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Faith and Heritage
Arabic coffee poured from a brass dallah is more than a drink: UNESCO lists it, with the majlis, falconry and a dozen other traditions, as the living cultural heritage of the region. This guide explains each one and where a traveler can experience it with the right etiquette.
At a glance
UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage lists honor traditions that communities still practice: ways of welcoming guests, crafts, music, poetry and knowledge of the land. Many in our region are shared across borders, so a single listing may name a dozen countries. Unlike the World Heritage sites, these are things you experience rather than visit, often in a home, a souk or a festival ground.
UNESCO intangible heritage
Lightly roasted coffee scented with cardamom, served in small handleless cups, host to guest in order of age and standing. Learn the ritual on our Arabic coffee and dates page.
The sitting room where communities gather to talk, settle matters and welcome visitors. See Arab hospitality and the majlis.
Training falcons to hunt is a cherished Gulf tradition; the Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital welcomes visitors, and winter festivals show it at its finest.
Bedouin women's geometric weaving in wool and camel hair; the UAE listed it in 2011, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait in 2020, and Qatar joined the file in 2025. Sadu House in Kuwait City shows it beautifully. More on Bedouin heritage.
The art of beautiful writing, from mosque inscriptions to modern art. Read our Arabic calligraphy guide.
Cultivating, harvesting and celebrating the date palm, central to oasis life from Al-Ahsa to Siwa.
Wheat and meat slow-cooked to a velvet porridge, served at Ramadan, weddings and Eid.
Plant-dyed patterns on hands and feet for brides and celebrations; many fine hotels arrange a henna artist.
Bedouin chanted poetry and recited verses of praise, performed at gatherings and national celebrations.
Line dances with canes and drums that celebrate unity and strength, seen at weddings and festivals.
Racing and the knowledge of raising camels, a winter spectacle at tracks such as Al Marmoum in Dubai.
Thick, foam-topped coffee served with water and Turkish delight, and the fortune-telling that follows.
The knowledge and rituals of North Africa's great shared dish, served on Fridays and at family feasts.
Spiritual music and brotherhood with roots in sub-Saharan Africa, celebrated each year at the festival in Essaouira.
The spring new year festival, celebrated with bonfires, family visits and laden tables; presented here as heritage.
Where to experience living
In the UAE, the Sheikh Zayed Festival in Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhafra Festival bring camel beauty contests, falconry, Al Sadu weaving and coffee-making together each winter, while Al Fahidi in Dubai hosts cultural meals at the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding. In Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival and the craft workshops of Diriyah and Al-Ahsa are wonderful. Morocco's Gnawa festival and the souks of Fes are living museums.
Many of the finest hotels now offer a private majlis evening or a calligraphy lesson. For festival dates, see our events calendar.
Dress and manners
When offered Arabic coffee, take the cup with your right hand; it is polite to accept at least one. Gently shake the cup from side to side when you have had enough. Remove your shoes on entering a majlis if your hosts do, sit without showing the soles of your feet, and dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered. Ask before photographing people, especially women, and before handling a falcon. During Ramadan, festivals move to the evenings and daytime hours shorten; plan around the five daily prayers, when activities pause. Our customs and etiquette guide has more.
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