Today's Edition
TALAH TURK (ABU DHABI)
As one of the world’s leading producers of dates, the UAE is home to more than 40 million date palm trees of 120 different varieties. It’s no wonder that this magnificent tree, dubbed the “tree of life” by the visionary Founding Father of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is deeply rooted in the country’s history and heritage. Recognised by UNESCO and added to the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022, the palm tree is intricately interwoven into the fabric of Emirati culture. Beyond being a crucial source of sustenance, Emirati ancestors demonstrated resourcefulness and resilience by utilising every part of the tree.
Different Parts, Different Uses
The palm tree embodied a resilient lifeline in the heart of the desert, offering a multitude of gifts to its people. Beyond its delicious dates, this tree serves as a cornerstone of survival and cultural pride.
Palm trees laid the groundwork for various crafts in the UAE, most notably Khoos, one of the oldest crafts known to man. The artform involves the skilful weaving or braiding of date palm fronds to create diverse objects.
The dried fronds, known as arish, sculpt the desert landscape, constructing houses, shelters, and windbreaks. The dried and split palm leaves metamorphose into functional art, creating floor mats and storage containers. This traditional craftsmanship, embodied in items like surood, mahafah, makabah, and jefeer, is proudly displayed during events and festivals celebrating the UAE’s rich heritage.
Even the branches of palm trees find purpose in the construction of small fishing boats, where soaked branches, bound by ropes made from date palm stalks, create vessels suited for local waters.
The date palm’s generosity extends to the culinary realm, providing syrup extracted from its trunk and coffee derived from ground seeds. The seeds themselves have also contributed to the creation of soap and Kohl (a traditional eyeliner).
At the heart of traditional handicrafts in the UAE lies a fundamental commitment to sustainability, prominently reflected in practices centred around the tree. Utilising exclusively natural materials with a commitment to utilising each part of the tree, the UAE’s creators have showcased remarkable creativity in crafting objects that seamlessly integrate with respect their environment.
A National Treasure and Priority
The date palm tree is a focal point of national conservation efforts, in a testament to the country’s unwavering commitment to honour and safeguard it over the years. The UAE’s Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan passionately championed the preservation of this native desert plant, emphasising its profound cultural significance and its pivotal role in the enduring survival of the country’s earliest inhabitants.
In the words of the UAE’s Founding Father: “For us, the date palm is, and always has been, truly the tree of life. We have grown up with this remarkable species and its many products and find it impossible to imagine life without it. When we admire a date palm, we are looking at the foundations of our civilisation and the sustaining force for countless generations.”
The importance and appreciation for date palms continue to thrive to this day, with the UAE dedicating festivals to honour both the tree and the bountiful fruit it bears. The Liwa Date Festival in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region stands as a vibrant celebration, underscoring the enduring cultural significance of this remarkable natural feature.
No exploration of palm trees would be comprehensive without acknowledging the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai-a tree-shaped artificial island, considered one of the most prominent celebrations of the palm as a symbol for the country and Arab region.
