Dubai is an excellent place to sample all types of Gulf and Middle Eastern cuisine, including Iranian, Moroccan and Lebanese.

Arabian food makes up an important part of most buffet spreads. Specialities include:

• Hoummus: A dip made from chickpeas and sesame seeds.
• Tabbouleh: Chopped parsley, mint and crushed wheat.
• Ghuzi: A whole roast lamb on a bed of rice mixed with nuts.
• Wara enab: Vine leaves stuffed with rice.
• Koussa mahshi: Stuffed courgettes.

Local dishes include:

• Matchbous: Spiced lamb with rice.
• Hareis: A rich delicacy of slow-cooked wheat and tender lamb.
• Seafood served with specially seasoned rice. Naturally, dates are a feature of any Arabian meal.

• Umm Ali: A type of bread pudding.
• Esh Asaraya: A sweet kind of cheesecake with a cream topping.
• Mehalabiya: A pudding sprinkled with rosewater and pistachios.