Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
Created in 1995 by Mr. Abdallah bin Eisa Al Serkal the Centre became visible in 1998 when as part of Dubai Shopping Festival programme a group of volunteers started to give out leaflets and to invite people to a cultural tour under the name ‘Islam and Culture in Dubai’ during which the people experienced desert camel ride, traditional meals and visit to the mosque. Next year His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum became the official patron of the Centre.
In January 2003 the centre finally moved to its new home at the Dubai Municipality Historical Building Section in the oldest Dubai district Bastakiya.
The motto of the centre ‘Open Doors. Open Minds’ describes the aim of the organization.
Today the Emirates people represent only a small part of cosmopolitan Dubai, that became the home for over 150 nationalities, each with their own distinctive culture.
The organization helps to lower the cultural barriers between neighbours, and to understand he traditions and customs of the UAE both by tourists and by the new citizens.
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding provides:
Regular walking tours of the historical district Bastakiya
Guided visits to Jumeirah Mosque
Arabic Language Courses
Coffee Mornings and Cultural Courses
Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding
P.O Box: 21210
Dubai, UAE
phone: +971 4 353 6666
Fax: +971 4 353 6661
Email: smccu@emirates.net.ae
site: www.cultures.ae