Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express worth booking?
Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express is a 4.5-hour experience in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from $131 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $131 per person
The essence of the heritage express lies within the stories of the daily life of Emirati through the centuries that will break the stereo type and misconception. Enjoy an authentic interactive experience with a professi
What you get
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- Emirati Meals (Choose between Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Dinner)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
The essence of the heritage express lies within the stories of the daily life of Emirati through the centuries that will break the stereo type and misconception. Enjoy an authentic interactive experience with a professional Emirati guide. Plenty of fun, interesting stories, photographs and life-time memories in a unique mode of transportation (Moving Majlis) that promotes the enrichment of the local heritage and immerses the visitors with the truly cultural experience. throughout our stories we narrate who the Emirati's are and what is it in fact, the essences of the emirates. You'll also enjoy Emirati cuisine in a traditional heritage house. We are the first company is UAE to operate our tours in a special custom design Trolley.
What's included
Included
- Tea and coffee
- Bottled water
- On-board WiFi
- Emirati Meals (Choose between Breakfast/Brunch/Lunch/Dinner)
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Al Fahidi
Unique custom designed ‘trolley’ experience Key historical attractions Desert Bedouin Experience Emirati Snacks and Meal (choice between breakfast, lunch or dinner) The signature Q&A session with the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Cultural Understanding Heritage House
30 minutes here
Souk Al Seef By Dubai Retail
Featuring fab views of Dubai's historic creek, traditional dhows, and old-world architecture paired with modern comforts, Al Seef is the ideal tourist lifestyle destination.
10 minutes here
Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort
The visitors of Dubai Museum "Al Fahidi Fort" have an opportunity to get rich, full and integral knowledge of the very old history of Dubai that interacted with different people and civilizations across history. Where the guest will have an opportunity to take pictures from outside. Will have a 10 minute photo stop at this point.
Pass by without stopping
Bur Dubai Abra Station
Abra comes from the Arabic verb “Abara” which means to cross. Take a ride on the Dubai Abra, the city’s most traditional mode of transport. For centuries, it has remained one of Dubai’s most frequented modes of transport, making it the symbol of the city ’s history and heritage. Guest will have the opportunity to take picture of the abra area by sitting inside the trolley
10 minutes here
The Dubai Heritage Village
Al Shindagha is the oldest part of Dubai (together with Al Bastakiya), established in the 1830s. This peninsual is situated on the Northwest shore of Dubai Creek, and borders Bur Dubai. This is where many South Asian workers live.
10 minutes here
Union House Flag
Union House marks the place where the rulers of all the emirates came together and agreed to unite to form the UAE. The tall flag here can be seen from miles away and conveys the subsequent progress and development this country has seen. Guest will have the opportunity to take pictures of the Union House from outside only. There are actually 2 flags, which one can see if one visits the Etihad Museum next to Union House. One is a smaller flag, which is at the exact spot where the leaders first unfurled the flag of UAE. The tall one is ahead of it and is among the tallest flags in the country.
Pass by without stopping
Jumeirah Mosque
Jumeirah Mosque is a mosque in Dubai, Emirate of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Construction began in 1976; the mosque is built in traditional Fatimid style which originated from Syria and Egypt. Opened in 1979, the Jumeirah Mosque visit has been a key activity under the 'Open Doors. Open Minds.' programs of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. The Jumeirah Mosque Majlis is a two storey venue that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The decor and flexible set up options set provide an authentic, comfortable Emirati ambiance. Some of the events that have been held at Jumeirah Mosque Majlis are ‘Mosques of the World’, ‘Kids of Arabia’, ‘Just Kidding’, and ‘German Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce’
45 minutes here
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding is a non-profit organization which promotes awareness of Emirati culture, customs, traditions and religion among expatriates and foreign visitors in the United Arab Emirates, as well as aiming to remove cultural barriers. The house consists of two floors and it was built of coral, stone, plaster, teakwood, chantal wood, and the fronds and trunks of palm trees. Cultural understanding program with F&Q & Emirati Lunch (Authentic Emirati lunch served in a Emirati House)
135 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Dubai
Will wait for our guest with our unique trolley near the valet parking point next to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Will wait for our guest with our unique trolley near the valet parking point next to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding.
Options you can book
Emirati Experience(Lunch)
Dubai - Al Fahidi area Duration: 4 hours Meal -Lunch Bus - trolley
Emirati Experience (Breakfast)
Dubai - Al Fahidi area Duration: 4 hours Meal - Breakfast BUS-Trolley
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
- Group size
- Up to 30 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Heritage Express
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing!
It was amazing! We had a special time with the family, had an amazing Arabic dinner and met so lovely people! Do it, you will love it!
via Tripadvisor
Authentic and very special experience with the Heritage Express!
I participated alone in “The Emirates Hospitality Experience” and found it extremely interesting and welcoming. The tour, aboard the quaint historic tram, took me through the most authentic districts of Dubai, led by prepared and very helpful Emiratis. The most memorable moment was lunch: I tasted typical Emirati dishes in a traditional and convivial setting, where I could ask questions directly to the locals. Their answers and personal stories made me discover the true hospitality and culture of the Emirates. An experience that I recommend to anyone who wants to experience Dubai from an authentic and human perspective, even (and especially) if you are traveling alone.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
A trip around old Dubai
We had a lovely tour being shown the older parts of Dubai and the Jumeirah Mosque Majils was a highlight. There isn’t much to see in between Al Fahidi and there but our guide was lovely and really informative on the culture then and now.
via Tripadvisor
Must do even for veterans of Dubai
Truly excellent day out with knowledgeable guides resulting in an authentic fun day out. The bus journey is easy going and shows you parts of Dubai that you don’t often visit in an enjoyable and informative way. Really pleasant way to spend the day
Response from the operator: Dear PaulgO1282MV, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're so glad you enjoyed your journey on the Heritage Express Bus. It’s always a joy to hear that our storytelling and hospitality made a lasting impression. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for more cultural discoveries. Thanks again for choosing us! Warm regards, The Heritage Express Team
via Tripadvisor
Great, authentic experience
This tour was a great experience I'd recommend to anyone visiting Dubai. There's a lot of history in this city that sometimes gets overlooked, and to have an Emirati-led tour was a treat. Our guide Hamad was very friendly and encouraged us to ask questions. He showed us some historical buildings and led us through several museums. We definitely left with a greater knowledge and appreciation of Emirati history and culture. This tour took about 3 hours and did involve some walking. We also got to see some camels, hold a falcon, enjoy coffee and dates, and sit inside of a Bedouin tent. Very cool.
Response from the operator: Dear 993naomie, Thank you for sharing your experience with us! We're so glad you enjoyed your journey on the Heritage Express Bus. It’s always a joy to hear that our storytelling and hospitality made a lasting impression. We’d love to welcome you back anytime for more cultural discoveries. Thanks again for choosing us! Warm regards, The Heritage Express Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu
- Price range
- $131 to $263
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dubai.
How much does Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express cost?
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Prices start at $131 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Dubai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express take?
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Plan for about 4.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Dubai is not rushed.
Is Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Dubai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express?
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Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Dubai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Dubai and add a light layer if any part of the 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Emirati Hospitality Experience & Old Dubai Bus Tour | Heritage Express start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Dubai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Dubai?
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On Outty we rank every Dubai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Dubai Premium Red Dunes Safari, Camels & 5* BBQ at Al Khayma Camp, Dubai: Red Dunes Safari, Quad, Camel, Dune Bash, BBQ & Shows, Dubai Dune Buggy Safari Tour in Red Dunes Options. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Dubai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Dubai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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