Do this because

Discover the historical importance of perfume in Emirati culture, and learn about the role of perfumes in ceremonies, celebrations, and everyday life.

Get a feel for the Dubai of old by exploring the souq to select perfume oils made with rare and precious raw materials, then board a traditional boat (Abra) across Dubai creek - the traditional trading hub of the area.

Learn about etiquette and hospitality while being introduced to the smells and flavours of Emirati cuisine at al Khayma Heritage Restaurant.

Create a bespoke fragrance during a perfume-making workshop. Take home a tangible memory of your journey, a scent that embodies the essence of Emirati perfume making.

Access

Immerse yourself in the destinations and attractions you explore through exclusive access and hands-on experiences based on National Geographic’s existing relationships around the globe.

Knowledge

Discover the world through the lens of National Geographic as National Geographic-trained guides and local experts share their knowledge and passion of the places and locations you visit.

Give back

Experience meaningful explorations with a commitment to sustainable tourism, with all tours meeting the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria and a portion of proceeds dedicated to fund research.

Local immersion

Become inspired to care about the planet and its people by gaining a deeper understanding of the communities and inhabitants of the places you visit through interaction and insights into their daily lives.

Storytelling

Be a part of the story of each destination you visit through the unparalleled content and research from National Geographic you’ll be exposed to, making you reflect on different current realities.

What to expect

Every scent tells a story, especially in Emirati culture. Fragrance plays a significant role in spiritual rituals, social ceremonies, and personal adornment, reflecting the region's reverence for the art of perfumery. Wherever you go in the UAE, pay attention to the aromas around you. From the earthy notes of oud wafting through malls and marketplaces, to the exclusive scents for sale in high-end boutiques, perfume is everywhere.

Begin with an introduction to traditional spices and perfumes in the Deira Spice Souk. Here, you’ll find out the history and symbolism of fragrances such as frankincense (bukhoor) and oud in Middle Eastern culture. In the heart of Dubai, the ancient practice of perfume-making has been preserved and passed down, generation after generation.

You will visit perfumiers to smell and select different scented oils for your own perfume-making workshop later in the day. Listen to local insight from your guide emphasising the importance of fragrance in Middle Eastern culture, and how the custom of using medkhan, dukhoon or bukhoor to perfume clothing arose.

After stopping for fresh juice, enjoy a traditional boat ride across the Dubai Creek from Old Dubai to New Dubai and arrive at the Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant. Tuck into a delicious Emirati breakfast at the Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant, as your host gives you an introduction to Emirati cuisine, focusing on its particular smells and flavours. Immerse yourself in the local etiquette and experience traditionally served Arabic coffee, an important ritual in Emirati hospitality.

Complete your tour with a special perfume workshop. With expert guidance, select and blend your own scent using perfume oils created with the finest raw materials from around the world. Your unique fragrance will be bottled to take with you as a tangible memory of your time in Dubai.