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(CNN) — While modern Abu Dhabi can be defined by its space-age skyline and gigantic engineering projects, there are still glimpses into the emirate’s traditional old world, and—if you have the right guide to guide you into the usual private lives of the locals— – Tourists experience it for themselves.
A classic Emirati tradition is the ezba, a place that has long played an important role in the lives of the nomadic Bedouin tribes in Abu Dhabi.
Not to be confused with a farm, ezba was once a place where families raised animals – native desert animals like sheep, goats and camels – and passed on skills to the younger generation.
While modernization has slowly eliminated the need for ezba, and many Emiratis are now firmly settled in Emirati towns and cities, the country’s government has spent the past five to ten years trying to preserve relics of this bygone era.
Now, it has become an authentic way of showing foreigners and tourists the way of the past and the spirit of how the people of the UAE survived before the discovery of oil.
“Today, with all the modernization around us, the UAE government has made sure that this tradition doesn’t die,” said Abdulazeez Manea, one of the younger generation of Emiratis, who offers Abu Dhabi tourists an authentic taste of the local culture in his private ezba experience.
At just 30 years old, he is leading a new movement for young Emiratis who want to cherish their traditional ways.
“It’s a way of connecting with history and culture, so ezba serves that connection,” he said.
Story and Symbolism
Tourists and expats can now experience life on ezba.
Abdulaziz Mania
They arrive in his typical Emirati Nissan patrol car 4×4, which rolls up and down the dunes, allowing his guests to experience the lengths it takes to reach such remote places – places previously only accessible on camel or horseback.
Guests who come on the day usually walk with Manea on the beach as the sun goes down, listening to the oral histories formed by the stories, similar to those passed down from generation to generation by his ancestors.
They understand the symbolism of a parliament or meeting place, as well as food and beverages such as dates and coffee, which are synonymous with ezba and Emirati hospitality.
Guests can also milk animals, ride and interact with camels, and learn how to care for dromedary camels, which were once the only means of transportation for the Bedouin to traverse the harsh desert terrain.
Manea explained that before the discovery of oil in the UAE, family wealth was determined by animal ownership.
“Some people think that the middle class will have 40 camels, and if they have 200 to 300 camels, they are considered rich. Wealth is not measured in currency, but in animals,” he said.
Visitors can learn the stories of life in the Emiratis, from traditional clothing (which they have the opportunity to try on) to customary greetings. Then comes the story of desert survival and the animals that are vital to it, and the journey these nomads continue to become one of the most advanced and prosperous populations in the region.
bare feet in the sand
Abdulazeez Manea invites visitors to Abu Dhabi to sample local culture in his own private ezba.
Abdulaziz Mania
Visitors to ezba can enjoy the surrounding natural beauty, interact with animals, or have the opportunity to learn skills such as making a fire. For many, it was a rare opportunity to peek into a sometimes mysterious world in the UAE.
The desert silence in the stables and fire pits contrasts sharply with the busy city life of Abu Dhabi.
“Everyone is craving this, and we can see that it has a huge impact not only on the tourists who come to experience it, but also on the family,” Manea said.
“The kids didn’t get lost in their devices, people really connected and had a great time together. As the number of people with ezbas increased, so did that social interaction.”
It’s not just tourists who cherish this revival. Emirati families see it as a way to stay connected to their identity.
“I see the farm community being very active in the winter, especially playing with the kids, playing with the animals, walking out to the dunes next to the farm and learning about the plant life, insects and survival methods we used to depend on,” Manea said.
“Despite all the amazing attractions we have, the most popular thing for Emirati families right now is coming to ezba, even for special occasions. The feeling of walking barefoot on the beach is a magical feeling.”
Inside the mystery
Once remote places only accessible by camels, ezbas are now equipped with modern conveniences.
Abdulaziz Mania
The opening of these private ezbas comes after the government invested in infrastructure to bring electricity and water to places that were once isolated.
Manea said he now feels almost a responsibility to offer this experience to others.
“For me, being an Emiratis has a burden, the burden of sharing true stories,” said Manea, who, despite being a trained diplomat, is also an officially trained tour guide, via Airbnb Connect with tourists.
“The lack of Emiratis in tourism to interact with tourists is a challenge and no one can tell my story better than me,” he said. “ezba is pretty much the only traditional experience left.
“People tell me they usually have a hard time finding these authentic cultural experiences, but it’s a way to get in touch with the spirit of Emirati culture, history, identity, hospitality, etc. It shows that people want to know more about my culture.”
Abdulaziz Mania
Many family members at Manea are now involved, allowing tourists, expats and tourists to interact with people who often remain a mystery to those living in the UAE, who make up only 10-15% of the population.
“My nephews, nieces, siblings, elders, they’re all participating now,” he said with a laugh. “I try to instill this in the younger members of the family to show that there is always a bridge to build with people from all over the world, to show them the Emirati hospitality and culture.
“Our home has always been open to everyone, so now with modern lifestyle changes, we can still deliver the message that we never closed. No matter how many international friends you meet in cafes and malls, it wins Don’t touch them as deeply as you met them in ezba.”
‘Precious gem’
“No matter how many international friends you meet in cafes and malls, you’re not going to touch them as deeply as you see them in ezba,” Manea said.
Abdulaziz Mania
Emirati Fatma al Mehairi, member of the management team of Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi, said providing this authentic way of interacting with the local culture is “invaluable” and “in high demand” among Emirati tourists and expats.
“It’s interesting for foreigners living in the country because it gives them a better understanding of the heritage of the country they live in and allows people to understand and acknowledge the UAE’s unique customs and values,” she said.
Telling the UAE’s story through the UAE’s voice is key, she said.
“Making locals a part of the travel experience makes the experience richer. We have a lot to talk about and offer. The UAE is a young country and we’ve grown so fast in such a short period of time, but it’s important to show it too. How do we start and share with others that even with all these developments, we still respect our heritage.”
Manea said teaching young Emiratis and foreigners the way of life of his people ensures that these key elements of the tradition remain alive.
“It shows young people that we can enjoy the benefits of modern life without losing the old knowledge we lose by moving away from these practices,” he added.
“The more time I spent there, the more I learned about myself, my past, my family and my culture.
“I realize the importance of camels and the cost of caring for them. I need to protect these precious gems. This indirect education must be passed on to the next generation.”
Top photo sources: Abdulaziz Mania
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