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People gather to connect with others, share experiences, and build relationships. Gatherings allow them to socialise, celebrate special occasions, and participate in activities that foster belonging and community. Often, the style and place of the gathering has important meaning.

Prompts

People gather to connect with others, share experiences, and build relationships. Gatherings allow them to socialise, celebrate special occasions, and participate in activities that foster belonging and community. Often, the style and place of the gathering has important meaning.
 
 
<h4 class="gmail-font-source gmail-text-16px gmail-text-darkGray gmail-sm:text-20px gmail-lg:text-24px gmail-lg:text-black">Look at the photos of gatherings and consider: </h4>
 
<ul>
<li>What is the purpose of this gathering?</li>
<li>Where do these types of gatherings happen?</li>
<li>How would you be invited to attend?</li>
<li>What would you do when you are there?</li>
</ul>
 
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Al Majlis is a space that is set up for gathering and conversation among family and community. The seating is arranged so everyone can face each other and food and gahwa (Arabian coffee) are served in the centre. Al Majlis is a central pillar of our society and people have come together this way to spend time with each other, share opinions, news and concerns for generations. The rules of etiquette, called Sana'a, in a Majlis are very important and involve many things including how to enter, how to greet people, and how to serve gahwa and dates. There are different types of Majalis, from small community Majalis to a larger Majlis for Pearl Divers, but they all have in common notions of respect, constructive dialogue, honesty, openness, freedom and ingenuity. Al Majlis was inscribed in 2015 on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
 Related Elements
Gahwa, Dates

Dates, one of the world's oldest cultivated fruits, grow on palm trees in arid climates and are a sweet, and nutrient-dense food source. For thousands of years, people of the Arabian peninsula developed methods of storing and preserving them to provide year-long sustenance both in the desert and out at sea. In addition to being incorporated in a variety of traditional recipes, dates are an integral part of hospitality practices and are offered in Al Majlis as a sweet complement to Gahwa. In 2022, the date palm tree was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 
 
Related Elements
Al Majlis, Date Palms, Gahwa

Gahwa, or Arabic coffee, is a symbol of Emirati hospitality and generosity. Its aroma fills every majlis with a welcoming warmth. The flavour of Gahwa is a result of carefully sorting, washing, drying and roasting coffee beans until they turn red or brown, and then grinding and brewing them with spices to produce this delicious beverage. From the way it's prepared to the rituals that dictate how it's served, Gahwa embodies the hospitable and respectful culture from where it comes. In 2015, Gahwa was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. 
Related Elements
Al Majlis, Dates

Emirati cuisine has its origins in the creativity and ingenuity of the Bedouin people who found ways to make meals from what was available. The oldest recipes rely on meat from goats and lamb, fish, grains and local herbs. Fruits, vegetables, fish and meat were used fresh when available and any leftovers were preserved for use year-round using techniques such as salting fish (al malih) and drying dates and limes (loomi), As people of the UAE traded with other countries, they added new ingredients to their dishes, such as rice and spices from Iran and India.  
Related Elements
Harees, Dates

The majlis is a place to relax and receive guests. Everyone is welcome in a majlis and people gather here to chat, share news, express opinions, discuss current issues, and exchange stories and tales. 
<h4 class="gmail-font-source gmail-text-16px gmail-text-darkGray gmail-sm:text-20px gmail-lg:text-24px gmail-lg:text-black"> Rearrange your own space, turning it into a majlis, and host your friends, family or another class.</h4>

<ul>
<li>"Create a majlis" activity guide</li>
</ul>

Materials

Instructions

The majlis is a place to relax and receive guests. Everyone is welcome in a majlis and people gather here to chat, share news, express opinions, discuss current issues, and exchange stories and tales.

Try it yourself

Let's make something

Date

Gahwa

Fualah

Ooma (dried sardines)

Story 1

Explain the role of the majlis, its components, etiquette and uses.