LUXURY Abu Dhabi
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Each region hast its own habits. The customs of welcome play amongst various regional practices a crucial role, since it ultimately defines the first impression and as it´s just a generally known, that there is no second chance for a first impression. As a gesture of hospitality in Arabia a guest will be offered coffee and dates. The tradition Arabic coffee is made from grinded coffee, mixed with Safron and sometimes other spices, like cardamom. No milk or sugar is added. Since guest could arrive anytime, coffee shall be always ready and available – a tradition, that is very much alive. The coffee used to be kept in large Dhallas, the tradition metal Arabic coffee pots. In order to keep the coffee always hot, the Dallas used to be placed in a bed of glowing charcoal, placed in a pit in the sand a special wooden box. Since charcoal-boxes might not be the most practical solution in air-conditioned houses, nowadays thermos-pots in the shape of the traditional dallah are commonly used.
serve other guests and always remain alert to refill an emptied cup with another sip of coffee. If the guest wants to signal, that he does not want to get more coffee, he shall shake the cup slightly and hand it back to the host. The slightly bitter taste of the coffee gets compensated by the sweetness of the dates, offered together with the coffee. Dates originate on the Arabian Peninsula were essential for the survival of the Bedouins in the harsh desert environment. The desert inhabitants often had no other source of food than camel milk and dates. Dates are high in fruit sugar and therefore a source of instant energy. Due to their fiber-structure the fruits are gentle to the stomach which makes them to the perfect fastbreaker during Ramadan. About 150 different species of dates are cultivated in the UAE. Towards the end of the harvesting season in mid-summer the city of Liwa host an annual date-festival, celebrating this special fruit, by Arabs considered a special and very precious gift of god to them.
© Jumeriah Group
Once guest arrives, the host will offer the coffee in a small cup without handle. There is really an art of offering the coffee: The host will usually hold a staple of cups in his right hand and pour with his left hand the coffee. It is considered a severe affront, to fill up the cup completely. Only one third shall be filled up. The host will offer than with his right hand the cup to the guest, who shall also receive it with his right hand. The hosts will than
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