UAE: Non-Muslims sit down for an Emirati iftar, experience warmth of culture at this home
In a heartfelt initiative to foster cultural understanding, Mohammad Rashid Al Zaabi welcomed non-Muslim guests to an iftar gathering, offering them a glimpse into the rich traditions of Ramadan in the UAE.
"We, as Emiratis, are known for our hospitality. Our doors are always open, whether to Muslims or non-Muslims," Al Zaabi said. "We were raised with the values of the late Sheikh Zayed, and we must welcome everyone into our homes."
Kamini from Malaysia said she had never attended an iftar before. Wanting to embrace the experience fully, she decided to fast for the entire day, hoping to understand the significance of the occasion better. Upon arriving at the Emirati household, she was greeted warmly, and she immediately felt the strong sense of hospitality that defines local culture.
"The moment I entered, I felt the warmth and generosity of the hosts. They explained everything to us, from the importance of dates when breaking the fast to the significance of family gatherings," Kamini noted.
One of the most unique aspects of the iftar for Kamini was the traditional floor seating arrangement. While floor seating is common in Malaysia, she found the Emirati style distinctive, fostering a sense of togetherness and unity. "My biggest expectation was understanding why people sit on the floor to eat. But as we shared food and stories, I realised how much it brings people closer. It was a beautiful experience," Kamini reflected.
For Suji Lim from South Korea, attending the traditional Emirati iftar was a unique and enlightening experience. Having seen images of iftar gatherings on Instagram, she expected a communal setting with people sitting on the ground, sharing food, and learning about the culture. However, the actual experience surpassed her expectations in several ways.
"The food exceeded my expectations, and so did the hospitality," Suji shared. She was particularly touched by the sense of community, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and engaging in meaningful conversations over a shared meal.
One of the most striking cultural insights for her was the Emirati emphasis on generosity. "There's so much food to go around. It's the idea that no one should go hungry, and everyone is provided for," she said.
Beyond the food, Suji was fascinated by the use of Bakhoor, a traditional Emirati fragrance that lingers on clothing and hair, symbolising warmth and hospitality. Another memorable detail was the ritual of rubbing scented oils into guests' hands, a gesture from the host himself.
Ghani, from Tajikistan, shared his reflections on experiencing an Emirati household iftar. Initially, he expected the gathering to be quick, but he was surprised by how engaging and informative it turned out to be. "Honestly, I thought it would be much faster and we'll just come here and eat, but it was more informative," he said.
A major highlight for him was the food. "I have never tried Emirati dishes. Especially the desserts, they were the best part as well," he shared.
He was also fascinated by the fresh produce served during the meal, adding, "The dates were from his farm, as well as the tomatoes, which was a really cool aspect. It made me enjoy the food experience."
The gathering was more than just a meal. It was an opportunity to share the history and customs of the UAE. Al Zaabi explained the significance of Ramadan, emphasising the spiritual and communal aspects of the holy month. "I wanted to teach them about our history, how Ramadan was observed in the past, and the importance of worship during this time. We also wanted to introduce them to our local culture."
"We introduced them to traditional Emirati foods, popular Ramadan beverages, and the significance of dates in breaking the fast," said Al Zaabi. He also highlighted key Ramadan etiquettes, such as the practice of sitting together before iftar and the importance of patience and reflection in the moments leading up to the Maghrib prayer.
The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation has been organising an annual iftar activity for everyone for 13 years. Each year, it is hosted in a different Emirati house to provide non-Muslims and expats in Ras Al Khaimah with an authentic iftar experience and an introduction to Emirati hospitality. In the 2025 edition, the iftar hosted people of over 18 nationalities.
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