Today's Edition
SADEQ ALKHOORI (AL AIN)
The majlis has long been part of Emirati culture, and Abu Dhabi ensures it continues to hold a place in the community even as the country moves further into the smart era.
This traditional gathering space is now also where national themes are brought closer to people, discussed in everyday language, and linked back to community life.
Abu Dhabi majlises serve as platforms for social and community engagement between the Abu Dhabi Government and the emirate's citizens and residents. They were created to strengthen national cohesion and serve the community, said Mohammed Ahmed Almahmood, who hosted a majlis session earlier this month.
The majlis also bridges generations, with older ones passing on their wisdom and younger ones in turn bringing fresh perspectives, Almahmood said.
That understanding of the majlis as a social and civic space resonated with the community.
Dr Khalid Mohammed Al Baloushi, a visitor at a recent majlis, told Aletihad that such gatherings strengthen "the spirit of patriotism and national unity among citizens".
He said they also create a sense of security and familiarity by bringing together people from different parts of the country, renewing ties between relatives, friends, former classmates and work colleagues.
"This majlis helped strengthen bonds," he told Aletihad.
Unifying Messages
For Mohammed Ahmed Almheiri, another visitor, the importance of the majlis today lies partly in how it cuts through the noise. He said people inside and outside the UAE can easily find themselves surrounded by misinformation and speculation, while gatherings like these help unify the message people need to hear from authorised sources.
"Such majlises tend to unify the message that people need to hear from authorised sources," he told Aletihad. "It gets us closer to the leadership of this country."
TV presenter and content creator Jamal Al Mulla agreed that Abu Dhabi's majlises are no longer only social spaces, but cultural and awareness platforms where people can hear directly from influential national figures.
"Sometimes, these majlises have a greater impact than any media platform," he told Aletihad.
During the May 2 session, for example, talks revolved around "The Emirates of Resolve, Determination and Strength".
Dr Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of the Defence, Interior and Foreign Affairs Committee at the Federal National Council, spoke about UAE strength through peace, trust, leadership and social cohesion.
"The UAE is not a war country, neither is our community a war community attuned to conflict," he told Aletihad, adding that the country was founded on principles of peace, good neighbourliness, goodwill, initiative and positive international engagement.
The session's insights into the future also left an impression on attendees. Mousa Dawood Taher, who travelled from Sharjah to attend the event, told Aletihad that it was the discussion on artificial intelligence that stood out for him.
Taher compared it to the early introduction of computers, arguing that those who fail to enter the AI field - or fail to encourage their children to learn it - risk being left behind. He said he travelled from Sharjah because he saw the session as an opportunity to learn and eventually contribute to society.
