Dubai: How this startup is bringing authentic Emirati culture to tourists, residents

A cultural tourism initiative, Meet the locals, is gaining traction as part of the World’s coolest winter campaign, which this year highlights Emirati entrepreneurship under the slogan Our winter is entrepreneurial.

Launched in Dubai in 2017 by Emirati founder Khadija Behzad, the project reflects the UAE’s philosophy of coexistence, tolerance, and meaningful human connection. 

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The initiative brings visitors, residents, and tourists closer to the essence of authentic Emirati culture by facilitating direct interaction with Emirati citizens, creating a cultural bridge that offers first-hand insight into local customs and traditions.

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“Meet the locals is not merely a tourism investment, but rather an important national platform dedicated to showcasing authentic Emirati identity and fostering cultural closeness — particularly as the UAE has become a global leader in communication, coexistence, and intercultural dialogue,” said Khadija Behzad, the project’s founder.

How did Meet the locals start?

The concept emerged in response to the many questions Behzad frequently received during her work in the tourism sector about traditional attire, the role of Emirati women, and daily customs. 

The idea for the project grew out of Behzad’s experience in the tourism sector, where she was frequently asked about Emirati attire, the role of women, and everyday customs. These conversations inspired her to create a space that encourages social interaction and open dialogue, fostering genuine connections between people from different cultures.

Over the years, Meet the locals has evolved into a distinctive Emirati-led initiative that blends cultural, social, and tourism objectives. In less than a decade, it has established a strong local presence, serving as a powerful example of how Emirati entrepreneurs can promote domestic tourism while presenting national identity in an authentic and positive light.

The World’s coolest winter campaign also highlights the creativity of Emirati entrepreneurs in establishing tourism companies with global reach, and showcases their ability to transform innovative ideas into distinctive tourism experiences that further enhance the UAE’s international standing.

Three core services

Since its launch, Meet the locals has continued to renew and develop its services and concepts to achieve its founding objectives, which are centered first on encouraging domestic tourism, and then on building a leading local company that secures its place among emerging tourism enterprises in the UAE.

The project offers three main services. The first focuses on introducing visitors to the lifestyle and culture of Emiratis. This service includes organising a range of social events such as Emirati breakfasts, lunches, or dinners, attended by young Emiratis keen to share their knowledge of local customs and traditions. 

These gatherings allow guests to freely ask questions about various aspects of life in the UAE, traditional dress, daily routines, and Emirati wedding and celebration rituals.

The second service involves organising guided tours, supervised by the company’s licensed tour guides. These tours cover museums and heritage sites, providing detailed explanations that shed light on the UAE’s past and its development through different eras.

The third service focuses on organising cultural orientation sessions for companies and visiting delegations. These tailored sessions are designed for new company employees or official delegations, introducing them to Emirati culture, customs, and laws.

Through these services, the initiative continues to foster a social environment rooted in human connection between peoples, while strengthening the UAE’s position as a destination for meaningful cultural exchange.

Ruqayya Al Qaydi

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ralqaydi@khaleejtimes.com

Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.