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SMCCU Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding

Bastakiya | Bur Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
04-353-6666
Website
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As featured in Dubai for young kids
Ranked #2 of 156 attractions in Dubai
Type: Educational Sites
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: More than 3 hours
Owner description: The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) invites visitors and residents alike to learn about the local culture, customs and... more » Owner description: The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) invites visitors and residents alike to learn about the local culture, customs and religion through its various interactive programmes. SMCCU offers cultural breakfast and lunch, Mosque Tours,Bastakiya Heritage District Tours, and educational courses and programmes for students and adults. « less
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205 reviews from our community

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Burtonsville, Maryland
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 23 May 2013 NEW

We went on the tour of the mosque, which is part of the SMCCU. It is only at 10am and not on Fridays. The mosque itself is gorgeous, but not very large, so don't expect an expansive, several room tour. But well worth the 10Dirham.

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See 5 more reviews by sherri999 for Dubai
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
4 attraction reviews
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 May 2013 NEW

The mosque doesnt have any history since its new and its not very big. Its just pretty and the only one available for tourists to see. If you havent seen a mosque before, then go ahead. If you have seen mosques in Egypt, Jordan or Turkey then you can skip because this isnt nearly as impressive as some of those.... More

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See 3 more reviews by AmericanDCtourist for Dubai
Northeastern USA
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013

If you want a real Emirati breakfast instead of a hotel breakfast, the SMCCU breakfast program is an absolute must. You'll be served authentic breakfast in a traditional setting, and it's positively delicious and exceptionally affordable. Food is served buffet-style, and boxing some up to take with you is encouraged by the host. For that reason alone, you should make... More

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Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 May 2013

I have visited the SMCCU many times and always find it rewarding. I go for the cultural breakfast which is worth the fee alone. However it is the relaxed atmosphere and candid approach, encouraging any questions that is the real reason to go. The welcome is warm and genuine; I've taken friends who are fairly allergic to 'cultural' experiences and... More

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Baltimore, Maryland
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013

I thought it was a worthwhile stop and taught me a little about Islam and some of the beliefs and customs. The speaker was maybe a little pushy and biased but it was still interesting.

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See 6 more reviews by Jeffrey R for Dubai
Port Stephens, Australia
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

A wonderful way to learn about the local traditions and food. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit here and would put it on a must do list. It's quite near the Dubai Museum and Textile Souk and a short abra ride across the creek to the Gold and Spice Souks. There is lunch or breakfast available depending on which day you... More

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See 3 more reviews by paulini for Dubai
Brampton, Canada
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

The speakers are excellent, entertaining and make you very comfortable to ask any questions you might have about religion or customs. The food is also very good. We booked the Big Bus tour for two days. They have a stop at the museum and you can just walk back to the round-about and you will see it.

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See 3 more reviews by Lovetotravel154982 for Dubai
London, United Kingdom
Reviewer
5 reviews 5 reviews
4 attraction reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 May 2013

We had an amazing mosque tour. Their slogan was 'open doors, open minds' and this really was the case. Our guide was very clear and open to questions. Islam is actually a religion of peace and they explained this very well

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See 4 more reviews by Anna T for Dubai
Kuwait City, Kuwait
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 2 May 2013

The tour started off very well with all kinds of openness to questions, philosophies, ideas and discussions but towards the end it became more of a single view/showcase of one religion. The traditional food was great and the host Mr. Naseer was very good at hosting. Western travelers might enjoy it more as a learning of middle eastern culture and... More

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See 3 more reviews by RahulP2 for Dubai
Sydney, Australia
Top Contributor
176 reviews 176 reviews
142 attraction reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
133 helpful votes 133 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

We did the walking tour, which was short & only covered a small area. We booked the breakfast on the morning of the tour, to be done after the walking tour. Most of the cultural information was given during the breakfast, which was excellent & held in a large room at the centre, decorated & furnished in traditional style.The food... More

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See 17 more reviews by HAVEFUN000 for Dubai

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