Team vs team
Use your own phones and join a team. Any teammate’s answer advances everyone. Beat the other teams on the leaderboard.
City exploration game
Secrets of Old Dubai: Sand Whispers
4.71Player rating
A DIFFERENT WAY TO SEE THE CITY
Play at your pace · usually 95 min 3.9 km Dubai App-guided
Play in
EnglishGerman
The experience
About this quest
Dubai, 1787. You are Saabir, a humble craftsman helping raise the walls of Al Fahidi Fort. But one day, as stone meets sand, a whisper shatters your routine. A voice, ancient and unseen, pleads from the shadows: "Reunite me with my treasure, and your greatest wish shall be granted." With your heart racing and dreams awakened, you abandon your tools and follow the clues through Dubai's historic core.
Solve puzzles, explore hidden corners of the old city, and uncover a mystery buried beneath centuries of silence. This is more than a quest: it's a journey into the past, meant to be shared with those you treasure. Walk, play, connect, and see if destiny favors the bold.
Is this for you?
Who it's for
Visitors staying in Dubai's modern districts can see the old city by the creek on foot, following a story set in 1787 with puzzles at the Coffee Museum, the Wall of Old Dubai, XVA Gallery and two abra stations. Couples, friends and families with older children get just over two hours of mystery and exploring. If you want a live guide or cannot manage 3.9 km outdoors, pick something shorter.
What makes this quest special
Highlights
- Explore Dubai's historical Al Fahidi district- Visit the city's bustling souqs- Take a boat trip across the Dubai Creek on a traditional Abra- Find a world-record-breaking treasure
From people who played this quest
Good times. In their words.
4.71 / 5
17 player ratings
Selected player reviews. Original words and ratings.
Most relevant starts with detailed five-star reviews. All ratings remain available.
From your phone to the streets
A walk that turns into an adventure.
- 1
Open the app. You’re on your way.
Choose your pass, then open your quest in the Questo app. It guides you from the starting point.
- 2
Get outside. Follow your curiosity.
Discover real places and their stories on foot. Stop for a coffee or a photo, then pick up where you left off.
- 3
Crack a clue. Share a little victory.
Look around for answers, solve puzzles and enjoy the “we got it!” moments.
CHOOSE YOUR PASS
How many are playing?
Get this questNo booking slot · play any dayFull refund until you start playing
BRING YOUR WHOLE GROUP
One city. Rival teams. Great stories together.
A school trip, a team day or friends out together. Turn your next outing into a little friendly competition.
Everyone for themselves
One player per phone. Solve clues on your own and race for the top spot on the final leaderboard.
Can a team share one phone?
Yes. Play together on one phone per team, or use your own phones and join the same team in the app. We recommend your own phones so everyone can take part.
Your walk, at a glance
Dubai
A · Start
51, Al Bastakiya, Near Al Fahidi Round About Opposite Al Mussalla Post Office Meena Bazaar - Al Fahidi - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
B · Finish
1 Old Baladiya St - DeiraAl Sabkha - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Start and finish only. Discover the stops as you play.
Along the way
Landmarks & Hidden Gems Included
The people behind the adventure
Created by Arabian Adventures.
A route that brings places and playful storytelling together.
Made by Arabian Adventures
WHAT MAKES A QUEST DIFFERENT
Your adventure, with a playful twist.
1 / 4
Experience
- This quest
- Discover places through stories and clues in the app
- Guided walking tour
- Hear stories and ask a guide questions
2 / 4
Pace
- This quest
- Pause for a photo, a café or a longer look
- Guided walking tour
- Usually follows the guide’s schedule
3 / 4
Company
- This quest
- Explore with your own people or on your own
- Guided walking tour
- Private and shared group tours are available
4 / 4
Guidance
- This quest
- Directions and challenges in the Questo app
- Guided walking tour
- Live interpretation from a guide
Features and terms vary by experience. Check the details before booking.
A little clarity before you go
Frequently asked questions
What secrets of Old Dubai does this quest explore?
You play Saabir, a craftsman in 1787 helping raise the walls of Al Fahidi Fort, who hears a whispering voice asking to be reunited with its treasure. You follow its clues through Dubai's historic core, solving puzzles at the Wall of Old Dubai, XVA Gallery, the souk textile shops and the creek.
Where does the quest start and finish?
It starts at LOCAL HOUSE and finishes at Kanz Jewels, so it is not a loop. In between you pass the Coffee Museum, Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station, the Wall of Old Dubai, XVA Gallery, Maneesh Textiles Center, Centex International and Dubai Old Souk Marine Transport Station.
How long does it take and how far is the walk?
Most players take just over two hours, walking and puzzles included, and the route covers about 3.9 km. You can pause at any point and continue later, so it is easy to stop for a coffee or a look around the souk along the way.
Does the route pass the boat stations on the creek?
Yes. Al Fahidi Marine Transport Station is the third stop and Dubai Old Souk Marine Transport Station is the eighth, so you see both abra stations on the creek as part of the story before the final stop at Kanz Jewels.
Can we play as a group, and do we need to book a time?
One ticket covers the whole group playing together on a phone. There is no set start time and no group to join: you begin whenever you like. It suits families with older children who can walk around 4 km and enjoy solving puzzles.
Keep exploring
Every quest. One year.
Explore the annual passGive them a story
A day out, gifted.
Explore Questo giftsKeep exploring Dubai
More adventures in Dubai
HISTORY AND CULTURE IN DUBAI
A history-led way to explore Dubai
Secrets of Old Dubai: Sand Whispers is for visitors who want more context than a casual walk, but more freedom than a scheduled guided tour. The quest uses a route through Dubai to connect clues, places and stories.
The route starts at LOCAL HOUSE and finishes at Kanz Jewels over 3.9 km, with 10 challenge locations. Typical duration: 95 min; 3.9 km walking route; 10 challenge locations
Choose this for active, private discovery at your pace. Choose a guided historical tour or museum when expert live interpretation or curated exhibits matter more. Playable languages: English, German.
