Al Majlis
The majlis is an Arab social and cultural tradition, particularly prominent in the UAE, based on gathering, consultation and the exchange of opinions on everyday and community matters. It provides an open space for dialogue where members of the community meet sheikhs and elders to discuss public affairs and resolve problems. It is also used to exchange news and information and strengthen social ties. The majlis has been an essential part of social and political life and historically contributed to organizing relationships within the community and addressing different issues through dialogue and understanding.
There are several types of majlis. The Barzah Majlis, led by sheikhs and dignitaries, is a place where the host listens to people’s complaints and requests and seeks solutions while observing values of hospitality and honest dialogue. The Merchants’ Majlis brought together pearl divers and traders and was used to organize pearl-diving voyages and provide for families, as well as to discuss economic and social matters and exchange stories and poetry. The Majlis Al Adl, or Council of Justice, dealt with disputes and provided religious and social guidance, working to reconcile disagreements between members of the community.
Majlises were held in different places according to the environment, including Bayt Al Sha'r, traditional tents, in desert communities, mud and gypsum houses in towns, or shaded areas in coastal communities, with Arabic coffee served as an essential part of hospitality. In mountain areas, majlises were also held in designated gathering places. The majlis reflects values of communication, cooperation and social solidarity and remains an important means of dialogue and exchanging views, making it an essential element in building the community and strengthening its unity and stability over time.