We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Bastakiya | Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
04-353-6666
Website
Update attraction details
As featured in Dubai for young kids
Ranked #2 of 156 attractions in Dubai
Type: Educational Sites
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) invites visitors and residents alike to learn about the local culture, customs and... more » Owner description: The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) invites visitors and residents alike to learn about the local culture, customs and religion through its various interactive programmes. SMCCU offers cultural breakfast and lunch, Mosque Tours,Bastakiya Heritage District Tours, and educational courses and programmes for students and adults. « less
Write a Review

202 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    149
    43
    10
    0
    0
Date Rating
Northeastern USA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

If you want a real Emirati breakfast instead of a hotel breakfast, the SMCCU breakfast program is an absolute must. You'll be served authentic breakfast in a traditional setting, and it's positively delicious and exceptionally affordable. Food is served buffet-style, and boxing some up to take with you is encouraged by the host. For that reason alone, you should make... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

I have visited the SMCCU many times and always find it rewarding. I go for the cultural breakfast which is worth the fee alone. However it is the relaxed atmosphere and candid approach, encouraging any questions that is the real reason to go. The welcome is warm and genuine; I've taken friends who are fairly allergic to 'cultural' experiences and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Baltimore, Maryland
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

I thought it was a worthwhile stop and taught me a little about Islam and some of the beliefs and customs. The speaker was maybe a little pushy and biased but it was still interesting.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Jeffrey R for Dubai
Port Stephens, Australia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

A wonderful way to learn about the local traditions and food. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and would put it on a must do list. It's quite near the Dubai Museum and Textile Souk and a short abra ride across the creek to the Gold and Spice Souks. There is lunch or breakfast available depending on which day you... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by paulini for Dubai
Brampton, Canada
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

The speakers are excellent, entertaining and make you very comfortable to ask any questions you might have about religion or customs. The food is also very good. We booked the Big Bus tour for two days. They have a stop at the museum and you can just walk back to the round-about and you will see it.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Lovetotravel154982 for Dubai
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

The tour started off very well with all kinds of openness to questions, philosophies, ideas and discussions but towards the end it became more of a single view/showcase of one religion. The traditional food was great and the host Mr. Naseer was very good at hosting. Western travelers might enjoy it more as a learning of middle eastern culture and... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by RahulP2 for Dubai
Sydney, Australia
Top Contributor
176 reviews 176 reviews
142 attraction reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
133 helpful votes 133 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

We did the walking tour, which was short & only covered a small area. We booked the breakfast on the morning of the tour, to be done after the walking tour. Most of the cultural information was given during the breakfast, which was excellent & held in a large room at the centre, decorated & furnished in traditional style.The food... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 17 more reviews by HAVEFUN000 for Dubai
Westport, Ireland
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

Really interesting once I was able to find out where I was going. I took the Big Bus and it just dropped me off - it took a bit of hunting from there to find what I was looking for. The photographs were the most interesting.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 7 more reviews by Scalliwag25 for Dubai
Dubai, UAE
Senior Contributor
40 reviews 40 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 April 2013

Dubai is so glitz and glamour all the time, that visitors very often forget that is does have its own history and traditions prior to the boom and current modern metropolis status! If you plan to do ONE thing different during your time in Dubai, this is the right place for you. Centre for Cultural Understanding is government funded organisation,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 7 more reviews by Prekovici for Dubai
Tucson
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 April 2013

This was my favorite day. We learned so much from Nassif our host for the morning. I felt like we had made a new friend. I could have stayed all day! The lunch was delicious too. Definitely this is a must for every Dubai visitor. Open your mind!!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by mjmmtucson for Dubai

Travellers who viewed SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding also viewed

Dubai, Emirate of Dubai
Dubai, Emirate of Dubai
 
Dubai, Emirate of Dubai
Dubai, Emirate of Dubai
 

Been to SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing