A number of people specially expats have a misconception that UAE's local food is the same as Levant region. I always try to educate my expat friends that this is not true, we have a very rich cultural heritage and food is an important part of it. For instance soups and salads are an essential components for our meals. Soups are generally called as Shorabat with chicken, lentil or meat broth. In salads, we prefer to eat lots of Jarjeer or rocket leaves.
Grilled items such as grilled prawns or squid are some of the common appetizers. These are marinated with traditional spices. Rice, land and seafood cooked in various spices as Biryani and Machboos are some of the main courses. Curries often referred to as Saloona are again very popular specially in the holy month of Ramazan.
Among desserts, we prefer the use of honey and sweets such as Leqaimat are extremely liked. After the food, we generally have Arabic coffee or Ghewa (traditional tea) with dates which are often taken in odd numbers for healthy benefits.
If you have not tried Emirati food, I would like to recommend you to go to Al Fanar Restaurant in Dubai Festival City or Klayya Bakery for traditional biscuits or breakfast in Al Barsha 2.
http://www.alfanarrestaurant.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Klayya