The most impressive cultural experiences in Abu Dhabi

Experience the tradition of falconry

A millennia-old hunting art that has become a symbol of Emirati identity.

A cultural heritage full of tradition

Falconry is one of the oldest traditions of the United Arab Emirates and is deeply rooted in Bedouin culture. Originally, it was used for hunting in the barren desert landscape, but today it is a symbol of identity, prestige, and respect for nature.

Since 2010, UNESCO has listed falconry as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity – a sign of its deep cultural significance. The art of falconry is passed down from generation to generation and is an important part of Emirati celebrations and competitions. Falcon displays can regularly be seen during national celebrations, and the UAE is the only country in the world that issues official passports for its falcons.

Abu Dhabi also hosts the world's largest falcon hospital, which treats thousands of birds of prey annually and develops special programs for species conservation and modern training methods. Despite technological advancements, falconry remains an expression of the close relationship between humans and animals – an art form that uniquely connects the past and present.

Experience tradition up close

In Abu Dhabi, there are numerous opportunities to experience falconry up close:

• Falcon displays as part of desert safaris: Many providers incorporate interactive falcon shows where visitors can marvel at the hunting techniques and the elegant flight behavior of the birds.
• Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital: Visitors gain exclusive insights into the care and rehabilitation of falcons and can even hold the birds on their arms.
• Falconry courses: Some organizers offer courses where guests can learn the traditional handling and training of a falcon.
• Al Maha Desert Resort & Spa: One of the most exclusive venues for falconry experiences combined with a luxurious ambiance.
• Falconry competitions and festivals: The famous Al Dhafra Festival and the President’s Cup Falcon Competition attract the best falconers in the region every year.

These experiences not only offer fascinating insights into a millennia-old tradition but also allow visitors to feel the close connection between Emiratis and their birds of prey.

Making your experience perfect

For an authentic falconry experience, it’s advisable to book experiences early, as many programs fill up quickly.

• Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital
• • Tour times: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 AM & 2:00 PM
  • Duration: Approximately 2 hours
  • Cost: 170 AED per person
  • Highlights: Visit the falcon clinic, interactive demonstrations, opportunity to hold a falcon on your arm
• Falconry experiences in the desert
• • Providers: Numerous desert safari operators
  • Includes: Falcon displays, Saluki dog shows, camel riding, traditional food
  • Recommended locations: Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, Al Ain, Liwa Desert
• Important events
• • President’s Cup Falcon Competition (from January 10, 2025)
  • UAE Falconers League (annually, various dates)
  • Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX)

Whether as a spectator or participant – falconry in Abu Dhabi is an unforgettable experience that provides deep insights into Arabic culture.

A traditional Emirati dinner with Bedouin stories

A culinary and cultural journey into the traditions of the Emirates

A cultural heritage full of tradition

A traditional Emirati dinner with Bedouin stories is far more than just a meal – it is a journey into the history, values, and traditions of the United Arab Emirates. Three essential elements are at the heart of this experience: hospitality, food, and storytelling.

Emirati hospitality has deep roots in Bedouin culture and Islamic teachings. In the harsh desert, it was vital to provide travelers with protection, water, and food. To this day, hosting guests is regarded as an honor and a sign of respect, as in Islam, guests are seen as a gift from Allah. This warmth is reflected in how visitors are welcomed and cared for.

Food plays a central role in the social culture of Emiratis. Typical dishes at a traditional dinner include Al Harees (a slowly cooked wheat-meat dish), Machboos (a spiced rice dish with lamb or chicken), and Luqaimat (fried dough balls with date syrup). These dishes have been prepared for centuries using traditional recipes and are shared in a convivial setting.

Another central element of an Emirati dinner is storytelling, an art form that passes knowledge, traditions, and values through generations. Older Emiratis share stories about life in the desert, pearl diving, or famous camel races. These narratives strengthen social cohesion and preserve the cultural heritage of the country.

An Emirati dinner with Bedouin stories is, therefore, much more than a culinary experience – it is an immersion into the identity and history of the Emirates that strengthens social bonds and keeps traditional values alive.

Experience tradition up close

A traditional Emirati dinner offers visitors not only an opportunity to try local dishes but also to dive deeply into Emirati culture.

• Culinary highlights:
• • Al Harees – A creamy wheat-meat dish that is traditionally cooked for several hours.
  • Machboos – A spiced rice dish with saffron, cardamom, and dried lime.
  • Luqaimat – Sweet, fried dough balls served with date syrup and sesame.
  • Tharid – A stew made of meat, vegetables, and bread, often served during Ramadan.
• Authentic experiences:
• • Traditional storytelling: Older Emiratis share legends and personal experiences from times past.
  • Hospitality rituals: Guests are formally welcomed, often with dates and Arabic coffee.
  • Shared dining: The meal is eaten in a traditional style sitting on the floor, which promotes sociability.
  • Arabic coffee & dates: An ancient gesture of hospitality often celebrated before or after the meal.
  • Discussions about traditions: Hosts explain customs and share stories of the changes in Emirati society.

This experience combines culinary enjoyment with vibrant culture and gives visitors a sense of being part of an ancient tradition.

Making your experience perfect

There are numerous opportunities to experience an authentic Emirati dinner with storytelling in Abu Dhabi.

• Emirates Heritage Club
• • Hosts traditional dinners in the Al Ain desert
  • Includes music, dance, stargazing, and storytelling
  • Authentic Emirati dishes served buffet-style
• Bedouin Camp Experience
• • Takes place in a traditional Bedouin camp in the desert
  • Offers camel riding, henna painting, and traditional entertainment
  • 4-star buffet featuring Emirati cuisine
• Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
• • Cultural meals in a historic wind tower house
  • Opportunity to interact with Emiratis and understand their culture
• Arabian Nights Village
• • Operates authentic Bedouin camps with local cuisine and entertainment
  • Focus on cultural experiences in the desert
• Private desert safaris with Emirati dinner
• • Combination of off-road safari and dinner in a Bedouin camp
  • Includes storytelling and interactive cultural elements

Reservations are required, especially in peak season. Many experiences include hotel transfers, and it is recommended to wear comfortable and respectful clothing. Most events start in the late afternoon and last into the evening.

A traditional Emirati dinner is the perfect opportunity not only to enjoy Emirati cuisine but also to experience the renowned hospitality of the region firsthand.

The Al Dhafra Festival – Experience authentic Emirati culture

One of the largest celebrations of Bedouin culture that unites tradition and modernity.

A cultural heritage full of tradition

The Al Dhafra Festival is one of the most significant cultural events in the United Arab Emirates, celebrating the deeply rooted traditions of the Bedouins. It takes place every year between October and January in the Al Dhafra region and serves as a platform for preserving cultural heritage. The next edition is scheduled from November 20 to December 5, 2025.

The festival plays a central role in passing on traditional practices in a rapidly changing society. It is regarded as the largest presentation of Bedouin life worldwide and highlights the close connection of Emiratis to their desert origins. Particularly, the promotion of the breeding of purebred camels, which have been an essential part of Emirati culture for centuries, is at the forefront.

In addition to the famous **Camel Beauty Contests (“Mazayna”) **, the festival includes numerous cultural and sporting activities, including falconry, horse and greyhound racing, traditional music and dance performances, as well as crafts. It is not only a festival for locals but also a unique opportunity for visitors to experience the authenticity and hospitality of Emirati culture up close.

Experience tradition up close

The Al Dhafra Festival offers a wide range of events that present Bedouin culture in impressive ways:

• Mazayna – Camel beauty contest: The centerpiece of the festival where thousands of camels compete for prizes in various categories.
• Camel racing: The most traditional sport of the Emirates, where camels reach top speeds of over 60 km/h.
• Falconry competitions: Insights into the centuries-old art of falcon hunting, which is firmly anchored in Emirati identity.
• Horse racing & Saluki greyhound racing: Dynamic competitions featuring the traditional breeds of the region.
• Crafts & Bedouin market: Visitors can admire weaving and embroidery arts and purchase unique souvenirs.
• Traditional dance and music performances: Authentic displays that reflect the way of life of the Bedouins.
• Culinary experiences: Tasting of local specialties as well as competitions for preparing traditional Emirati dishes.
• Date and milk competitions: Awards for the best dates, dairy products, and packaging traditions of the region.

The festival unites centuries-old traditions with modern elements and offers an extraordinary opportunity to deeply experience the culture of the Emirates.

Making your experience perfect

The Al Dhafra Festival 2025 will take place from October 21, 2024, to January 30, 2025, in the Al Dhafra region, about 15 km south of Madinat Zayed. Important events:

• Sweihan Mazayna: October 21 – October 28, 2024
• Razeen Mazayna: November 14 – November 21, 2024
• Madinat Zayed Mazayna: December 12 – December 19, 2024
• Al Dhafra Festival Mazayna: January 11 – January 30, 2025

Getting there:

• By car: From Madinat Zayed via the main road (E45) towards the festival grounds.
• By bus: Shuttle buses from the central bus station in Madinat Zayed (approx. 20–30 minutes, 5 AED).
• By taxi/ridesharing: Services like Careem or Uber are available (ride approx. 20–30 AED).

The festival is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There are no entry restrictions, so tourists can easily participate. However, it is advisable to arrive early to secure the best seats for popular competitions like the camel beauty contests.

Visitors should wear comfortable clothing, bring sun protection, and have enough water, as the festival takes place outdoors and is heavily attended.

The Al Dhafra Festival is a unique experience that offers deep insights into the cultural heritage of the Emirates and makes the close connection between past and present tangible.

Experience henna art and traditional Emirati wedding rituals

A festive tradition that combines beauty, community, and blessings

A cultural heritage full of tradition

Henna art is deeply rooted in Emirati culture and is regarded as a symbol of happiness, protection, and beauty. For centuries, women have adorned their hands and feet with intricate henna patterns, especially at weddings and religious celebrations.

A central component of the Emirati wedding tradition is the henna night, celebrated two to three days before the wedding. During this event, the female relatives and friends of the bride gather to celebrate with music, dance, and culinary specialties. The highlight of the ceremony is the intricate application of henna by a professional artist – a ritual meant to bring blessings and prosperity to the marriage.

The designs vary from traditional floral and vine patterns to geometric shapes that symbolize protection and fertility. While simple patterns were preferred in the past, modern henna artists have evolved the technique and now create delicate, detailed artworks.

Henna is not only used at weddings but also at other festive occasions such as Eid, engagements, and birthday celebrations. It is an expression of tradition and cultural pride that is passed down from generation to generation in the UAE.

Experience tradition up close

Visitors in Abu Dhabi can experience henna art and traditional wedding rituals in various ways:

• Henna painting in desert camps: Many desert safaris offer the opportunity to have traditional Arabian patterns or modern designs applied. Prices vary depending on the complexity of the design.
• Henna salons: Specialists like Shifaz Henna in Abu Dhabi offer artistic henna patterns for locals and tourists. Here, one can choose between classic and modern designs.
• Henna art workshops: In the "How to Make Henna Workshop" in Abu Dhabi, participants learn the preparation and application of henna and discover the cultural backgrounds of this art form.
• Traditional wedding demonstrations: Cultural centers and high-end hotels like the Emirates Palace organize experiences where visitors can witness Emirati weddings or even actively participate.
• Cultural festivals and public wedding ceremonies: During special events in the UAE, visitors can participate in re-enactments of traditional wedding rituals such as the Al-Henna ceremony or the Zaffa wedding procession.

These experiences offer a unique insight into the world of Emirati traditions and allow visitors to actively engage in this vibrant culture.

Make your experience perfect

Abu Dhabi offers numerous opportunities to authentically experience henna art and wedding rituals:

• Henna salons in Abu Dhabi:
• • Professional henna artists offer services such as bridal henna, traditional patterns, and custom designs.
  • Renowned salons include Shifaz Henna and other specialists.
• Cultural wedding ceremonies:
• • Many cultural centers in Abu Dhabi organize interactive experiences featuring traditional wedding elements like the henna night or the Zaffa procession.
  • Some luxurious resorts like the Al Maya Island Resort offer special programs where guests can participate in re-enacted Emirati weddings.
• Best travel time for outdoor experiences:
• • The months from October to April provide ideal conditions for cultural festivals and outdoor wedding ceremonies.
• Booking tips:
• • Those seeking an authentic experience should specifically target specialized henna salons and cultural centers, as many general beauty salons do not offer the traditional art form.

Whether in a henna salon, at a wedding ceremony, or as part of a desert camp – experiencing henna art and its significance in Emirati culture is a fascinating and unforgettable part of a trip to Abu Dhabi.

Cultural experiences to remember

Abu Dhabi offers far more than modern architecture and luxury resorts – it is a place where centuries-old traditions remain alive. Whether it's the impressive art of falconry, the festive henna night, a traditional Emirati dinner, or the authentic Al Dhafra Festival – these experiences allow visitors to truly feel Emirati culture. To truly understand Abu Dhabi, one should not only see but also experience.