A new Emirati-led tour programme was launched by the Department of Culture and Tourism on Thursday. Emirati Experiences will allow tourists and residents to gain a firsthand insight into Emirati culture, history and heritage. <strong>Read more: </strong> <a href="https://www.thenational.ae/uae/experience-abu-dhabi-like-a-local-emirati-tour-guides-to-showcase-highlights-and-hidden-gems-1.670536">Experience Abu Dhabi like a local: Emirati tour guides to showcase highlights and hidden gems</a> <strong>Emirati Women's Handicrafts </strong> Discover the world of traditional Emirati handcrafts created by women. Visitors will meet older Emirati women, who will teach about the traditional Emirati burqa - a thin metal strip covering the face. Arabic tea or coffee will also be on hand. Hosted by: Heba Bin Redha. Cost: Dh200 <strong>Emirati Traditional Crafts </strong> Immerse yourself in traditional Emirati heritage and learn some local handicrafts with old Emirati men or women. A wide variety of local crafts and skills are on offer with this experience, which also includes traditional Arabic tea and coffee. Hosted by: Heba Bin Redha. Cost: Dh200 <strong>Al Ain Museums and Al Ain Oasis </strong> This tour will explore the Garden City, home to a Unesco world heritage sites, where people will walk around forts, oases, historic buildings and archaeological sites. Hosted by: Sultan Al Karrani. Cost: Dh500 <strong>Local Neighbourhood Walk </strong> This walking tour in the Al Mushrif area of Abu Dhabi will explore what life is like in an Emirati-dominated neighbourhood. The area is one of the oldest in Abu Dhabi and the tour includes a visit to the local majlis - a place where elders gather. Hosted by: Heba Bin Redha. Cost: Dh300 <strong>Cycle Abu Dhabi Corniche </strong> Jump on a bike and enjoy the cityscape on one side and the pristine water of the Arabian Gulf on the other as you cycle along the famous Abu Dhabi Corniche. The tour will pass the flag pole, the Emirates Heritage Club, Marina Mall and much more. Hosted by Heba Bin Redha. Cost: Dh300 <strong>Wildlife of Al Wathba Wetland Resort</strong> Five square kilometres of wetlands, sabkhas (sand flats), fossilised sands and dunes. This tour allows visitors to explore the wetlands where 250 species of birds have been spotted, as well as 37 plant species and a rich variety of dragon flies and damsel flies. Hosted by: Sultan Al Karrani. Cost: Dh300 <strong>The Pearl Journey </strong> Visitors will be able to go out to sea and learn about the country's history of pearl diving. Get hands-on experience of the traditional tools that pearlers used, and open a live oyster in search of a pearl. Yes it's expensive but you even get a free pearl to take away at the end of the tour. Hosted by: Mohamed Al Hammadi. Cost: Dh1000 <strong>Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and Palaces of Abu Dhabi </strong> Explore the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, along with Qasr Al Hosn, Emirates Palace Hotel and Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Hotel. During the mosque part of the trip, visitors will learn about the origins of the materials, Islamic ideas and beliefs behind the building. Hosted by: Mohammed Al Hammadi. Cost: Dh600 <strong>Carpets and Antiques</strong> This tour will explore some of the hidden gems dotted around the city such as the carpet souq at Mina Zayed. Grab a bargain with the help of a guide who will make sure you get lowest possible price. Learn all about the delicate art of negotiation - the Abu Dhabi way! Hosted by: Mohammed Al Hammadi. Cost: Dh600 _________________ <strong>Read more:</strong>