Dubai: What is the story behind the Emirati headdress agal? Why is traditional coffee served in quarter cups? Why is there a niche in every mosque’s centre?
Questions such as these vexing the minds of newly-arrived expats are being answered during cultural tours of the Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque and Centre in Dubai.
A wide range of visitors — students, diplomats, celebrities, tourists, and families — are flocking to the mosque, which is also a centre for cross-cultural understanding, to learn about local customs and history.
The facility has become a popular destination in Dubai, said Abdul Malik, the facility’s manager, who has been leading the tours since 2011 At least one school, the Emirates International School (EIS), has even made the tour part of its induction week for new teachers.
On Wednesday, around 30 mostly-Western EIS teachers from its Jumeirah campus on Wednesday visited the mosque to learn about Emirati traditions — and wonder at its architectural marvel. The mosque’s exterior is regarded as an exact miniature replica of the historic “Blue Mosque” in Istanbul.
After donning Emirati clothes provided at the mosque, the guests toured the mosque. British newcomer Dylan Ragi said the briefing was an eye-opener on Arab and Islamic customs. He said he now understood why coffee is always served and received with the right hand (the left is used for personal hygiene).
“The tour left me wanting more information in a good way,” Ragi said.
Amber Singh, head of secondary school at EIS Jumeirah, added the tour was “very important” for newly-arrived staff as it introduced them to the UAE and Islam.
Abdul Malik kept the guests engaged by testing their knowledge of Emirati and Muslim traditions. He said the black agal cord, which secures the men’s headdress in place, actually has its origins in the rope used to tie the camel while resting on journeys. The manager also explained the reason why Arabic coffee cups are only filled up to a quarter to give the opportunity to the host to keep on serving guests until they are satisfied.
Commenting on the niche or mihrab in mosques, he said the design was meant to indicate the direction of prayer towards Mecca and amplify the voice of the prayer leader.
Established by the Habtoor Group, the mosque opened to the public in July 2011. Abdul Malik said people of all backgrounds are welcome to visit the mosque. The free tours are available daily, except during prayer times.
Arrangements can be made by calling the management on 04-394 4448 or emailing booking@alfarooqcentre.com
