Emirati author captures UAE's essence in debut book

Dubai:  Interesting Emirati tales have been narrated by young Emirati author Amal Al Falasi in her first book Small Tales — 150 pages that combine various aspects of UAE's traditions.Amal found her surroundings rich with lessons and examples and decided to document her experiences in the book.

The 24-year-old thought deeply before deciding to launch her book and said that the core reason was to educate others about the traditions of the UAE,

"Everything I wrote in my book is acquired from experience which I gained from my granny who I spent my childhood with — she deserves the entire credit." Amal said.

She recalled her afternoon meetings at her grandmother's house and how intimate and friendly they used to be. "All the talk and laughter are still in my head, as if they were happening now."

Amal shares the unique spirit of Emirati togetherness and how everyonelived as one large family.

Everyday issues

"The book depicts daily issues in the Emirati community, it highlights the nature of neighbourhood which we call Freej and describes all its angles," she said.

She decided to name her book ‘Small Tales' because each story doesn't exceed more than two pages.

"Each tale discusses an aspect of the Emirati community in a very simple way, that could be read by all ages."

The reader will come across different imaginary characters inspired from daily habits. For instance, ‘Umm Ali' the female protagonist was created to mirror the true cooperation and spirit of togetherness that has always been seen in Emirati women.

"Another tale takes you to an old angle of UAE's time," Amal said.

The author preferred to call it "Al Terhal", which means travelling.

"This chapter... narrates a tale of an Emirati family during the 50s... when family members became separated due to nomadic life... as a result some of them got lost and had to grow up as strangers...

"The events of the tale keep developing rapidly until the circumstances finally gather the members together under one roof. Unfortunately, that happens when their granny dies," Amal said.

"Housing's tale on the other hand, reveals that many people would imagine Emiratis are completely pampered and everything is facilitated to them and they always live in modern houses."

However, Amal believes this is not true. "Indeed, we have a number of Emiratis that are very wealthy and own more than one fancy house, but let us talk [about] reality.

"A majority of the UAE population belongs to the middle-class... and they cannot afford such a level of living.

‘Free housing'

"Therefore, they register for free housing which is granted by the country to the people with low incomes.

"I purposely inserted a housing tale to inform whoever believes all Emiratis' live like queens and kings — they have to know the truth, we have a category that struggles in order to fulfil basic needs."

‘Tears in a Laughing Eye' is another tale through which Amal criticises an unfamiliar habit that is being practiced in many funeral ceremonies nowadays.

"Recently, I've been observing unacceptable behaviour that's unfortunately being practiced at funeral ceremonies. These have turned into a place for chatting, eating and fashion shows instead of mourning the departed and paying respect to his family. I notice big smiles are pasted on everyone's faces."

Amal said such behaviour doesn't belong to the Emirati community and reminds people to stick to their traditions. Amal is currently considering ideas for her upcoming book and hopes to take part in the 2010 book fair.