Preparing for Al Eid Al 'Oud before the Beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah - Ministry of Culture

Element Name

Preparing for Al Eid Al ‘Oud before the Beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah

Other Names

Eid Preparations

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

Preparing for Al Eid Al ‘Oud before the Beginning of Dhu Al Hijjah

Preparations for Eid Al Oud, Eid Al Adha, in the UAE begin with the arrival of the month of Dhu Al Hijjah. People are keen to fast the first nine days, increase acts of worship and purchase sacrificial animals in preparation for Eid. Families also prepare new clothes or renew older garments by embellishing them with talli (woven bands used to decorate garments). Women wear their finest clothes and decorate their hands with henna. Traditional foods such as harees, thareed, khabees, luqaimat, asida and balaleet are prepared, while homes are scented with incense and perfumes and majlises are cleaned and decorated to receive guests, reflecting the atmosphere of joy and social cohesion associated with 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

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.