Arab Hospitality
One of the greatest things about this region, with its multi-faceted cultural oasis, is that one often encounters people of different places, races and faces.
A story I fondly recall is when I was doing some paperwork, being helped by a Yemeni gentleman. While bureaucracy ensued, we exchanged some chit-chat. The gentleman asked that I guess where he comes from. After some guesses, I hit the jackpot.
While the queue got longer, and I intended to lessen any further pressure on his job by politely ending the conversation, it continued. I expressed my love for Yemen, and that I wanted so much so visit his country, but that circumstances prevailed I couldn't. His defence mounted, and out of respect, I could only offer friendly arguments as to why it's difficult for a woman to travel there as a tourist, given the recent circumstances.
After the paperwork processing, he moved from his post to the place I was at the next step of the process (a considerable distance) , to buy me a fruit cocktail, and reiterate that I should visit his homeland in my future travels.
This particular memory of this gentleman's kind deed has lived on in my mind for a long time, just reminding me that there are such good people in the world, and in Dubai. In the warm season, this gentleman went all the way from his assigned post to the place I was, just to offer me unforgettable Arab Hospitality: and to that, I salute him, and all good people.
8 comments:
Don't ya just miss the ol' days! I'd like to think, there's some of that alive and going around...perhaps those farmers at Dibba.
Perhaps things are changing due to the intensity of globalisation, and that the concept of hospitality is slowly evolving as a result. All in all, true hospitality can be found in all corners of the world, despite inevitable change.
Yemen really is one of the last outposts of Felix Arabia left.
Beautiful country and I can't recommend it highly enough.
If the opportunity exists then you should go. Sana'a has some of the best architecture in Arabia. I can't say what its like now but I lived there 10 years ago and the people were very friendly.
I too am stunned by the Emirati's legendary hospitality, as I've never seen it all. Despite being here for seven years, I have NEVER been invited by a local to visit their home, have a soft drink, or anything AT ALL!
I think they deceive themselves with all this bullshit about 'Emirati hospitality' - it only exists in their little minds.
quite agreed with Abdullah.
Yemen is amazing by all accounts. They are realy poor but their hospitality is richer than, yes any Emarti, I have met.
I remember it was raining once and man basiclly forced me and my wife to come to his house althought we told no thank you. He then said, how could he leave us out while its raining.....
He the gave us food, qat and drinks.......
were would that happen?
While living in UAE the only Emarties that ever invited us to their house were of Yemeni origin.
I hope this does not cause you any offense Princess but that is the truth.........
I felt it was a taboo to take someone to their house in the UAE.....
the hospitality is conditional:
1. gender: Female... chances are high.
2. good looking female... reaching max capability.
3... good looking Caucasian woman..... over the top.
Exceptions are surely there. There are many genuine people out here. But people going out of their way to be nice to you...... Agh, what cynic I am...
Sean
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