Eid Al Fitr Feasts – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Eid Al Fitr Feasts – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Other Names

Eid Invitations and Feasts, Fawalat Al Eid, Eid Food, Eid Lunch

Practice Environment

All environments

Practice Location

All Emirates of the UAE

Scope of Practice

Women - Men - Traditional Cooks

Heritage Domain/ Category

Social Practices and Festive Events

Element Type/ Subcategory

Celebrations and religious events

Current Status

Living heritage

Eid Al Fitr Feasts – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Eid Al Fitr feasts in the UAE are a deeply rooted social tradition reflecting the joy of Eid and the spirit of community. They developed from inherited Emirati hospitality customs across coastal, inland and mountain areas. Their dishes vary according to region and may include dried and salted fish, machboos, harees and baked foods. Their social character brings together families and relatives and helps transmit values and customs. Tangible elements associated with these feasts include sacrificial animals, spices, traditional vessels and dining spreads, incense and perfumes, as well as majlises or hospitality halls where the gatherings are held, making them a living expression of cultural identity during Eid.

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

Preserving the Element within the Living Community Context: The element derives its value from being actively practiced in people’s daily lives or within their rituals and social occasions. Preserving the element does not mean freezing it in time, but rather supporting it to continue in its original environment, while respecting its natural evolution within the community context.

05

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.