Up early to go to our cultural breakfast at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. Tasty (but expensive) experience. Sat on cushions on the floor while eating traditional foods such as chickpeas, sweet noodles, egg with tomato, pancake, bread with cream cheese, and doughy Timbits with date syrup. As we ate, we were given a talk about UAE customs and life and a chance to ask questions. Quite interesting, especially when an older Arab (i.e. our age) told us of his life growing up.
Wandered through the Al Fahidi restored heritage area which contained museums, craft shops, and cafes. Also peeked into a similar area next to it, Al Seef, which was historically a trading hub.
Took an Abra (water taxi) across Dubai Creek then poked around the various souks on the other side. Spice souk was the most interesting but there was also a Gold Souk, Utensils Souk, Mattress Souk, Textile Souk, and all throughout a Tacky Souvenir Souk.
Back to our hotel in late afternoon then out for our last Arabic dinner at Al Bait Alqadeem restaurant in a historic 1909 house. Early night before our British Airways flight home in the morning.
Flickr album thumbnails for Old Dubai are below, or the direct link is: https://www.flickr.com/photos/100countries/sets/72177720306925287
14 photos
Old Dubai, UAE