Al Mawqid – Hearth - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Al Mawqid – Hearth

Other Names

Mura, Maqid

Practice Environment

All environments

Practice Location

All Emirates of the UAE

Scope of Practice

All segments of society

Heritage Domain/ Category

Customs, Traditions and Social Etiquette

Element Type/ Subcategory

Traditions and Etiquette of Food and Hospitality

Current Status

Endangered heritage

Al Mawqid – Hearth

The hearth (mawqid) is the place designated for lighting a fire and preparing food in homes. In the past, it was built from similarly sized stones arranged to stabilize the fire and protect it from wind so that it would not go out during cooking. It was often set up in open areas or beneath trees such as sidr or samar, or in a secluded side area of the house to ensure safety and privacy during use. As tools and materials developed, alternative methods of building hearths appeared, including the use of metal barrels cut along their sides into semi-circular or crescent-shaped forms as practical substitutes for stones. In all its forms, the Mawqid reflects the simplicity of earlier life and people’s reliance on materials available in the local environment to meet everyday cooking needs.

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

“Cultural diversity” refers to the variety of forms of cultural expression within a single society, such as the presence of different heritage practices across the Emirates, whether rooted in Bedouin, urban, or maritime traditions. This diversity is a source of strength and richness, and is celebrated within the country’s vision of cultural pluralism.

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.