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#hospitality

Traditional Arabic coffee pot (dallah) on a tray with cups
Culture

The Dallah: A Guide to the Gulf's Iconic Coffee Pot

Discover the history, design and cultural role of the dallah, the traditional Arabic coffee pot that symbolises hospitality across the Gulf.
Traditional majlis seating area with Arabic coffee and dates
Business

The Majlis: A Practical Guide to Business Hospitality in the Gulf

The majlis is the heart of Gulf hospitality and a key setting for building business relationships. Here is what visitors should know before their first meeting.
An ornate incense burner releasing fragrant smoke in a traditional Gulf setting
Culture

Bukhoor: The Gulf's Fragrant Incense Tradition

A guide to bukhoor, the scented wood chips and resins that perfume homes, clothes and gatherings across the Arab Gulf, and how you can enjoy this ancient ritual.
Traditional Arabic coffee pot and small cups with dates
Culture

Gahwa: A Guide to the Gulf's Arabic Coffee Ritual

From the distinctive dallah pot to the tiny handleless cups, Arabic coffee is central to Gulf hospitality. Here is what to expect and how to take part respectfully.
A cozy traditional majlis corner with floor cushions, a low table, and Arabic coffee pot.
Lifestyle

How to Create a Traditional Majlis Corner in Your Gulf Home

The majlis is the heart of Gulf hospitality. Here is how to bring this welcoming tradition into your own living space, from floor seating to the perfect coffee set.
Traditional Arabic coffee pot with small cups and dates on a tray
Lifestyle

The Art of Arabic Coffee in the Gulf: A Guide to Qahwa and Its Rituals

Arabic coffee, or qahwa, is far more than a drink in the Gulf – it is a symbol of hospitality, tradition and connection. Learn how it is made, served and enjoyed, and how you can take part in this timeless ritual.
Bowl of assorted dates next to traditional Arabic coffee pot and cups
Lifestyle

How to Choose and Serve Dates the Gulf Way: A Practical Guide

Dates are a cornerstone of Gulf hospitality and everyday life. Learn about popular varieties, how to select the best ones, and the traditional ways to serve and enjoy them.
Arabic coffee pot with small cups and a plate of dates on a tray
Lifestyle

A Practical Guide to Hosting Guests Gulf-Style at Home

Hospitality sits at the heart of Gulf life. Here is how to welcome guests with warmth, from the coffee ritual to the dates on the tray, and what to expect when you are the visitor.
A traditional Gulf majlis with floor cushions, a coffee pot and a plate of dates
Culture

Majlis Culture: How the Gulf's Gathering Tradition Works

The majlis is more than a sitting room. It is where families host, neighbours talk and guests are welcomed, and a few simple customs help visitors feel at ease.