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Dubai’s Soulful Side: Why Culture Should Be On Every Luxury Itinerary

Updated: 16 hours ago

When most people think of Dubai, they picture futuristic skyscrapers, bottomless brunches with skyline views, and ultra-luxe shopping malls. But there’s a whole other side to the city, one that’s rich in heritage, deep in tradition, and full of unforgettable experiences that connect you to the heart of the UAE and stay with you long after you leave.


On my recent trip, I carved out time to go beyond the glitz and glam, to dive into Dubai’s cultural soul. It ended up being myself and my little family's favourite evening of the trip. Everything from the desert setting to the local traditions, the warmth of the people, and the stillness in the sand, it all felt magic.


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Note: For a visual journey through my Dubai adventures, feel free to explore my TikTok and Instagram channels under the handle @SammyLouLuxe


Embracing Culture & Heritage in the Dubai Desert


Into the Dunes: Where Dubai’s Story Truly Begins

No trip to Dubai is complete without heading out into the desert. Its an absolute must. Its where the roots of Emirati life were born, and even though today’s Dubai is fast-paced and futuristic, the desert still holds a peaceful, powerful energy. The views, the silence, the sense of stillness… it’s a side of Dubai you don’t get to see from the Marina or Palm and one that's important my children are also exposed to.


Arriving at a traditional Bedouin-style camp for the evening is where the cultural magic started to unfold. We kicked things off by feeding the camels some straw as they rested between rides. My little ones absolutely loved being able to get up close and watch their gentle mannerisms while holding straw up to their mouths for them to munch on. We could have stayed here contented for the rest of the evening but a short walk away, we met a second group of camels, this time geared up for rides. I was surprised (and a little nervous!) to learn that even our almost two-year-old could join in.


Riding camels at sunset as a family was easily one of the most memorable travel moments we’ve ever experienced together. The pace was slow and gentle over the soft sand, making the experience feel peaceful. With the glow of the sunset across the desert dunes adding to the calm vibes, it felt every bit romantic as it did meditative - a memory I will always treasure. This was a far contrast to a camel ride I had recently been on with Laz through a palm grove in Morocco, which proved to be very bumpy and uncomfortable by the end - even my legs ached!



In the Shade of Tradition: Unwinding the Bedouin Way

After the camel rides and sunset moments, we made our way to the desert camp, where each group had their own private tent to unwind in.

The set-up was beautiful with low cushioned seating, traditional carpets underfoot, and chilled drinks waiting to refresh us after the warmth of the dunes.

Fun fact: In traditional Bedouin and Emirati culture, it's customary to remove your shoes before entering a tent or majlis. It’s a sign of respect, cleanliness, and hospitality. The tent floor is often layered with beautifully woven carpets and cushions, which are considered part of the sacred space for rest, conversation, and sharing food. Keeping them clean shows appreciation for the host—and connects you to a tradition that values comfort, humility, and community.
These tents, inspired by Bedouin-style majlis, reflect the heart of Emirati hospitality. Historically, majlis (meaning “a place of sitting”) were central gathering spaces where tribes would host guests, share stories, and make important decisions.

Today, they remain a powerful symbol of community, generosity, and welcome in UAE culture. Reclining in the shade, sipping on cool refreshments, I could really feel how the heritage of connection and storytelling still pulses through these desert spaces. It’s luxury rooted in meaning and such a special way to experience the soul of the region.
 It was lovely to sit down and soak up the desert atmosphere and for my children to happily play in the sand in front.

As we lounged on soft cushions, we were also offered fresh Arabic sweets and traditional bread treats, sweet, flaky, and still warm. It was such a simple gesture, but it made the whole experience feel even more personal and welcoming. One of the popular treats is called Luqaimat - a crispy dough balls drizzled in date syrup.
While relaxing in our private tent, Laz couldn’t resist trying on the traditional Emirati kandura and headscarf. Seeing him wrapped in the crisp white fabric with a perfectly twisted turban made us all smile, it was such a fun way to connect with the local culture.

Did you know? The kandura isn’t just traditional dress, it’s designed for the desert climate. The loose-fitting style helps keep the body cool, and the white colour reflects sunlight. The headscarf, or ghutra, also protects from heat and sand, and the way it's styled can even hint at where someone’s from.


Painted Hands & Ancient Rituals: The Story Behind Henna

Soon after we returned to the camp, I sat down to have my hands adorned in henna, and even though I’ve done it before, this time felt different. The women were local Emirati artists, and as they worked, they explained the significance of the designs, how henna is used for celebrations, blessings, and rites of passage across the Arab world.


In Emirati tradition, henna is more than just decoration. It’s used during weddings, Eid celebrations, and even to bring protection and good luck. The process itself is calming, social, and deeply rooted in community. My five year-old also had her hand painted (the ink is organic and only lasts a week). We chose a matching pattern inspired by desert flowers and stars, and as the paste dried in the evening air, it felt like we were wearing a piece of the desert itself.


The local artists are so talented and gentle, and there’s something really grounding about sitting still while your skin is painted with centuries-old patterns passed down through generations.


Wings of Legacy: Falconry Encounters

Falconry has been part of Emirati culture for over 4,000 years and is so deeply embedded in the region’s identity that falcons are featured on the UAE’s emblem, and the practice itself is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.

Originally, Bedouins relied on these birds to hunt in the harsh desert with their speed and intelligence. They are incredibly loyal companions. The bond between falconer and bird is so moving to witness with silent cues, deep trust, centuries of tradition in a single glance.


At one point, Laz even got to hold a massive eagle himself. He told me after that he was surprised by the weight of the falcon on his arm. He said it was one of those wild, grounding moments where you're completely present, just you, a desert breeze, and one of the most majestic creatures he's ever met.


Under the Stars: Shisha, Storytelling & Soulful Silence

Another moment Laz really enjoyed was relaxing around a traditional shisha setup. The sweet scent of mint and apple lingered in the air as he sank into low cushions under the stars away from the hustle and bustle of the camp. The whole vibe was calm, warm, and easy. Just stories, laughter, and the quiet hum of the desert.


Dance, Drums & the Spirit of the Desert

As night fell, the desert transformed. Soft lights flickered around the camp, the scent of grilled spices filled the air, and performers began to take the stage. The first was the Tanoura dancer, a spiritual Sufi-inspired performance where a single dancer spins continuously in brightly coloured skirts, representing the movement of the universe. It’s hypnotic to watch and hard to believe it’s done without ever getting dizzy.

Then came the belly dancer, moving gracefully to the beat of live drumming, a tradition seen across the Middle East, used historically in both celebration and storytelling.


But the most moving moment came with a traditional Yowlah performance, a folk dance of the Emirates involving poetic chanting and the symbolic movement of wooden rifles. It was originally a battle dance, used to showcase strength and unity. Today, it’s performed at weddings and national events, reminding locals and visitors alike of the UAE’s tribal roots and warrior spirit.

As the sun dipped, the desert camp came alive with performances of cultural storytelling in motion.



Culture beyond the desert

If you’ve got time in the city, don’t skip these hidden gems:

  • Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood – enjoy street food, ride an Abra, and wander through traditional cobbled souks.

  • Dubai Museum and the Camel Museum – tiny but full of stories

  • Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding – enjoy an Arabic breakfast (the food is unreal)


The bigger picture

One of the things I love most about travelling, and creating content from these trips, is being able to show a more meaningful side of a destination. Yes, Dubai does luxury better than anywhere. But it also protects and shares its heritage in a way that’s beautiful, accessible, and honestly, emotional. The moments i've shared in this article that slow you down, bring you closer to the people you’re with, and root you in the place you’re in, is what true luxury feels like. Not things, but moments. It’s those unexpected pauses in the middle of an adventure that stay with you the longest.


If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, I can’t recommend enough taking time to experience this side of the city. Go ride camels. Get the henna. Try the shisha. Hold the eagle. Let the dancing pull you in. This is where you feel the story of a place and to me, that’s what travel’s all about.


Save this post for your next trip, and if you're into this kind of cultural-luxe adventure, come follow along. I’ll always show you the moments that matter.


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