Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility
Element Name
Al Yifnah
Other Names
Al Jafnah, Qadah, Jadah
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 Yifnah

The jafnah, locally also called yifnah through the dialectal pronunciation of j as y, is a large, flat wooden serving dish traditionally used on large dining spreads. It was especially used to prepare and serve communal meals, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when food was shared among family members or guests in a manner reflecting generosity and social closeness. The dish was also common among Bedouin communities, where it was known as qadah or jadah, and formed an important part of simple Bedouin food-serving utensils. Al Jafnah became associated with social customs based on sharing food and strengthening bonds between members of the community, making it a symbol of authentic hospitality in Emirati heritage and a reflection of both the simplicity of past life and the depth of its social values.

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

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.

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.

Customer pulse Search
This site is registered on wpml.org as a development site. Switch to a production site key to remove this banner.