
Flavors of Arabia – Old Dubai & Souks & Authentic Emirati Cuisine
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
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
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
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
Textile Souk
Textile Souk Exploration: Discover the intricate artistry of traditional textiles in the bustling Textile Souk.
10 minutes here · Admission included
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






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 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers 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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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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