标签： Asia

Across the Emirates, from Ras Al Khaimah to Fujairah, a centuries-old culinary tradition is being meticulously preserved by passionate elders who serve as living bridges to the UAE’s rich heritage. The ancient ‘Madbasa’ technique—a remarkable example of pre-industrial food preservation—transforms sun-ripened dates into rich, golden syrup known as ‘dibs’ through nothing more than trapped summer heat and gravitational pressure.

This sustainable practice represents a masterpiece of traditional engineering. The Madbasa itself is a sealed, windowless chamber specifically designed to maximize thermal retention while excluding dust. Constructed originally from gypsum and Jandal wood (with modern adaptations using cement and tile), these specialized rooms function as natural hydraulic presses where woven palm-frond sacks (Yirab) or pottery containers (Khurus) filled with dates are carefully stacked.

The meticulous process begins long before the dates enter the Madbasa. During the ‘Al-Mistah’ preparation phase, harvested dates are sun-dried and sorted, with only specific high-syrup varieties selected for production. “The dates must be ripe. They must be dry,” emphasizes 83-year-old Salem bin Abdulla Al Shamsi of Ras Al Khaimah, who has dedicated decades to preserving this method at his son’s farm.

Inside the Madbasa, the stacked date-filled sacks undergo a 90-day transformation where intense heat and immense pressure work in concert to naturally extract the dense syrup. The chamber’s ingeniously designed floor features indented channels that guide the flowing dibs to a collection pit (jabia) traditionally lined with leak-proof clay.

The resulting syrup possesses exceptional density and richness—darker and thicker than conventional honey—with a container holding 3kg of water capable of containing 4.5kg of this artisanal product. “The drier the dates, the greater the thickness,” Al Shamsi notes, highlighting the precise science behind this traditional craft.

For heritage experts like Ali Al-Dhanhani of Dibba Al Fujairah—an award-winning farmer and cultural ambassador—the Madbasa represents more than food production; it serves as a living classroom connecting generations. “This is our environment and our homeland, and it is our duty to preserve these treasures,” Al-Dhanhani states, describing how he involves children and relatives in the annual September harvest tradition.

Historically, dibs served as a vital nutritional resource and natural sweetener in the Emirati diet, featuring prominently in dishes from Luqaimat dumplings to Khameer bread. In an era before refrigeration, this method ensured year-round food security while embodying principles of community sharing—families often collectively maintained Madbasa facilities with strict hygiene protocols requiring foot washing before entry.

Despite commercial factory production now available, traditional practitioners like Al Shamsi maintain small businesses selling artisanal dibs in jars ranging from 1.5kg to 4kg. Through their dedication, these cultural guardians ensure that this sweet embodiment of Emirati heritage continues to flow for generations to come.

In the heart of Fujian province, the city of Jinjiang transforms into a vibrant tapestry of culinary tradition during the Spring Festival season. The air becomes imbued with aromatic whispers of reunion, as generations gather to celebrate with time-honored delicacies that define the Minnan cultural identity.

Beyond mere sustenance, these traditional foods serve as edible monuments to heritage. Steamed rice cake (wangao) emerges as a symbolic centerpiece, representing prosperity and elevation. Pan-fried oysters in scrambled egg (hailijian) brings coastal abundance to the festive table, while four-herb old duck soup offers medicinal balance according to traditional Chinese principles. The robust flavors of beef steak noodles provide substantial comfort, and sweet peanut soup concludes feasts with nostalgic simplicity.

These culinary traditions are deeply rooted in the Minnan people’s historical narrative of perseverance and determination—qualities that shaped their migration patterns and cultural resilience. Jinjiang’s approach to the Spring Festival demonstrates how food functions as both cultural preservation and invitation. The city extends this culinary heritage to global visitors, offering immersive experiences into the Minnan way of life through taste, aroma, and communal celebration.

The preservation of these practices represents more than culinary tradition; it embodies the living memory of a people who maintain cultural continuity through intentional culinary practices. Each dish tells a story of geographical adaptation, historical development, and cultural values that have been refined across centuries.

As the sun dips below the mountainous horizons of the United Arab Emirates, a growing spiritual movement transforms traditional Ramadan observances. Instead of gathering around lavish dining tables, residents increasingly embark on iftar hikes—communal treks that culminate in breaking the fast amid nature’s tranquility. This emerging tradition combines physical activity with spiritual reflection, creating unique Ramadan experiences far from urban distractions.

Organized hiking groups across the Emirates report significant participation during the holy month, with carefully structured programs accommodating different fitness levels and spiritual preferences. UAE Adventures Team, founded by Mohammed Al Kaabi, has developed formal iftar hiking initiatives over five years, evolving from casual gatherings into well-organized events prioritizing both safety and religious observance.

“We offer multiple options because fasting experiences vary,” Al Kaabi explained. Some groups hike after evening prayers, while others undertake lighter afternoon treaks to break their fasts modestly on mountain trails before descending for full meals. The most popular time proves to be after taraweeh prayers, when trails fill with energetic participants.

Outdoorzy Adventures founder Alaa Masood emphasizes accessibility in their Ramadan programming. “We select locations manageable for all skill levels, like Fossil Rock in Mleiha with its panoramic views,” Masood noted. Their iftar hikes incorporate safety measures including group size limitations and paced walking to prevent fatigue among fasting participants.

For Grasp the Adventure founder Yousuf Elabbasy, these mountain iftars provide meaningful disconnection from modern stressors. “Hiking removes us from visual and noise pollution, work pressures, and social demands,” Elabbasy reflected. His groups typically pause at scenic overlooks or canyon pools precisely at sunset, sharing dates, nuts, and simple foods in spontaneous acts of generosity that capture Ramadan’s essence.

Post-iftar, many groups continue hiking or gather for suhoor barbecues under the stars. Participants consistently report feeling spiritually renewed and community-connected through these experiences. While Ramadan hiking participation numbers may be slightly lower than other seasons, organizers note attendees demonstrate deeper commitment to the spiritual dimensions of these outdoor rituals.

This trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward finding Ramadan’s core values—generosity, reflection, and togetherness—through simplified experiences that contrast with increasingly commercialized urban celebrations. The mountain iftar movement continues gaining momentum as UAE residents seek authentic spiritual connections during Islam’s holiest month.