In Theory: Significance of Ramadan majlises

With the conclusion of Ramadan ends one of the most important and traditional methods for discussing many social and economic issues — the majlis — which in turn sheds light on the general opinions and trends concerning such topics. This is especially true in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where a Ramadan majlis is an old tradition that still preserves its popular nature by doing away with formalities and borders, and gatherings are held in an atmosphere of tolerance and openness to different opinions.

Economic issues, in particular, were one of the key discussions in this year's Ramadan majlises, due to reasons such as the global financial crisis, ongoing decline of Gulf stocks, and the increase in commodity prices. Other topics included matters that concern Gulf communities such as unemployment, demographics and the future of energy.

Special attention

Within this context, some majlises have received special attention because they involved decision makers on the one hand, and important topics on the other. The successive meetings hosted by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, with various segments of society, particularly with businessmen and banking and financial sector representatives, served as an economic forum.

In this regard, the periodic seminars hosted in the majlis of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, where an important contribution is addressing many issues that concern a society, especially issues related to aspects of development, tolerance and moderation, which play an important role in the stability of the GCC, Arab and Islamic societies, as well as encouraging new generations to contribute to these societies' development and progress. These sessions recently received Carlos Ghosn, the president and CEO of Nissan.

Meanwhile, the gatherings hosted in the majlises of Shaikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, and Lieutenant General Dahi Khalfan Tamim, Dubai Police Chief, are beautifully diverse in both the topics discussed and the participants, who are both nationals and residents from different segments of society. Economic and social issues are at the forefront of the transparent and honest discussions that take place in these gatherings.

Tradition

Similar majlises are also hosted across all GCC countries. These majlises are a tradition that is rooted deep in history and include many different social groups in its gatherings. Such gatherings are considered a part of the Gulf's social life, through which the exchange of different opinions is accepted in the tolerant spirit of Ramadan.

Therefore, it is not surprising that some of the opinions and suggestions in these gatherings, which are related to economic and social issues, may be implemented, and this reflects positively on many matters that concern a society that expresses its aspirations for the future. What is truly regrettable, however, is that these majlises are seeing a steady decline due to various changes in the Gulf's social structure. Some of these majlises have faded, despite their importance, after their hosts passed away. These hosts include the late Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais, previous Chairman of the National Bank of Dubai, and the late Nasser Bin Rashid Lootah, whose majlises were gatherings for both businessmen and citizens.

This decline is perhaps due to the new generation perceiving these Ramadan gatherings as an unnecessary social obligation in the context of changes in the social structure in the Gulf.

The youth's common perception of such gatherings is probably a result of ignoring the social and historic aspects of these gatherings that our forefathers preserved for so long, which in turn contributed to obtaining the best solutions for the Gulf society's issues. It also helped in spreading social familiarity and compassion among members of a society.

This is a beautiful tradition that is absent in many other societies. This is further proven by the admiration foreigners express when they attend a Ramadan majlis. They are keen on attending these social events though they are not proficient in Arabic. However, mere attendance at such gatherings helps them develop tolerance.

Mohammad Al Asoomi is a UAE economic expert.