Al Ayala is a tribal folk dance form that is symbolic of UAE's spirit of cooperation and unity.
Renowned globally for glamour, luxury, and achieving the impossible, it's the local culture that empowers UAE's iconic success story Renowned globally for glamour, luxury, and achieving the impossible, it's the local culture that empowers UAE's iconic success story
Published: Sun 26 Nov 2017, 7:37 AM
Updated: Sun 26 Nov 2017, 11:43 AM
- By
- Disha Dadlani & Rachel Dawson
With a tolerance bridge, local cultural museums, and international contemporary art galleries - the United Arab Emirates today is home to a burgeoning creative community from across the globe. Ranking among the "safest and secure destinations", according to the World Economic Forum, it's on occasions like the 46th National Day that we tend to get reflective.
If you're new to the UAE, you might wonder, how did it all begin? To understand the journey of this nation - once an arid land - now home to people across 200 countries, a good point of reference is a look at the first postage stamps in the Gulf. Images of a string of pearls, local sailing crafts and date palms provide a glimpse of an age starkly different from the skyrocketing skylines and glittery malls around us.
For a historical tour, head to the recently launched Etihad Museum (formerly known as Union House). This is where the rulers signed the Unification Agreement on 2nd December 1971. To soak up the soul of the country, a stroll down 2nd December Street won't let you down. The nation in a nutshell comes to life with its authentic eateries, sports facilities and street art - for the lady, busy in creating a henna design at the corner of the road, the country is her safe haven while an Emirati painter says her art is a portrayal of her love for the country's martyrs.
Everyone's busy illustrating their love and patriotism in unique ways. Drawing on the extraordinary from the ordinary sights are digital artists crafting hijabi emojis. You might upload a selfie with the colours of the flag on your face. All of these expressions culminate to paint a kaleidoscope of the UAE. So, take this opportunity to dive right into the spirit of celebration. Treat yourself to Emirati fragrances, indulge in local books, play sports and more. Set the stage and draw the curtains for the 46th National Day parade and celebrations about to ensue.
Literature of the Nation
National Day Box - a special set of seven illustrated books on UAE's history, culture and society for children. Launched by Horouf Education, the kit comes with 32 learning cards with 16 questions and their answers that relate to UAE's geography and other facts; attractive stickers of national symbols like pearls, falcons and dates, etc. Dh225, kalimat.ae
Father of Our Nation: Collected Quotes of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan - an anthology of the words of the distinguished leader and his vision for the nation. Gain a deeper understanding of UAE's beginning. Dh95, Virgin Megastore
The United Arab Emirates - Fifty Years in Pictures by Ramesh Shukla - a selection of photographs that trace the landmark events of the United Arab Emirates. These images capture the soul of the nation. Dh165, Booksarabia.com
The Emirates: A Natural History by Peter Hellyer and Simon Aspinall - an in-depth feature about the entire range of wildlife in the United Arab Emirates. This book is the perfect read as it studies the varied mammals, birds, and marine life of this desert land. Dh264, Amazon
The United Arab Emirates: Power, Politics and Policy-Making by Kristen Ulrichsen - a scholarly overview of the UAE's growth. This book provides for a comprehensive, compelling and comparative analysis of the nation's position on the world front. Dh550, Amazon
Fancy unique henna patterns?
With the onset of the National Day, let's gear up for a jazzy henna design to set the mood just right. Some historians concur that the practice of adorning one's hands and feet was adopted by Egyptian icons like Cleopatra. We've come a long way since then, and the tradition has evolved to mean several things. It's impossible to resist a tiny design at a henna party or a cultural fair. So, why hold back on this patriotic occasion? But before you head out to the parlour or attempt a pattern yourself, here's a lowdown of "it" patterns this season.
Glitter henna, a comparatively new style that you've already spotted on Instagram. It involves filling in the gaps of a mehendi design with glitter, once it's semi-dry. You can add glitter with peel off henna, too.
Jewelled patterns are simple to hack. Just like the glitter fad, they prove to be visually alluring. If you're looking to try a bejewelled design, add a few stick-on beads over a dried henna design. The sparkly result will add a touch of festive to the patriotic occasion.
Arabic designs are a common sight in the Emirates. They consist of large floral murals with evenly distributed spaces. The leaves and flowers come with pointed edges, and the henna is of a dark brown shade.
Indian patterns are another common trend in Arab countries. They're all about an intricate net with embedded motifs. Spot a peacock, lotus or an elephant in a finely woven patch of henna? It came from India.
The Moroccan henna style primarily consists of geometric shapes in perfect symmetry. This creates a dazzling effect once dried and washed. If you're one for perfect designs that are anything but abstract, this is the one for you.
Get to know 2nd December street
The road sign that reads '2nd December Street' today is still sometimes casually referred to as Al Dhiyafah Street (its former name). The street was renamed to commemorate the 40th National Day. The street enjoys strategic importance because it leads to Dar Al Ittihad, where the union declaration of the UAE was signed.
As part of a commission by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, artists from around the world have given this road a graffiti makeover. Now, the road is akin to an open-air museum with artworks inspired by the local culture hung across buildings of every size.
The road is a common place for official events. For the launch of the Etihad Museum on 2nd December 2016, a convoy with UAE's rulers and ministers slowly drove past the street.
Among the many eateries, the Iranian Sweets Palace lists among the oldest stores of Dubai. It's known for its noon khamei (cream puffs), bamieh (fried donuts) and kermani gaz (pistachio candy).
Speaking of street food, Al Mallah Dhiyafah is a go-to for shawarma. Don't be surprised to spot big wigs of the B'town and H'town munching on fries and falafel at this local eatery. The Pizza Company, Taza, Sultan Palace Café, and Pars Restaurant are other famous joints.
The falcon - UAE's national bird - finds itself a special place in the Falcon Veterinary Clinic facility on this street.
Young athletes add to the buzz of the ongoing traffic as they train hard at Arab Park Basketball Court and Al Jafiliya Park Volleyball Court at this special road.
For shopaholics, there's a variety of haute couture, fast fashion and street shopping options to check out. Start with Al Ghazal Mall, and head to Mr. Ben's Costume Closet for quirky outfits or resort to the ever-affordable Brands for Less.
An exquisite collection of Persian Isfahan carpets can be found at the Mehreen Carpet store hidden within a lane of this landmark stretch.
The Las Vegas Night Club showcases the vibrant nightlife of Dubai. Kalye Kusina Grill adds to the delightful international cuisine scene, and the PLAY Restaurant & Lounge brings to life the luxurious Arabian hospitality.
From the creators of Khaleeji emojis
Digital artists Eriko Varkey and Yasmine Rasool, founders, Halla Walla, decided to express their love for their nation through emojis.
Why did you choose to translate your love for the UAE's culture onto a digital keyboard?
It's just something that we found was missing in the market; a way to communicate and represent the Middle Eastern voice through social media. It's a lot of fun and allows the MENA community to finally get involved with our own social media tongue, spreading all the things we grew up with and love, and translating that into digital language.
How did you decide to capture life in the UAE?
The UAE is such a hub for the Khaleej - you really do get such a wide range of Arab cultures and communities here. We wanted to highlight that by including cultural references on the keyboard to which the people in the MENA region can relate. We grew up with desert trips, loud families, trips to the souk, shawarmas and Chips Oman - that's exactly what you find on the keyboard; it's as nostalgic as it is new and exciting.
Do you have any fond memories that you'd like to revisit through an emoji?
We'd love to do more UAE inspired emojis, like a Ravi's (restaurant) emoji, for example. It would be fun to revisit memories attached to eateries in Satwa, Karama and Deira, riding quad bikes in the desert, and playing volleyball with friends at Kite Beach. With Halla Walla, the sky is the limit. We're blessed to have an endless stream of culture in our communities, which we enjoy translating into emojis so they can be added to our everyday conversations.
Name that heritage dance
22-year-old Sharjah resident Raina D'Souza doesn't know what the dance form is called, but she describes it as the one that sees women and girls "move their hair from left to right on Arabic songs". She says, "I remember wanting to participate in it on the National Day celebrations at school." Raqs Al Nashaat is a Khaleegy women's dance generally performed at social gatherings such as weddings, parties, and festivals.
"I love how beautifully synchronized the 'stick dance' is - it also involves the use of rifles! They just twist the rifles on their fingertips," says 22-year-old Dubai-based Ghanza Nuzrin about two different dance forms; Al Ayala (also known as yowalah) and Al-Razfa. Al Ayala is a tribal folk dance form that is symbolic of UAE's spirit of cooperation and unity. Two rows of men face each other, chant Bedouin tunes and wave their sticks to the beat of the large drum, Al Ras. Al-Razfa is performed by men in a similar pattern while raising replicas of wooden rifles. The sticks and rifles are representative of their victory after a battle.
The Liwa is performed by both men and women to African-style music and a pipe-flute, and the Haban (also known as Khayali or Khamiri) is performed by three groups; the first one is made of eight men, the second of eight women, and the third group consists of ten musicians. The performance is accompanied by the use of rhythm instruments and drums, and sees the performers move back and forth.
The fragrance of Arabia
The UAE has had a fragrant past, a sweet-scented present, and is moving towards a perfumed future. These are some perfumery terms you should know if you've lived long enough in the UAE - a region that's often associated with its scintillating scents.
Oud (also known as Agarwood and Oudh)
It is a base that is generally paired with vetiver, amber, and jasmine. Oud is used in the form of incense or extracted oil. Yves Saint Laurent's M7 shone an international spotlight on the Arabic fragrance in 2002. A local fragrance, Oud has made its mark and spread its scent internationally. Sometimes referred to as 'liquid gold', its oil value is about 1.5 times the value of gold. Try Arabian Oud's Tohfa Al Arabia.
Bakhoor/Bukhoor
This homemade incense is made of scented bricks soaked in scented oils and burnt in an incense burner. Known as the most effective home fragrance, Bakhoor indicates hospitality and is often used to eliminate unwanted odour in the house. Try Rasasi's Bukhoor Raqiya.
Mukhallat
This is a mixture of pure fragrant oils such as Dahn Al Oudh, musk, sandalwood, and amber among other oils. Mukhallat is often confused with attar. Try Ajmal Perfumes' Dahn Al Oudh Jazaab.
Attar (also known as ittar)
This natural perfume oil is a combination of flowers such as jasmine, rose petals, sandalwood, etc. Try Swiss Arabian's Attar Al Ghutra.
Heritage through sports
Saluki racing
Salukis, or greyhounds, were mainly used to hunt down gazelles. After the ban on illegal hunting in the UAE, they are mainly spotted in popular heritage saluki races and annual saluki beauty contests.
Shooting saktoun rifle
The Saktoun, or Brno rifle, is traditional weaponry that was used by tribesmen during war, and for fishing and hunting.
Falconry
Also known as Al Qanas in Arabic, this is a favourite among the UAE royalty. The Arabic word for falcon is Saqr and the person who trains a falcon is called Saqqar. Falcons are made to race and compete after rigorous training, and are drawn to the finish line with baits such as chicken, turkey, and pigeon wings.
Pearl Diving or Freediving
The thousand-year-old heritage sport saw pearl divers plunge into the depths of the water to retrieve oyster shells. Pearl divers dove for 90 seconds, 40 metres deep, and typically 30 times in a day.
Dhow sailing
A first-of-its kind dhow boat race was conducted by the Abu Dhabi Sailing and Yacht Club earlier this year. A dhow is a sailing craft that is comprised of one or more masts.
Camel Polo
In this unconventional spin on the traditional sport, a trainer accompanies each camel on foot and assists the camel with a lead rein. The trainer steers the camel and the player's task is to hit the ball while sitting behind the hump.
Horseback riding and whispering
The region boasts a rich equine heritage. Every year, the UAE's passion for horse riding, racing, and whispering (the use of body language to tame and train a horse) is on display at the Dubai World Cup.
These heritage sports are kept alive with the annual Fazza Heritage Championships that include categories like falconry, freediving, shooting saktoun rifle, and saluki among others.
UAE on a canvas
The UAE represents enormous opportunity. Professionally, I have worked on some of the biggest branding and design projects. Creatively, I find this a place of inspiration. Personally, I am privileged to be part of such an exciting nation.
- Gregg Sedgwick, founder and CEO of Gallery One, artist, designer and photographer
The UAE means happiness, business opportunities, security, entertainment and innovation to me. Most of my work features Islamic art, geometry and patterns. I find great admiration for this style in the UAE.
- Khalid J. Shahin, artist and designer
Tell us why you hold the UAE close to your heart. letters@khaleejtimes.com
Oud is paired with vetiver, amber, and jasmine.
From the 'Art in Everything' exhibition
From the 'Art in Everything' exhibition
From the 'Art in Everything' exhibition
From the 'Art in Everything' exhibition
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