Today's Edition
TAARIQ HALIM (ABU DHABI)
Al Bisht (men’s outer robe) and Zaffa (bridal procession) have been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has announced.
Al Bisht is a traditional overgarment worn by Emirati men. It is made of wool with golden embroidered edges and is draped over a thob or a dishdasha. It is traditionally worn at formal occasions, holidays and special gatherings such as weddings.
Al Bisht is an important symbol of cultural identity across the Arab and Gulf region, bestowing on the wearer dignity and grace. In the UAE, it is regarded as an essential garment that completes a man’s attire and reflects heritage, respect and timeless tradition.
The Zaffa is a traditional bridal procession that marks a couple’s transition from single to married life. It involves rituals, music, dance and a festive gathering. The Zaffa begins with careful preparations. The bride undergoes cleansing rituals and applies henna, while special clothes, jewellery and other adornments are prepared for both the bride and groom.
During the ceremony, symbolic acts are performed to protect the couple and bless their union. These vary according to practising communities and may include drinking milk, cracking an egg or wearing a relative’s cape.
The custom involves a procession featuring music, joyful chanting and the throwing of sweets and flowers. The Zaffa brings people together, uniting family, friends and the broader community
UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity is a global registry of “living traditions” that connect people to their past and culture.
The list recognises skills and expressions such as dances, festivals, oral stories and crafts that communities deem vital to their identity,
This inscription highlights the cultural significance of Al Bisht and Zaffa and reaffirms the UAE’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding its intangible cultural heritage, ensuring it is passed down through generations.
