Old Dubai family quest: gold, spices and Bedouin traditions
An adventure through Old Dubai where children do more than walk the city — they hunt for puzzling objects, meet local craftspeople and unravel the secrets of the Emirates.
About the tour
What was Dubai like before the skyscrapers? How did the pearl traders live? Why is the coffee brewed with cardamom? What is an abra, and what were the wind towers for?
On this tour children set off to explore the old quarters of Dubai and work through tasks that introduce them to the culture and traditions of the Emirates through real places, real people and unusual objects.
How the tour goes
The journey begins in the old quarters of Dubai. The children have to track down a mysterious blue stone and work out its secret, and then find the largest gold ring in the world.
Along the way we call in on a calligrapher, visit a spice shop and meet an artist. We sort out the local scents, talk about honey and try to work out whether honey is produced in the UAE.
Next we head for the Coffee Museum, look inside a Bedouin tent and learn about the traditions of falconry.
And there is more: a trip on a traditional abra boat across Dubai Creek and a walk through the famous gold and spice souks.
What you will see
- the old quarters of Dubai
- the largest gold ring in the world
- a calligrapher and an artist’s workshop
- a spice shop
- the Coffee Museum
- a Bedouin tent
- a falconer
- a traditional abra boat
- the Gold Souk
- the Spice Souk
- the old houses of the pearl traders
- the traditional al-barjeel wind towers
What you will learn
- why an enormous gold market grew up in Dubai
- where the largest gold ring in the world is
- what the word “abra” means
- why Bedouin coffee is brewed with cardamom
- whether honey is produced in the UAE
- how the pearl traders lived
- what the al-barjeel wind towers are and what they were for
- what a smart police station is
- how the traditional crafts have survived in modern Dubai.
Who it suits
The tour is a particular hit with children who like exploring, searching, asking questions and solving riddles.
It suits families with school-age children and small groups of children.
How to prepare
No special preparation is needed — the children solve every riddle and task right there on the route.
- Comfortable shoesthere is a lot of walking through old lanes and souks.
- A hat and sunscreenthe Dubai sun can be strong even in winter.
- Water with youespecially important in the hot season.
- Light, comfortable clothingthe route runs through traditional districts and markets, so clothes that cover the shoulders and knees work best.
- A phone or camerathere will be plenty of unusual places, craft workshops and colourful details worth photographing.
And most of all — curiosity, and a readiness to become a real explorer of Old Dubai!
Book the tour
Leave your phone number — we will call back and agree a date.
Free cancellation 4 days ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What age is it for?
From 7. It is designed for school-age children who like searching, asking questions and solving riddles.
What is on the route?
Old quarters and pearl merchants’ houses, the world’s largest gold ring, a calligrapher and a spice shop, the Coffee Museum, a Bedouin tent and a falconer. We cross Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat and walk through the gold and spice souks.
How long is it and how much does it cost?
4 hours, 350 € for a group of up to 5, in English.
What should we wear?
Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees: the route goes through traditional districts and markets. A hat and sunscreen are needed even in winter, and water is essential.
Do children need to prepare?
No. All the riddles and tasks are solved along the way.