An show-case on the research results on the development of the majlis in the UAE.

A collaborative project together with Prof. Adina Hempel (Zayed University, UAE) and Prof. Zlatan Filipovic (American University of Sharjah, UAE) highlighting the development – the evolution – of the majlis in the United Arab Emirates.

The majlis is an important social practice in the Arabian Peninsula bringing together the community and its leaders. From a humble place of sitting to a dedicated room within a private residence or an official building, the majlis – or mejles as it’s referred to in the UAE – is also a place for knowledge exchange and learning. While the traditional majlis needs nothing more than a mat or a protective structure made from either goat hair or palm leaves, the rapid growth of the UAE from 1960s onwards emphasized the role of the majlis as a support system for decision making. The majalis often welcomed not only residents but also various foreign experts, engineers, merchants, and politicians resulting in the majlis space shifting in size and décor. More recently the role of the majlis further expanded to becoming a space for cultural, intellectual, and social forum. An iconic u-shaped seating arrangement with mattresses and pillows in traditional pattern can be seen as a symbol for the tradition described above and can be found all around the UAE.

Further information can be found on the project website: https://ntsi.info/majlis/