Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
One Emirati entrepreneur is working to bring visitors to the heart of UAE culture. Khadija Behzadi, Founder and CEO of Meet the Locals, has made it her mission to offer immersive and customised Emirati Cultural experiences that go beyond the typical travel package.
Her journey into the world of tourism began unexpectedly, while working at a federal university, where she helped organise study trips.
"I realised that while the UAE attracts millions of tourists every year, many of them leave without truly experiencing the local culture," she told Aletihad.
Behzad founded Meet the Locals in 2017. Despite having no formal tourism background, she built the company from the ground up, drawing on her love of travel and a desire to forge meaningful connections between the UAE and its visitors.
Today, the enterprise is a trusted name, delivering personalised and authentic Emirati cultural experiences.
Their tours are small by design - groups range from 8 to 10 tourists per guide - ensuring that each visitor has an intimate and enriching experience.
With over 50 bespoke tours completed this year alone, Behzad's team has introduced more than 800 guests to the nuances of Emirati culture.
"We started with cultural meal events," Behzad explained, "where guests could sit with us, enjoy traditional Emirati dishes, and learn about the cultural significance of the food we eat."
These meals evolved into full cultural interactions, where tourists could ask questions and deepen their understanding of the local culture.
As the demand has grown, Behzad has pursued additional certifications, earning her tour guide licences in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Her company's offerings expanded from meals and cultural induction programmes to comprehensive city tours, immersing visitors in the UAE's history, art, architecture and cuisine.
It also organises a variety of workshops including Arabic calligraphy and perfume-making, where guests can create their own Bukhor - a traditional Emirati incense.
"It's not just about tourism," Behzad noted. "it's about building meaningful cross-cultural connections by allowing visitors and residents to truly understand the customs and traditions that shape the Emirati way of life."
Sustainability and Social Impact
What sets Meet the Locals apart is its strong commitment to social responsibility, according to Behzad.
"We hire women from the Northern Emirates who have limited or no income and offer flexible job opportunities for students," she said.
The company is also mindful of sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that food leftover from events is donated, rather than wasted.
"We believe in giving back, not just in what we teach but in how we operate," Behzad said.
In honour of International Women's Day 2025, she urges women in the UAE and across the globe to follow their dreams and break barriers.
"Nothing should stop you from achieving your dreams," she said. "When you're passionate about something, you will exceed expectations."
Behzad recently participated in the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) and the startAD Impact Hub for Emirati Women Achievers (AWE. 5.0 x EWA Bootcamp), designed to help female entrepreneurs scale their businesses globally.
"The support I received from StartAD has been invaluable. It helped us think about how we can take our business internationally," she said.
Looking ahead, Behzad aims to expand the company's reach by launching a dedicated website with booking capabilities, forming partnerships with 5-star hotel concierges and tour operators, and attending international travel fairs.
