Traditional Arabic drinks will cool you down in the heat, cheer you up and give you good spirits if you are tired, help you to relax and plunge into a philosophical state of mind while talking with friends.
We have selected several options for traditional drinks from the huge variety of rich culinary traditions of the Arab region. Try all the traditional Arabic drinks and find your favorite. Enjoy every sip!
The taste and aroma of coffee are one of the symbols of the Arab world. Having a cup of coffee in a traditional coffee house is an unforgettable experience for every Dubai guest. Coffee is served in a special teapot with a narrowed neck – dallah, which is also one of the symbols of oriental hospitality. And it’s customary to drink coffee from small coffee cups without handles.
The Arabic word “Gahwa” or “Qahwah”, from which the word “Coffee” came from, means “Strong”. Such coffee is really very strong and therefore it is customary to serve it with dates that add sweetness. Also, chocolate or other sweets can be served with the drink. And in the coffee itself sometimes spices are added for a more pronounced taste, for example, saffron or cardamom. Although Arabic coffee is very strong, it is common to drink it at any time of the day. It is a drink for welcoming guests, friendly meetings and family gatherings.
Tea, as well as coffee, is one of the most common drinks in the UAE. Here they drink both strong black tea and herbal varieties of this drink, sage tea, anise tea, cardamom tea, chai noomi basra from dried limes and many other varieties.
Karak Tea or Chai Karak is one of the most popular tea drinks in the UAE. This spicy and warm drink is a local variety of masala tea, which is obtained by brewing tea leaves with Indian herbs and spices. Such tea can be prepared with cinnamon, ginger, fennel, cardamom, etc.
A refreshing drink made with a date or grape syrup and rose water with added water and ice. This is a classic drink, which is very popular in a hot climate, it is often drunk by believers during Ramadan in order to alleviate their condition during fasting.
The ingredients of the drink may vary, sometimes pine nuts or raisins are added to the Jellab. But the main thing remains unchanged – this sour-sweet drink is indispensable in the hot season and amazingly tasty.
Laban is a soft and refreshing milk and creamy drink that has buttermilk as its base. It is very nutritious and therefore can serve as part of the diet. This drink can be seasoned with spices, supplemented with dates or other ingredients, you can also create unsweetened versions, it all depends on your preferences and tastes.
In Dubai’s cafes and restaurants, many branded drinks are based on laban. This delicious drink provides the basis for creativity and can become something completely unusual when you add the right ingredients.
Another drink that can be enjoyed everywhere in Dubai is Tamar Hindi. This refreshing drink with a sweet taste from tamarind fruits, where sugar, lemon juice, water, ice and other ingredients are added.
Tamar Hindi is one of the ways to quench thirst during Ramadan, which has been used in that region for centuries and served as a traditional drink for Iftar.
One of the most delicious drinks offered in traditional cafes and restaurants in Dubai is carob juice. It is considered beneficial for health and contains many vitamins and minerals necessary for the body.
This drink is prepared from dried carob pods or molasses with added sugar and water. Juice has a unique flavor and is popular among residents of the entire region, as well as among tourists.
The name of this apricot drink is translated from Arabic as Moon of the Religion. This juice or nectar is popular across the Middle East and North Africa during Ramadan and other hot periods.
This thick drink with a bright taste traditionally made from dried apricots, as it is believed that they have a richer flavor than fresh ones. The drink is prepared with the addition of rosewater or alternatively orange blossom water. Also sometimes nuts, ice or other components are added to the drink.
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The UAE’s rich history is rooted in trade and tied to Islam. Its unique location between Europe and the Far East became the crucial factor in it's growth into the world's largest trading hubs. Throughout the ages, these lands had attracted merchants from India and China, and were prized by Europeans, in particular the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British.
After the discovery of oil and the formation of the Emirates, the wise rulers began the rapid development of the country's economy, shaping it into what it is today. Though small in size, the UAE quickly became an important player in regional and international affairs.
Although it's growth and development, UAE heritage have not been forgotten - on the contrary, is still well-respected among the nationals. History and culture of local people can be felt in the legendary hospitality of local hotels, architecture of modern skyscrapers and openness and kindness in living among the multinational community.
Here you can read various articles about UAE heritage, history and culture, and better understand, why this country's development became such a success throughout the years.
