Arabic coffee making tradition recognised by Unesco

Dubai - Announcing the nominations, Unesco said Arabic coffee is a symbol of generosity. "Serving Arabic coffee is an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies".

The tradition of making Arabic coffee is among 20 practices newly recognised by Unesco, the UN's cultural agency.
Representatives from 175 countries attended the tenth session of Unesco's Intangible Heritage Committee, which took place at the Country Club and Resort of Windhoek in Namibia from November 29 to December 4.
Announcing the nominations, Unesco said Arabic coffee is a symbol of generosity. "Serving Arabic coffee is an important aspect of hospitality in Arab societies".
"Traditionally prepared in front of house guests by men and women, it is also served by shaikhs and heads of tribes. "The beans are roasted, ground with a mortar and pestle then brewed in a pot. The most important or oldest guest is served first. The practice is passed on within families and includes young people visiting the market with their elders to learn how to select beans."
Reports said other additions include Al Majlis, described as community spaces where people discuss local issues, settle disputes, exchange news and views.
Al Rafza, the traditional performing art of the UAE and Oman, and the traditional 'Alardah Alnajdiyah' of Saudi Arabia were also added to the list.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the Sultanate of Oman nominated Al Majlis and Arabic coffee while the UAE and the Sultanate of Oman proposed Al Razfa.
"This acknowledgement reflects years of dedication and expertise for which I am immensely proud as we strive to ensure the Emirate is recognised globally for its efforts to maintain and preserve the traditions of the past. Inscribing these heritage elements on Unesco's representative list is the culmination of the achievements and efforts of our mandate to register, revitalise, preserve, document and sustain the UAE's heritage components as a cultural legacy for future generations. It also sheds more light on our deep-rooted heritage, and increases global awareness of its authenticity," said Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority Chairman.
He added that these milestones promote cultural diversity, human creativity and dialogue among civilisations by discovering cultural, social, and human origins of heritage elements.
He said that Al Majlis is considered a cultural and social tradition that both rulers and community members have been keen to maintain for its role as a communication bridge that strengthens social cohesion. Arabic coffee symbolises generosity, hospitality and other authentic values associated with the region. Al Razfa is a popular performance in the UAE and Oman, symbolising masculinity, chivalry, gallantry and the region's equestrian heritage.
"We prepared the files with great accuracy before submitting them to the Unesco Committee of Experts for evaluation. After passing the evaluation phase, the files then moved on to the annual Intangible Heritage Committee meeting, which provides the final approval and acknowledgment of registration," said Dr Nasser Ali Al Humairi, director of the Intangible Heritage Department at the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority.
"The unlimited support by our local stakeholders and the UAE's respectable position in Unesco boosted our ambition to register these authentic Emirati elements. Recording Al Majlis, Arabic coffee and Al Razfa, along with other heritage elements is just a step closer towards our goals," added Al Humairi.
Beyond the Middle East, the tradition of making kimchi, a daily staple for families in North Korea, and Spanish classical horsemanship also featured as new additions.
The list includes what Unesco says are "forms of expression that testify to the diversity of the intangible heritage and raise awareness of its importance". - Wam, Agencies