DUBAI // Al Majalis Madares takes Emirati boys aged between 6 and 12 to a traditional gathering to teach them the need to respect elders and cultural traditions.
In years gone by, the youngest son served guests in a majlis open daily for men in the home of an elder after maghrib prayers. Some gatherings were open through the day, with teachers coming in to help the children study in the majlis.
Launched this year as part of a national identity project targeting young Emiratis, Al Majalis Madares, teaches the boys who rarely serve guests in a traditional majlis any more.
The programme teaches them to always greet elders first, the etiquette of holding the dallah, or coffee pot, in the right hand and the cup in the left, and why they should shake the mug when it is filled to a quarter to make sure there is enough for other guests.
The sessions are usually conducted by an older Emirati.
“The majlis in UAE was the main point of communication, even decision-making for families. It is an important place,” said Ms Al Harthi.
“Coffee beans were precious in the days of our ancestors. If you do not shake the cup, they will keep pouring, but others wouldn’t have their share.
“So even now you only drink a bit. A lot of little things are precious to us and we need to teach the coming generation.”
Ten public schools took part when the programme began. It has now been extended to private schools keen for their pupils join in.
So far, more than 1,000 boys have attended 22 majlis gatherings.
Since a majlis is traditionally held separately for men and women, a similar project will be launched next year for women and schoolgirls.
Regular volunteer Aisha Al Hamadi said children were curious about the majlis.
“Today’s generation doesn’t have time, they are busy with iPads and phones,” Ms Al Hamadi said. “When we were young, having a guest was the highlight of our day. We would want to welcome them and serve coffee.
“This is our chance to tell kids about the joy of serving others – why they need to be hospitable because it’s in our culture.”
rtalwar@thenational.ae
