Culture Archives | Page 4 of 5

Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The Gulf region is renowned for its magnificent mosques that stand as architectural marvels and spiritual sanctuaries. These mosques not only serve as places of worship but also showcase the rich cultural heritage and Islamic traditions of the region. In this week’s edition of the Middle East Sunday Pages, we will explore the grandeur and significance of mosques in the Gulf region, with a special focus on the iconic Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Islamic New Year

The Islamic New Year is calculated based on the Islamic lunar calendar, also known as the Hijri calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which follows the solar year, the Hijri calendar is based on the lunar cycles.

Dress Code for Mosques

The Gulf region, known for its rich Islamic heritage and traditions, is home to numerous magnificent mosques that attract visitors from around the world. When visiting these sacred places, it is important to respect the local customs and adhere to…

Eid Al Adha

Eid al-Adha, also known as the "Festival of Sacrifice," is one of the most important Islamic holidays celebrated by Muslims worldwide. It honors the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to Allah's command. In this blog post, we will discuss the history, traditions, and significance of Eid al-Adha.

What is Bukhoor?

Bukhoor, also known as "bakhoor" or "oud," is a fragrant resin that is commonly used in the Middle East and other parts of the world to add a pleasant scent to homes, clothing, and even hair. The word "bukhoor" is derived from the Arabic word "bukhur," which means "incense." In this post, we will take a closer look at bukhoor, including its history, usage, and benefits. If you are a guest in a Middle Eastern home, it is very common that you will be offered Bukhoor to be spread on your clothes and hair. This is a huge honour as these scents are normally very expensive and only given to honoured guests.

Saudi Coffee

Saudi coffee is a traditional drink that has been enjoyed in the Arabian Peninsula for centuries. Known as "qahwa" in Arabic, Saudi coffee is a rich, aromatic beverage that is an essential part of the country's culture and hospitality. In this post, we will explore the history and cultural significance of Saudi coffee, as well as the unique brewing methods and flavours that make it so distinctive. But despite being an essential aspect of local Arabian culture for hundreds of years, Saudi Arabia's coffee has only recently been celebrated as a critical part of the country's cultural and historical heritage. The Saudi government actually declared 2022 as the Year of the Saudi coffee.

Saudi National Dishes

Saudi Arabia is a land of rich traditions, diverse cultures, and delicious cuisine. From the mouth-watering aroma of Arabic coffee to the tantalizing taste of dates, Saudi Arabia has something to offer for every food lover. In this post, we'll explore some of the most popular national dishes in Saudi Arabia and learn about the history and culture behind them.

Eid El Fitr

Eid al-Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan. It is celebrated by Muslims worldwide, and it is a time of joy and festivities. In this blog post, we will discuss the history, traditions, and significance of Eid al-Fitr.

What is Ramadan

Ramadan is a significant month in the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide. It can often be very puzzling to Westerners because they don’t know what to do or how to behave. In this post we will discuss the customs and the DOs and DON'Ts for Westerners.

National Days in The Gulf

Winter is the Season of the National Days. December is the month with most National Days from the Gulf region. So why are National Days so important? Well, they celebrate something important in the Middle East - usually when their state was established or when they gained Independence from Europe. National Days have many beautiful traditions especially if you happen to be in one of the countries during their celebration.