THE UAE – NOW & THEN

                                                  THE UAE – NOW & THEN

The UAE is fast emerging to be a salad bowl of cultures and traditions and the home to approximately 200 nationalities. I call it a ‘salad bowl’ rather than a ‘melting pot’ as I have my reasons for it. In a melting pot, every ingredient loses its individuality and uniqueness and assimilates into one single entity. Whereas in a salad bowl, every ingredient retains its individual flavor, colour, appearance while contributing to the rich diverse bowl of oneness and unity. The UAE is exactly the place to be in where you celebrate diversity, individuality, and identity while being an integral part of the UAE’s rich multiculturalism.  It is a place where many cultures, traditions and customs co-exist peacefully and in harmony.

At the preschool, it is always a good practice, to celebrate UAE traditions with the little ones. By employing props, realia, roleplay, modeling and recreation as part of the lesson plans, we, early years practitioners can introduce our young learners to the various traditions and customs of the UAE.

The UAE Cuisine: The UAE cuisine is a combination of several spices and ingredients such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, dates, honey, etc. The Emirati ladies dressed in their traditional attire serve gahwa, harees, kabsa, maqluba and luqaimat with great fondness and love.

The Arabic Coffee: The Arabic coffee symbolizes hospitality and generosity - an integral value of the Emirati tradition. Arabic coffee is served in a beautifully designed kettle known as dallah and is served while holding it in the right hand, with the thumb pointing to the top and the cup in the right hand. The cup is filled only one-quarter full, which can be refilled, if required. The guest receives the cup with their right hand and after drinking the coffee it should be returned to the server. Coffee is first served to the oldest and the most important guest. One should drink at least one but not exceed more than three cups of coffee.

Falconry: Falconry is an integral part of the UAE’s Bedouin culture dating back to several centuries. Saqr as it is known in Arabic - the falcon is a symbol of poise, strength, bravery, elegance, determination and composure. Initially, as food was scarce, falcons were used for hunting down bustards and curlews for food. As times changed, the falcon was no longer required to hunt for survival of the desert inhabitants. However, the bird did not lose its prominence in the Emirati culture. It is still their favourite bird used for sport.

Henna: Brides without henna in the UAE are an impossible proposition. Henna signifies good luck, beauty, blessing and happiness. A paste made of henna leaves, water and sometimes coffee powder or lemon juice, is filled in cones and intricate designs are applied on hands/feet. It turns brown when left for some hours.  It is also worn on occasions outside wedding parties, such as religious festivals, national events and even birthday parties. When its henna, its celebration time – a matter of the heart.

Games: In the past, Emirati parents could not afford toys for children, which led to the children inventing their own games and toys, which became entrenched in the UAE culture. Even today these games are played with great fondness. Earlier games were gender driven, boys played games that were more active and played outdoors whereas girls took on games that echoed the roles they would take up in future life. By sunset, or the call of the Maghrib prayer, all games would end and children would be back in their homes. ‘Al Ghomaid’ was a blindfold game played by both genders; ‘Salwa’ game was for both genders and was played by holding hands to form a circle. The circle opens wide and closes as a flower does on the tune of a song sung by the kids.

After 50 years of its inception, the UAE today stands tall with accolades and achievements of great value and pride. It is now recognized as the business capital of the Middle East and the wealthiest nation in the region. The diversification of its economy has led to less dependency on oil revenues. It is now a role model for others to emulate. With modern infrastructure, booming tourism, and influx of private and foreign investments, there is no looking back. However, with all the progress and growth, the UAE and its people have not forgotten its rich past.

The modern UAE is a fabric of traditions, cultures, customs and modernism woven with the loving hands of its visionary leaders and humble people.