Al Eid Al 'Oud Visits and Social Duties - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Al Eid Al ‘Oud Visits and Social Duties

Other Names

Eid Visits, Mu'ayadah

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

Social celebrations

Current Status

Living heritage

Al Eid Al ‘Oud Visits and Social Duties

Visits and social duties during Al Eid Al Oud in the UAE are associated with inherited customs reflecting family cohesion and maintaining kinship ties. On Eid morning, visits begin with the eldest man in the family out of respect for his status, followed by visits to relatives and neighbours according to san', the system of values and etiquette governing how visits and hospitality are conducted. During these visits, the Fawalat Al Eid is served, including Arabic coffee, dates, traditional sweets and nuts, expressing generosity and good hospitality. Eidiyah (giving gifts or money) is one of the most joyful features for children, bringing happiness and strengthening family bonds, while majlises provide places where members of the community gather to exchange greetings and reinforce social relationships. Another traditional feature associated with Eid is the mirhanah, the traditional swing connected with children’s joy and communal celebration.

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.