The Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) offers a unique cultural experience, featuring activities such as traditional Emirati meals, mosque visits, and guided heritage tours in the heart of Old Dubai. Founded in 1998 and inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, our mission is to promote cultural awareness and understanding among the UAE’s diverse communities. In 2015, the SMCCU proudly became a member of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, reinforcing our commitment to cultural dialogue and community engagement.
Discover the rich culture of Dubai and connect with local Emiratis!
Learn about the history, culture and traditions of the UAE through guided tours and programs
Explore the rich culture, traditions, and history of the UAE through award-winning cultural experiences led by local Emiratis in the heart of Old Dubai!

ACTIVITIES
Program Highlights
Cultural Meals
Educational Programs
Private Programs
Meet our
Cultural Presenters

Ahmed Al Jafflah
Senior Cultural Presenter & Protocol Manager
With 29 years of experience at Emirates Airlines, Ahmed started in 1986 and represented the airline and the UAE at cultural events across the globe, including the UK, USA, Germany, Switzerland, Australia, France, and Portugal. He also worked as a VIP controller at Dubai Airport and later became Cabin Crew Manager, overseeing recruitment, induction, cultural training, and promotions.
Ahmed holds a diploma in business studies and computer technology from Exeter College in the UK, where he also worked for British Airways before returning to the UAE.
In his free time, Ahmed enjoys tending to his farm and camels in the desert, where he reconnects with his heritage. Passionate about sharing Emirati culture and Islam, Ahmed is known for his approachable nature and extensive knowledge, always welcoming questions from guests.

Noura Al Marzooqi
Cultural Presenter
As Cultural Presenter and Licensed Tour Guide, Noura aims to clear up misconceptions about the UAE and highlight the vibrant life and history of the region. She believes in the power of youth to shape the future and emphasizes the vital support they receive from the country’s leaders, encouraging them to actively participate in the nation’s growth and success.

Sara Yousef
Cultural Presenter
In her programs, she explores the social and daily lives of people in the UAE's history, highlighting the environmental and historical influences that have shaped Emirati culture and traditions. Her goal is to provide insights into family dynamics and societal structures, providing deeper insights into their distinctive way of life.

Yousef Al Shamsi
Cultural Presenter
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Concordia University in Montreal and spent a decade working in South Korea, gaining valuable cross-cultural experiences. This exposure to diverse cultures has deepened his connection to his own Emirati heritage.
Passionate about theater, movies, history, and languages, Yousef is active in Dubai’s theater scene and seeks to raise awareness of the city’s growing arts community. He speaks Arabic, English, and French fluently, is proficient in Korean, and is currently studying Russian and Japanese.
In his presentations, Yousef creates a welcoming, relaxed environment that encourages open dialogue and the sharing of experiences.

Tracy Flook
Cultural Presenter & Supervisor of Jumeirah Mosque Majlis
Originally from England, Latifa moved to Dubai in 1992 after marrying her Emirati husband, and together they have three children. As a true bridge between international guests and the local community, Latifa brings unique insights into Emirati culture.
With her wealth of knowledge, warm personality, and humor, Latifa’s presentations are engaging and insightful. Fluent in Arabic, she adds a personal touch to every cultural exchange, leaving a lasting impression on her audience.

Abdulla Al Jabri
Cultural Presenter & Supervisor of Jumeirah Mosque Majlis
Abdulla is currently pursuing a degree in marketing at City University in Ajman. His academic focus complements his passion for effective communication, allowing him to develop strategies that enhance the reach and impact of cultural programs while engaging diverse audiences. He strives to build meaningful connections that bridge cultural gaps, combining his marketing skills with a deep commitment to preserving and promoting the UAE's rich cultural heritage.
Outside of work and studies, Abdulla enjoys sports, especially football, where he plays left-wing, and treasures the time he spends with friends.

Shaima Mohammed
Cultural Presenter & Media Supervisor
Her goal at the SMCCU is to share insights into Emirati culture, drawing from her experiences living in three different Emirates. She strives to keep values and traditions alive, delivering her programs with a touch of humor to create a warm connection with her guests.
Shaima holds a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management from the University of Sharjah and earned her Master's degree in 2020 in Engineering Management. A dedicated volunteer since 2009, she has contributed over 900 hours to various events across the UAE, including assisting diplomats and consulates. She is also certified in First Aid by Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.

Zaina Al Jabri
Operations Manager & Cultural Presenter
As Operations Manager, Zaina oversees daily operations along with Human Resources and Employee Relations. Alongside her managerial duties, she continues to actively engage with students through her educational presentations, making Emirati culture accessible and engaging for young learners.
Zaina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from the University of Sharjah and a certification in Cultural Intelligence, enhancing her ability to connect with diverse audiences. Her experience managing teams and events has deepened her expertise in the centre’s operations.
In her free time, Zaina enjoys shopping, spending time with friends and family, and attending workshops that inspire her continuous learning and growth.

Reem Al Hussaini
Senior Business Development Executive & Cultural Presenter
Reem served on the UAE Pavilion protocol team at Expo 2020 Dubai, training over 150 protocol officers and representing the pavilion in the media. She also showcased her expertise at Expo 2023 Doha as a speaker and training manager, highlighting her skills in cultural exchange and diplomacy.
Fluent in Arabic and English, with intermediate Turkish and basic German, Reem connects with diverse audiences. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems with a minor in Marketing from the University of Sharjah, alongside certifications in Cultural Intelligence, ICDL, and as a Certified Business Professional (CBP).
Outside of work, Reem enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling, and participating in workshops to expand her knowledge.

Mohammed Al Jasmi
Cultural Presenter
With a background in Healthcare Administration from Hamdan bin Mohammed Smart University, Mohammed is also a dedicated volunteer. Since 2016, he has contributed to various causes, including managing a volunteer team for the 2019 Special Olympics. He also co-founded the charitable Asareer campaign.
Mohammed loves sharing stories about the UAE’s history, from its visionary founders to the lives of its people centuries ago. His passion for culture and history extends to social media, where he creates engaging content that highlights the rich Emirati heritage in an accessible and entertaining way.

Ruqaya Al Hamiri
Cultural Presenter
A graduate of Zayed University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Ruqaya specialized in sociology, anthropology, history, and culture, gaining a broad knowledge of cultural dynamics. Her studies, coupled with her train-the-trainer certification in the Cultural Intelligence program, have equipped her with strong communication and public speaking skills, enhancing her ability to engage with a variety of audiences.
In addition to her work at SMCCU, Ruqaya is actively involved in community initiatives aimed at empowering women and raising cultural awareness. Through her participation in diverse programs, she has developed adaptability and built connections across cultures and generations.
Ruqaya’s sessions are distinguished by her unique ability to weave her family’s history in Dubai’s historic Shindagha neighborhood into her storytelling. This personal perspective adds depth to her presentations, offering an authentic view of the city’s cultural evolution. Her passion for exploring different cultures and religions further enriches her sessions, creating a dynamic and engaging experience for participants.

Hamad Al Shezawi
Cultural Presenter
A dedicated volunteer, Hamad supported Dubai Ambulance and Dubai Healthcare for three months during the COVID-19 pandemic and served as a team leader at Expo 2020. He was also honored to represent SMCCU in the Youth Pavilion at Expo 2020, featuring in a video exhibition that highlighted young Emiratis.
In his spare time, Hamad enjoys playing chess, hiking, and horse riding.

Khalid Al Jassmi
Cultural Presenter
An avid traveler and explorer, Khalid finds joy in discovering new places and embracing different cultures. His hobbies include horse riding, swimming, and exploring opportunities in real estate, reflecting his curious and entrepreneurial spirit. Through his speeches and engagements, Khalid strives to celebrate the UAE’s rich traditions, religion, and cultural identity while inspiring others to share their own stories, fostering mutual respect and global understanding.
Our Awards
Under the initiative
Strategic Partner
