Indigenous group - Bedouin

The indigenous group in the UAE comprises of descendants of the nomadic (people who move around from place to place) Bedouins of Arabia. There used to be a large population of the indigenous community, until the 18th century where the fishing of pearls has increased the standard of living of the locals and now, only 25% of the indigenous group is nomadic. The rest of the population of the Bedouin now live in urbanized residential areas. There are two classes of Bedouin – “true” Bedouin and the “fellahin”.

“True” Bedouin have been hitching rides from caravans that have crossed their path while they drive across the barren deserts. On the other hand, the “fellahin” have settled on the edge of the desert. As the land in the UAE is mostly fertile, most of the Bedouin are more of the “fellahin” type.

The word Bedu comes from an Arabic word, Badawai, which means dwellers of the desert. Bedouins are followers of Islam and Islam is deeply rooted in the Bedouins and prayers are essential in their lives. Bedouins who have Israeli citizenship will receive free education and medical services. Bedouins are extremely hospitable, be it to their fellow Bedouins or foreigners.

There are certain traditions that the Bedouins have kept from their ancestors. Examples as such would be camel racing, their dress sense, hospitality as well as the Ramadan.

In areas where there are many Bedouin tribes, they would organize camel racing and the owner of the camel that wins the race will be recognized as the most important person he is living with.

Weddings can only be organized if the groom has successfully asked for the hand of his potential bride. The bride will then be carried on a special carriage that has been specially built on a camel’s back. A traditional meal will then be prepared to celebrate the happy occasion.

As the Bedouins are strong believers of Islam, they tend to be conservative in terms of their dressing too. Ladies have to be extremely conservative and they have to be covered from head to toe; only revealing their eyes.

Bedouins are well known for their hospitality and this can be seen when they serve their guests coffee. There are three expressions:

1. El-Heif: The first cup that is poured will be tasted by the Bedouin so that the guests will feel “safe” drinking the coffee.
2. El-Keif: The second cup that is poured will be tasted by the guest.
3. El-Dheif: This will be the cup for the guest and it is to be drunk by the guest.

There is also a Bedouin Heritage museum in Abu Dhabi which will preserve the tangible and intangible heritage of the Bedouins and it promotes the Bedouin culture and its authentic values. The museum does not only offer tangible artefacts for the visitors but the museum also organizes cultural programs that are related to the Bedouins.