Celebrating heritage the real, raw way
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Eid Al Etihad this year, Rove Hotels and Frying Pan Adventures have cooked up something that hits all the right notes: coastal breezes, heritage-rich bites and a deep dive into the flavours that shaped Dubai long before its skyline did.
Their newest collab — Traditional Dubai Food Tour (Emirati Gems!) — is an intimate, story-driven walk that swaps skyscrapers for seaside streets and invites guests to experience the city as it once was: slower, simpler, and bursting with personality.
Rooted in Dubai’s Story
Rove Hotels has always leaned into its homegrown ethos, designing experiences that celebrate the UAE’s cultural heartbeat. Teaming up again with Frying Pan Adventures — the city’s OG food-walk storytellers — feels like a natural, delicious fit.
Since 2013, Frying Pan has been leading curious locals and travellers through Dubai’s lesser-known food pockets, championing old kitchens, family-run spots and the tales behind every spice. Their partnership with Rove has only deepened this approach: local, warm and full of hidden gems.
This four-hour coastal experience trades the city’s usual pace for a more grounded, nostalgic one. Starting at Rove City Walk, the route winds through Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, stopping at neighbourhood eateries where Emirati traditions still simmer.
Expect a proper communal breakfast, steaming cups of gahwa poured with stories, karak shared the way locals do, dates with heritage attached, and a final seafood feast honouring Dubai’s seafaring roots. Vegetarian alternatives? Sorted.
What makes this tour special is the atmosphere — stepping into spaces that smell like home, learning how the coastline shaped the UAE’s kitchen, and hearing the kind of everyday stories that don’t make it into textbooks but say everything about a place.
The Essentials
Taking place on 1 December, the Traditional Dubai Food Tour (Emirati Gems!) begins at Rove City Walk and unfolds over roughly four hours. Tickets start at AED 472.50, with a flex option available at AED 519.75, and the experience is suited for guests aged 12 and above. Reservations can be made through Frying Pan Adventures’ website, and those seeking more details can reach the team via phone or WhatsApp.
@fryingpanadventures, @rovehotels
Image credit: Supplied
Curious, expressive, and always chasing new ideas, Zainab sees creativity as a way of life. She thrives on discovering new perspectives, connecting with people, and turning inspiration into something tangible. Her work and her world reflect a balance of intuition, imagination, and authenticity.
