DUBAI, United Aran Emirates – Visitors and residents at the Bedouin Lifestyle, a main attraction of DSF 2014, are receiving a warm welcome from the Bedouin people who are delighting their guests with the sweet tastes of their cordial hospitality.
By stepping inside the several nomadic tents, families are enjoying and getting a firsthand experience into the nomadic ways of living, dressing, dining, marriage and many other fascinating elements that have dominated the lifestyle of the Bedouins since time immemorial.
Throughout the DSF, visitors and residents can head off to the Bedouin Lifestyle event at Al Seef Street, a one-of-a-kind event that is bridging the gap between world traditions as it draws people from different backgrounds nearer to the eclectic variety of cultures that exist in different parts of the world.
The Jordanian camp at Bedouin Lifestyle is opening its doors to visitors keen on learning more about the kingdom’s practices and beliefs. Imad Haddad, supervisor of the tent, shares several attributes of the Jordanian culture – some that are similar to the traditions of the neighboring countries, while others that stand out in distinction.
Intimate to most countries in the Arab world are the customs associated with making, serving and consuming coffee. Nomadic groups with Jordan being no exception – boast interesting coffee brewing and serving rituals, as are elaborated upon by Imad Haddad.
“The coffee that we drink is called the gahwa sadah, meaning plain coffee. Coffee is a culturally significant beverage for us as we welcome guests with coffee and it plays a huge role in our social lives. For Bedouins, it is a reflection of generosity and hospitality. It also symbolizes our emotions.
For example, if a Bedouin hears of his leader’s demise, he will express his sadness by spilling some coffee on the floor and by placing the pot upside down,” Haddad said.
Coffee making techniques are also of great significance to the Bedouins right from the grinding of the beans to pouring the beverage into the cups as is explained by Haddad, “While making the coffee, you have to hold the pot in your left hand and two cups with your right hand.
And while serving it, you have to again use your right hand. Additionally, you should try to be as hospitable and respectful as you can to the person you’re offering the beverage to.
The guest will accept the cup with his right hand and when done, is expected to shake the cup, to indicate that he does not want more. Also, coffee is served to the eldest person first, followed by other guests in the order of their ages.”
Haddad also describes the special utensils that are used for grinding and roasting the coffee beans: “The beans are put inside the Al Mehmas – a special pot with a sprout – and then allowed to roast on fire.
The pot is also shaken from time to time to ensure an optimum level of roasting. For this technique, most of the countries of the Arabian Peninsula make use of a kitchen tool made of copper, while the Jordanian Bedouins use an appliance made of wood”
During weddings, there are special coffee traditions that make the ceremonies all the more interesting: “The potential groom does not get to indulge in coffee at the girl’s house until and unless the parents approve of him. When he gets their approval, he can consume coffee there,” Haddad added.
Organised by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), the 19th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival commenced on 2 January and will continue until 2 February.
