Al Eid Al 'Oud - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Al Eid Al ‘Oud

Other Names

Eid Al Adha

Practice Environment

All environments

Practice Location

All Emirates of the UAE

Scope of Practice

All segments of society

Heritage Domain/ Category

Social Practices and Festive Events

Element Type/ Subcategory

Celebrations and religious events

Current Status

Living heritage

Al Eid Al ‘Oud

The morning of Eid Al Adha in the UAE is known as Al Eid Al Oud and is one of the most important religious and social occasions. It begins with bathing, wearing new traditional clothing and applying oud and incense fragrances, while takbir is recited from dawn. People then go to prayer grounds and mosques to perform the Eid prayer before exchanging greetings such as “Eidkum Mubarak.” Homes then receive guests with the Fawalat Al Eid, including coffee, dates and traditional foods such as harees and balaleet. Eidiyah, gifts of money, are distributed to children, and the rituals of the sacrificial animal begin. This morning embodies values of solidarity, joy and connection with religion and Emirati heritage.

Criteria Applicable to Nominate Element

01

Presence in Collective Memory and Intergenerational Cohesion: A cultural element is considered deeply rooted when it is held in the collective memory of the community and forms part of their daily experiences, occasions, and social relationships. It also contributes to strengthening the bonds of interaction between different generations, as it is transmitted from elders to younger members, providing a space for celebration and communal participation, thereby creating a sense of belonging and continuity.

02

Geographical or Cultural Specificity: The element is characterized by its association with a specific geographic area or cultural group within the country, giving it a unique identity that distinguishes it from other practices. This element represents part of the social and cultural history of the community, enhancing its value as a distinctive component of local or national identity.

03

Continuity and Intergenerational Transmission: The element is passed from one generation to the next, either orally through stories, songs, and narratives, or practically through training and hands-on practice. This living process ensures the element’s survival and development over time, while maintaining its connection to its cultural roots.

04

Local Artistic or Technical Creativity: The element embodies creativity that originated from the local environment, whether in the materials used, methods of performance, or design patterns. This creativity may have developed collectively, reflecting how people interact with their surroundings and respond to their needs in an innovative way that expresses collective intelligence.