The Sheikh Mohammed Centre of Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is among the most successful cultural institutions in the UAE. The purpose of which is to close the gap between expats, tourists, and Emiratis by means of open dialogues, interaction, and immersion into culture. Located in the old Al Fahidi Heritage District, SMCCU allows one to learn about Emirati life, traditions, customs, and religion in a respectful and friendly atmosphere.

Having a restored wind-tower house, traditional Emirati meals, mosque tours and cultural questions and answers, SMCCU is a unique chance to learn directly from the Emirati hosts in an open and friendly atmosphere. The MCCU is a must-visit place when taking tours around Old Dubai, heritage tours, educational courses or cultural tourism.

What Is SMCCU? About the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

SMCCU was founded in 1998, and its motto, Open Doors, Open Minds, was designed to bring cultural exchange and understanding between the locals and the international community. The centre is located in a traditional wind-tower (barjeel) building that was not only restored beautifully but also placed in the Al Fahidi District, which is a peaceful place, contributing to the cultural experience.

Various programmes are run in the centre, such as:

Traditional Emirati meals (breakfast, lunch, brunch)
Cultural Q&A sessions
Heritage house tours
Mosque visits & religious discussions
Walking tours through the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
Arabic classes
Cultural orientation workshops

SMCCU is especially popular among tourists, schools, corporates, and expats wanting to learn about the following:

Emirati hospitality
Local etiquette
Islam and traditions
Emirati dress, customs, food, and social life

The centre is an accredited cultural institution and one of the most respected heritage organisations in the UAE.

Read more: Dubai Travel guide

Top Things to Do at SMCCU Dubai

1. Enjoy Traditional Emirati Cultural Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Brunch

Guests sit together on traditional floor seating and enjoy authentic Emirati dishes while Emirati hosts discuss the following:

Culture
Traditions
Religion
Daily life
Hospitality
Customs

Price range: AED 95–155 per person (₹2,185–₹3,565)

2. Join SMCCU Mosque Tours & Islamic Cultural Sessions

Learn about Islamic traditions, prayer rituals, architecture, and customs in a non-judgemental, open-dialogue format.

Key highlights:

Explanation of mosque etiquette
Understanding Islamic beliefs
Q&A sessions
Insight into Emirati values
Guided visits to nearby mosques

3. Al Fahidi Historical District Walking Tours

Explore the heritage district on foot with an expert cultural guide.

You’ll visit:

Traditional courtyard homes
Wind-tower structures
Museums
Art galleries
Sikka (alleys)
The Creekside area

Duration: 60–90 minutes.

4. Learn Arabic & Join Cultural Orientation Workshops

SMCCU offers sessions for:

Arabic language basics
Emirati dress
Social etiquette
Traditions and customs
Ramadan and religious awareness
Corporate cultural training

These programmes are ideal for long-stay visitors, expats, and students.

5. Take the SMCCU Heritage House Tour (Wind Tower House)

A guided tour of the wind tower house that explains the following:

Architecture
Traditional cooling systems
Family lifestyle
Historical design
Emirati home layout

One of the best introductions to traditional Gulf living.

SMCCU Dubai Location – Al Fahidi Heritage District

Located in the heart of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai.

Nearby attractions:

Al Fahidi Fort (Dubai Museum)
Al Seef
Dubai Creek
Coffee Museum
Textile Souk
Bastakiya Quarter

SMCCU Timings & Entry Fee

Sunday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Fridays & Saturdays: Limited or special programs

(Timings differ based on activity; booking required.)

Entry Fee: General entry is free, but most programs are paid:

Cultural Breakfast: AED 95 (₹2,185)
Cultural Lunch: AED 110 (₹2,530)
Brunch Program: AED 155 (₹3,565)
Heritage District Tour: AED 75–105 (₹1,725–₹2,415)

Best Time to Visit SMCCU

Mornings: Best for cultural meals
Weekdays: Less crowded
October to April: Ideal for heritage walks
During Ramadan: Special cultural programs available

Read more: Top things to do in Dubai

How to Reach SMCCU: Metro, Taxi, Bus, & Abra

By Metro: Nearest stations: BurJuman or Al Fahidi Metro Station (10-15 min walk to the Al Fahidi district).
By Taxi: Centrally located, taxis are widely available. Average taxi cost from Downtown: AED 25–35 (₹575–₹805).
By Bus: Multiple RTA bus routes serve Al Fahidi/Fahidi bus stops.
By Abra: Take a traditional abra from Deira to Bur Dubai for AED 1–2 (₹23–₹46), then walk 10 minutes.

Facilities Available at SMCCU Dubai

Guided tours
Air-conditioned majlis rooms
Cultural meal setup
Clean restrooms
Seating areas
Souvenir kiosks nearby
Wheelchair access
Prayer space

Why SMCCU Is a Must-Visit Cultural Attraction in Dubai

Authentic Emirati interaction
Safe space for asking cultural and religious questions
Delicious traditional meals
Historic setting in a wind-tower house
Affordable and high-value cultural experience
Perfect for families, solo travellers, students, and groups
Deep understanding of local traditions

Conclusion: Is SMCCU Worth Visiting?

Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) is one of the most enriching cultural attractions in the UAE. It provides travellers with a unique experience of learning from Emiratis by engaging them in open communication, culinary meals, historical tours, and cultural programs. SMCCU is a transformative, friendly, and immersive experience, whether you are a tourist, an expat, a student, or someone who wonders about the life of the Emirati people. When you want a hassle-free travel experience, book your Dubai tour packages from Pickyourtrail.

FAQs about SMCCU Dubai

1. What is SMCCU in Dubai?

SMCCU is an abbreviation of Sheikh Mohammed Centre of Cultural Understanding, which is a heritage centre that provides cultural programmes, tours and Emirati meals.

2. What are the costs of the SMCCU programmess?

Depending on the activity, prices start at AED 65–140 (₹1,495–₹3,220) per activity.

3. Is SMCCU family-friendly?

They are welcome to children, families, and groups.

4. Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, it is advisable to book in advance because there is usually a sell-out of the programs.

5. What would I do at SMCCU?

Visitors can enjoy traditional Emirati meals, join mosque tours, take heritage house tours, or participate in walking tours of the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood.

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