fuala, an Emirati tea-time experience as well as dinner. Sessions must be booked at least one day in advance and dietary requirements should be supplied at least 24 hours beforehand. Prices range from Dh130 for breakfast and brunch to Dh160 for dinner, with lunch at Dh145 and Fuala at Dh150 per person.

In Abu Dhabi, the House of Artisans at Qasr Al Hosn opened in April 2021 as part of the Department of Culture and Tourism’s efforts to preserve traditional Emirati crafts. The centre focuses on three core crafts: Al Sadu weaving, Talli braiding and Khoos palm-leaf weaving. Al Sadu, traditionally practised by Bedouin women, uses camel hair and goat and sheep wool to create tent panels, cushions, carpets and camel accessories. Visitors can meet artisans working in the space, observe live demonstrations and take part in workshops covering Al Sadu, Khoos, Talli, doll-making and pottery. Qasr Al Hosn general admission is Dh30 for adults; some special workshops are charged separately.

Sharjah’s Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies offers a deep historical perspective. Located at the northern entrance of University City, around 12km from central Sharjah, much of the collection derives from the private holdings of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. The Geographic Hall traces the evolution of knowledge about the Gulf through early printed maps beginning with the Renaissance, and other halls display rare photographs, a documentary film about Sharjah in 1937, and rare regional coins and early images of the Gulf. The centre’s archive library houses more than 1.5 million historical documents and records available to researchers; weekday daytime visits are possible but callers are advised to confirm opening hours in advance. Admission to the centre is free.

• Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding — House 26, Al Musallah Road, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood; book in advance; prices Dh130–Dh160.
• Abu Dhabi: House of Artisans, Qasr Al Hosn — open daily; Qasr Al Hosn admission Dh30 for adults; workshop fees may apply.
• Sharjah: Dr. Sultan Al Qasimi Centre for Gulf Studies — northern entrance of University City; free entry; archive of 1.5 million documents.

These sites offer immediate, tangible entry points for residents and visitors seeking to engage with Emirati culture through food, craft and historical scholarship. Each location provides programming and access calibrated to both casual visitors and researchers, with bookings and workshop schedules available via their respective visitor services.