«Sometimes, I feel that every bite carries with it memories and nostalgia for childhood times, when we used to sit with all family members at the same table, laughing and sharing stories, and watching our mothers prepare iftar, possessing a special magic in turning the simplest ingredients into dishes that pulse with love». She added: «Competitions, riddles, and children's laughter fill the atmosphere of the evening, and guests enjoy getting to know the different dishes from neighbors, acquaintances, and friends. In the month of goodness, amidst the homes of the UAE, 'Fawalat Ramadan' is not just a table laden with dishes, but a symbol of hospitality, receiving guests with love, and gathering family, neighbors, and the children of the neighborhood around one table that creates rapport before the food is served. 'Fawalat Ramadan' manifests after Taraweeh prayers, when the table spreads its vibrant colors, from Harees, Balaleet, Khabees, and Eedey, to Lakamat and fruits, as well as aromatic cardamom-infused Arabic coffee, adorning the Ramadan evening with smiling faces and chatter that fills the place with warmth. Heritage specialists confirmed in 'Al Ittihad' newspaper that 'Fawalat Ramadan' is a space where adults recall the stories and knowledge of family and loved ones, and children learn the meaning of hospitality and respect, noting that the 'Fawalat' of the past was simple, relying on a limited number of local dishes with coffee and dates, but today it has expanded and diversified, including new types of Eastern and international sweets. After that, the woman would return to her daily responsibilities, sitting with her children, checking the needs of the Suhoor, and if it was ready, she would relax, and if not, she would begin preparing it, then proceed to prepare the next day's iftar: she would take out the meat early, wash the Harees, and start preparations for a new day before praying Fajr and getting some rest». «Flavors of the Past» As for 'Umm Dana', she spoke of the 'Fawalat', saying that she insists on serving fresh Lakamat and traditional Khubz Raqiq, as this scene represents to her the strengthening of the Emirati folk traditions she was raised on. This living experience gives a cultural and social dimension that cannot be ignored, as it is part of the society's memory and identity». «A Way of Life» On her part, grandmother Shadia said: «'Fawalat Ramadan' in the Emirati home was not just about preparing food, but a complete way of life and a social habit that generations were raised on. Women would gather daily at one woman's home, and the visits would begin with the sick, the widow, or the elderly, sitting with them to keep them company and alleviate their loneliness, in a sincere picture of Emirati social solidarity». She continued: «These visits would extend for hours of talk and chatter, during which they would exchange news and plan for the next day, with one saying: 'I'll start early,' and another replying: 'No, leave it to me,' taking turns preparing the dishes and distributing the effort with love and cooperation, without strain or prior appointments. We grew up seeing it repeat before our eyes until it became part of our identity and collective memory». She explained: «From the hours of dawn, the Emirati woman would begin her daily journey in the kitchen, preparing for the iftar table that would not be without the staples in every Emirati home: Harees is always present, and the Frideh occupies the center of the table, and Lakamat is a dish that cannot be dispensed with, alongside local sweets, and although some old methods of preparation have vanished, their presence remains constant on the Ramadan table». She added: «After Maghrib adhan and iftar, homes would experience moments of short calm and rest before women prepared for Taraweeh prayers, carrying their prayer mats to the mosque, a scene that reflects the spirituality and uniqueness of the month». She clarified: «With the end of Taraweeh, another page of old Ramadan would begin; the page of social relations that were the foundation of life in the neighborhood. And despite these changes, its essence remains one: a 'gathering' that brings Ramadan to life in every home and gathers families and friends». «A Space for Love» Head of the Women's Committee of the Shamal Association for Folk Heritage and Theater, Umm Rashid Maryam Saeed Al Wajeef, stated that 'Fawalat Ramadan' represents a living picture of Emirati identity, enhances the spirit of participation and solidarity, and is a space where new generations learn the meaning of cooperation and gives them an opportunity to appreciate the folk heritage and arts that form our identity, emphasizing that it reminds everyone that authenticity is not lost with the passing of days, and that preserving cultural heritage is a collective responsibility. While Emirati heritage media specialist, Abdullah Khalif Al Balushi, saw that 'Fawalat Ramadan' was a fundamental gathering point for family and neighbors, where dates, Balaleet, and coffee were served, and everyone exchanged news and 'knowledge of one another,' it was a space for transferring the elders' experience to the youth, as 'the words of the elders are gold.' He pointed out that through 'Fawalat Ramadan,' one could see the spirit of authenticity and social interaction, and how to transfer traditional values to the new generation, as each dish on the table tells the story of a family, and every social gathering reflects the cohesion of the Emirati society and its values, according to Al Balushi. As media personality Halima Al Raeesi saw in 'Fawalat Ramadan' a reflection of the cohesion in the Emirati society and instilling in the new generation the values of participation, respect for original customs, and the spirit of the blessed month that unites people in love and generosity, adding: «Sometimes, I see in 'Fawalat Ramadan' living examples of the strength of family bonds and how to strengthen ties between neighbors, the guest is received with enthusiasm, and the home opens its doors to people's hearts before the dishes. Sometimes, we tell small stories among ourselves about bygone days and discover that every dish has a special way that tells the story of a family, and every dish carries the scent of the past with the spirit of the present». Thus, 'Fawalat Ramadan' from after Taraweeh until Fajr remains a complete social painting, in which worship mixes with gathering, and hospitality with identity, so that Emirati generosity remains present in every home». «The Month of Connection» Grandmother Shadia said: «Between the dishes of the past and the flavors of the present, 'Fawalat Ramadan' is more than a social habit; it is part of Ramadan in the UAE, where generosity mixes with faith, memory meets the present, and the Emirati home remains open with love, saying to every guest: 'Welcome... in Ramadan, the heart before the table'. She added: «The Lakamat were golden in color, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with syrup or honey poured generously over them, and the Khubz Raqiq was hot, emanating the scent of toasted flour, completing the spread with flavors that carry the scent of the past, bringing back to the hearts the warmth of 'Fawalat Ramadan' as it was in the days of our forefathers». While Moza Al Naqbi described 'Fawalat Ramadan' as one of the most beautiful things in the blessed month, considering it «gathers hearts before the dishes, and every home shares a dish that carries its special flavor. And so was the Ramadan we are used to, the Ramadan of work, love, and connection».
