The Pilgrim’s Provisions

Element Name

Other Names

Pilgrim’s Supplies, Travel Provisions, Pilgrim’s Food Supplies

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

Endangered heritage

The pilgrim’s provisions were an authentic heritage and social practice in Emirati society. They consisted of basic supplies such as dates, harees, coffee and spices, together with the izar and rida', the garments worn for pilgrimage. Families prepared food according to their means while taking care to choose items that could be preserved for long periods during the journey. Emirati women played an important role in preparing the provisions, food and its presentation, an inherited role reflecting their place within social and family life. The journeys were also associated with an emotional and spiritual atmosphere filled with prayers and the exchange of gifts, expressing affection and love among members of the community. The pilgrim’s provisions form part of deeply rooted social and religious customs in Emirati society and embody values of mutual support, compassion and social cohesion, as well as a close connection with folk heritage and authentic customs passed down across generations.

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.