As temperatures drop and a gentle winter breeze arrives, the 'Hawi' (the space in front of the house) in the UAE transforms into a warm area for outdoor winter gatherings. Families and neighbors come together to chat and enjoy the authentic winter atmosphere. These gatherings have become an annual tradition that many eagerly await. They combine the warmth of a fireplace or a bonfire, with karak tea and conversations that stretch late into the night, reviving the spirit of social connection that has always characterized life in the UAE. For lovers of tranquility and a slower pace, these gatherings offer a space for contemplation under a star-filled sky, an experience pulsing with social warmth and the charm of nature, bringing life back to the 'Hawi' full of camaraderie and nostalgia. It is a warm memory told through coffee cups, preserved by hearts before photos. Today, 'Hawi' gatherings are no longer just a seasonal ritual but a living continuation of a social heritage that began decades ago. Abdullah Khalafan, presenter of the 'Al-Barza' program on Ras Al Khaimah radio, notes that the form of the gatherings has changed, but their spirit remains the same. He tells 'Al-Ittihad' newspaper: 'Previously, the gathering was simple, a rug on the sand, a fire, and coffee on wood. Today, the arrangements are organized and well-prepared, but the chatter, warmth, and camaraderie are the same, just in a modern style.' Khalafan describes 'Al-Barza' as an authentic part of UAE identity. 'It used to be held almost daily in front of houses, bringing together neighborhood residents to share knowledge and news. Although the form has changed and gatherings have moved to equipped spaces inside homes, the goal has remained the same: communication and the unity of neighbors.' He also mentions 'Fawalat Al-Asr' — afternoongatherings where women or men gather after the afternoon prayer to drink light coffee and eat dates and sweets. 'It's a place where family and neighbors gather to drink or eat something light. These gatherings last about 10 minutes for men, while for women they can extend until the evening. It's a family meeting point.' Khalafan emphasizes that winter gatherings remain a refuge for the family: 'They provide rest and peace of mind, distance people from pressures, and bring them closer to each other.' In his opinion, it is the ideal place to pass on the experience of the elderly to the youth, where 'the words of the elders are gold,' old stories are told, and the youth learn the meaning of hospitality, respect, and the art of conversation. UAE national Fatima Saleh recalls the 'Fawalat Al-Asr' in the 'Hawi,' when families have gathered since ancient times, spreading dates, drying, and storing them during the winter season. She says: 'The Hawi was the heart of the house. We had lunch, dinner, and chatted there. Today the same gathering exists, but it's more organized and decorated. Before, we used to sit simply, without decorations.' She adds: 'During Fawalat Al-Asr, we gather in the Hawi, and each of us or our neighbors and relatives brings coffee, tea, or something simple, and we sit and talk.' She says: 'Mountainous areas, such as Sha'am and Jir, still maintain this authentic character, where dates are spread, chickens are raised in the Hawi, and the gathering begins with greetings, chatter, coffee, and tea, and continues until night.' Simia Abdel Majid tells how the 'Hawi' has become a major meeting point for the family: 'The grandmother gathers her children and grandchildren every Friday and Saturday. In the summer we sit inside the house, but in winter we go out to the Hawi. The family gathers under one roof, exchanging conversations, news, drinking coffee and tea, and the children play among the family.' Aisha Al-Masn says the most beautiful thing about the winter gathering is the communication that brings people closer, allowing them to get to know their neighbors, acquaintances, and family members. She considers them 'gatherings that we inherited from our elders and that still exist in every home.' Retired Colonel Sulaiman Al-Kizi Al-Shamili makes a precise comparison between yesterday's and today's gatherings: 'In the past, gatherings relied on 'Al-Fanar' (oil lamps) and 'Al-Saraya' (canopies) in the absence of electricity, and conversations were the art and entertainment. Today, technology, lighting, and phones that people get busy with have entered.' Shamili warns of the impact of being busy with mobile phones on family unity. Journalist Muhammad Ibrahim confirms that winter in the UAE has become the season for his annual meetings with friends: 'We gather for about 10 days a month to meet, strengthen our relationships and bond, which winter brings us together in a different way.'
