Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine in Dubai
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine

Outty Ranking 63 5.0 · 23 traveler reviews2.5 hoursFrom $299
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Outty Ranking

63/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 23 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine worth booking?

Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine is a 2.5-hour experience in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from $299 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice, based on a 5/5 rating across 23 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 (23)
Duration
2.5 hours
From
$299 per person

Join us for an unforgettable experience of food, history, and culture as we explore the vibrant heart of Old Dubai, featuring Dubai’s historic journey from desert to destination, pearl diving past and heritage homes, pri

What you get

  • A foray into Dubai's rich spice trade scene
  • Sit down Emirati dinner at an award-winning restaurant that will change your life
  • A taste of Dubai's iconic food scene at one of the city's most popular historic neighborhoods
  • A comforting tea tasting at an understated, locally beloved, award winning spice shop
  • Take home the legendary Camel Milk Ice Cream in your hand and Arabic gum in your pocket!
  • Try the iconic chips of the Gulf, a favorite local staple

About this experience

Join us for an unforgettable experience of food, history, and culture as we explore the vibrant heart of Old Dubai, featuring Dubai’s historic journey from desert to destination, pearl diving past and heritage homes, private abra boat ride and all three souks (textile, spice and gold). This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to savor the authentic flavors of Emirati cuisine while immersing yourself in the city's rich heritage. Highlights include: A Spice Souk Odyssey: Wander through the aromatic maze of the Spice Souk, where you'll encounter a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and flavors. Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek: Enjoy a private scenic boat ride across the historic Dubai Creek Textile Souk Exploration: Discover the intricate artistry of traditional textiles in the Textile Souk. Emirati Feast: Indulge in a delicious Emirati dinner, featuring the iconic Machboos Bastakiya Heritage: Explore the historic Bastakiya neighborhood, a charming oasis of wind-tower houses

What's included

Included

  • A foray into Dubai's rich spice trade scene
  • Sit down Emirati dinner at an award-winning restaurant that will change your life
  • A taste of Dubai's iconic food scene at one of the city's most popular historic neighborhoods
  • A comforting tea tasting at an understated, locally beloved, award winning spice shop
  • Take home the legendary Camel Milk Ice Cream in your hand and Arabic gum in your pocket!
  • Try the iconic chips of the Gulf, a favorite local staple
  • A hidden gem of a cafe for appetizers
  • Engaging overview of the lesser known facts about Dubai's history
  • Refreshingly authentic frozen treat at a hidden spot, aka, Persian frozen dessert called Falooda

Not included

  • Pick up/ Drop off
  • Gratuities

What you'll see and do

  1. Deira Old Souk Abra Station

    Let us arrive at our first course by a traditional wooden boat just as the sun is setting on the Dubai Creek

    10 minutes here · Admission included

  2. Dubai Spice Souk

    We walk through the famous spice souk to understand the anatomy of spices from India and Iran that have influenced Emirati cuisine.

    20 minutes here · Admission included

  3. Dubai Creek

    Abra Ride Across Dubai Creek: Enjoy a private scenic boat ride across the historic Dubai Creek, offering breathtaking views of the city's skyline.

    10 minutes here · Admission included

  4. Textile Souk

    Textile Souk Exploration: Discover the intricate artistry of traditional textiles in the bustling Textile Souk.

    10 minutes here · Admission included

  5. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood

    Emirati Feast: Indulge in a delicious Emirati dinner, featuring the iconic Machboos and other regional specialties! Sit down Emirati dinner at an award-winning restaurant that will change your life, nestled inside a heritage house.

    45 minutes here · Admission included

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Dubai

The guide will be in orange. The guide will meet you outside the Entrance of the Spice Soul at the Baladiya Gate

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

The guide will escort you to the nearest metro after the tour ends in Al Fahidi District

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
Every day
Group size
Up to 10 travelers per booking
Operated by
Dubai By Foot

Know before you go

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Meet outside the Spice Souk Entrance in Deira

Photos

Outside RestaurantFlavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine in Dubai, photo 3Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine in Dubai, photo 4Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine in Dubai, photo 5Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine in Dubai, photo 6Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine in Dubai, photo 7

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 23 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

Food and drink

6 mentions

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Knowledge and storytelling

5 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

The guide

4 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Traveler reviews

23 verified traveler reviews for Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
23
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0
Sort
kimberlywZ8301RG · November 2024

Excellent tour!

My 13 year old son travel a lot, and we have done many food tours, we both agree this was on of our best tours. Pri was friendly, kind, and informative.

Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the super kind review! Guests like you make us love what we do!

via Tripadvisor

Max-Travels-Syd · October 2024

Got to taste truly authentic Arabic food!

I thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the old Dubai Souks. The shops were amazing with all sorts of spices I didn't know existed and some amazing perfumes which I had never smelt before. As a foodie I was so happy that I got to taste some truly authentic Arabic food and really tick that off my list with confidence. Last but not least was the incredible enthusiasm of our guide Pri! She is such a gem, so knowledgeable and personable, she was definitely a highlight. Thanks, everyone from Dubai by Foot.

via Tripadvisor

stacydX8608DH · September 2024

Great Tour

This tour was the perfect experience for my first trip to Dubai! The guide was super friendly and knowledgeable. She kept the group entertained and engaged the entire time and also gave some great recommendations for places to visit/eat to help me organise the rest of my time in the city. Highly recommended!

via Tripadvisor

nathan254 · September 2024

Do yourself a favour and choose this tour!

Tour was Amazing! Pri knew where to go and who to speak with. She also knew the histroy of the area. There was plenty of time to browse through the markets as we went and the food was delicious! Definately recommend the tour

via Tripadvisor

Adina J · September 2024

Fantastic 2 day Dubai and Abu Dhabi taster

We had a fantastic experience with Pri over 2 days. Her knowledge, energy and passion for Dubai was infectious. She tailored everything to our group, and she read our needs at the time and adjusted seamlessly. I have already recommended Pri and Dubai By Foot to others heading to Dubai.

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
2.5 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
18+
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Every day
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
8
Verdict
Solid Choice

Why this scores 63

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)91
Review evidence (18% weight)43
Booking momentum (14% weight)35
Value for money (12% weight)0
Listing quality (10% weight)100
Local standing (8% weight)68
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Dubai.

How much does Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine cost?

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Prices start at $299 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 Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine take?

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Plan for about 2.5 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 Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine 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 23 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 Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine?

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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 Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine suitable for kids and families?

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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2.5-hour running time when deciding.

How far in advance should I book Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine?

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Around 8 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 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine 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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