Old Dubai cultural food tour named top global experience for 2026

Dubai is home to a remarkable array of gastronomic experiences catering to every taste

Last updated: October 22, 2025 | 20:10

1 MIN READ

Restaurants along the storied Dubai Creek continue to honour authenticity, local ingredients and value.

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Dubai: A cultural food tour through Old Dubai has been named as one of the world’s top experiences for 2026 in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list, spotlighting the emirate’s vibrant and diverse culinary landscape.

Built on a foundation of heritage and tradition, Dubai is home to a remarkable array of gastronomic experiences catering to every taste and budget, shaped by the flavours of nearly 200 nationalities that make up its cosmopolitan community.

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In the city’s historic districts of Bur Dubai and Deira, along the storied Dubai Creek, restaurants continue to honour authenticity, local ingredients and value, making a guided food tour through these neighbourhoods an unmissable experience for both residents and visitors.

Chosen by Lonely Planet’s panel of expert contributors, the Old Dubai food tour joins 49 other global picks, 25 destinations and 25 experiences that define essential travel for the year ahead.

While Dubai was previously celebrated as one of the world’s best cities to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2020, this year’s accolade marks the first time a specific area within the city has been singled out for distinction.

Khitam Al AmirChief News Editor

With over 30 years of journalistic experience spanning from Jordan to the UAE, Khitam has spent the past 22 years reporting on national and regional news from Dubai, with a strong focus on the UAE, GCC and broader Arab affairs. As Chief News Editor, she brings extensive expertise in delivering breaking and engaging news to readers. Beginning her tenure as a translator, she advanced through roles as Senior Translator and Chief Translator before transitioning to editorial positions, culminating in her current leadership role. Her responsibilities encompass monitoring breaking news across the UAE and the broader Arab region, ensuring timely and accurate dissemination to the public. Born into a family of journalists, Khitam's passion for news was ignited early in life. A defining moment in her youth occurred in September 1985 when she had the opportunity to converse with the late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher during her visit to a Palestinian refugee camp north of Amman. During this encounter, Khitam shared her family's experiences of displacement from their home in Palestine and their subsequent refuge in Jordan. This poignant interaction not only deepened her understanding of geopolitical issues but also solidified her commitment to pursuing a career in journalism, aiming to shed light on the stories of those affected by regional conflicts. Khitam’s commitment to accurate and timely reporting drives her to seek out news that interests readers, making her a trusted source for news on the UAE and the broader Gulf region.

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