Welcome to
UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
THE 365 DAYS of Ancient wisdom for the Wellbeing of Modern Man
Saturday, 01.04.2023
GOODBYE INDIA
Dear Green Heart Warrior, with Friday’s last one in March, and Anu’s interview, we are saying goodbye to India and are flying over to the United Arab Emirates in The Gulf region, for another Ancient Wisdom Month full of Bedouin stories, desert sand, wind, sun, camels and falcons.
Thank you for being with us and please stay tuned. It’s going to be so much fun. Love to ALL.
Sunday, 02.04.2023
April in United Arab Emirates
WELCOME to Wisdom April full of Bedouins, the art of storytelling, modern Arab women and men, desert sand, wind, sun, camels, and falcons.
Monday, 03.04.2023
April in United Arab Emirates
‘Welcome YOU, who appreciate the value of the ancestor’s traditions, the old ways, past events and
its effects on our modern society, said H.E. Abdullah bin Dalmook, CEO of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center, when he greeted us for the interview, we are going to post this Friday.
‘Heritage has an important role in UAE. It’s perceived to enrich and inspire creativity, innovation and tolerance, to be reflected in its best form in our digital world and to avoid the risk of conflicts caused due to different background and culture aspects of all who live in this land of the UAE and consider it their second home.’
But let’s start at the beginning, dear Green Heart Warrior, by diving into the Ancient Wisdom of Bedouin Life in the UAE tomorrow, shall we? We’re happy to have you with us.
Tuesday, 04.04.2023
On Bedouin Life
We’ve all heard about Dubai. Fascinated by a modern and glamorous metropolis with a melting pot of cultures and a famous skyline that features some of the world’s most iconic buildings, it’s easy to forget about Bedouin life in the Arabian Peninsula.
Yet it was not that long ago, a little over 40 years in fact, that the UAE’s desert landscape was inhabited by proud Bedouin tribes, fishing villages and date farms. The Bedouins lived in varied terrain, as the tribes were moving between the ocean, the desert, and the oases.
Persistence seems to be in their blood; one can only imagine everything it took to build the Dubai of today in such a short amount of time. It’s easy to say, it was just about having the money to do it. Because to be fair, it was much more than that. It was and is about the Vision, about the Pride and about the Determination for leaving the legacy of creating a Better Life – without excuses or complaints.
Wednesday, 05.04.2023
On Bedouin Life
The name “Bedouin” comes from the Arab word Bedu. Known for their resourcefulness and hospitality, the Bedouins have always been on the move and would journey thousands of km across the sand dunes, with just the sun to indicate the east-west directions and the stars to point out the north, while the slant of sand dunes offered a further sense of direction. The Bedouins were expert trackers and could distinguish the footsteps of humans from the animals in the sand.
Being inspired by the Bedouins, one can enjoy the feeling of pure freedom and non-attachment to land.
Can there be a lesson for us, dear Green Heart Warriors? Would simply letting go and trusting life bring us the inner peace we often long for, even if it’s only from time to time?
Thursday, 06.04.2023
On Bedouin Life
Guests would be greeted with the utmost respect, and were likely to be welcomed with food, dates, and coffee. This tradition carries through today, and it is not uncommon to see hotels and offices offer dates and coffee in reception areas. Knowing thyself and your ‘tribe’, being proud of both and loyal to the cause & unity, was a universal wisdom that kept our Ancestors around the globe alive. We could surmise that’s one d emotional harm – it’s just not how we are wired. Thank you for being in our Tribe, dear Green Heart Warrior.
Friday, 07.04.2023
Live interview
Join us, dear Green Heart Warrior for our first live interview with H.E. Abdullah bin Dalmook, CEO of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center.
With Love from the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Yours, Sasa.
Saturday, 08.04.2023
Self-reflection Saturday with the keyword of the month: Persistence
Living in a desert climate with a scarcity of water and natural resources forced the Bedu to rely on whatever they had access to in order to survive. Despite this, they led a life of pride and simplicity in the desert and treated their surroundings with respect.
- Please reflect on how you perceive Simplicity.
- Are you consciously grateful for the comfort the majority of us are living in?
Sunday, 09.04.2023
Self-reflection Sunday with the keyword of the month: Persistence
Bedouins were known for their hospitality and welcoming nature – a trait seen in the modern-day life of the Emiratis still today.
- Have you been able to visit and enjoy Arabian hospitality yet?
- Please share your experience with getting to know the cultures of the people of the desert.
Monday, 10.04.2023
On Bedouin Life
Very few people in the UAE still live as Bedouins in the sense of a nomadic lifestyle. Today, Bedouin-ness is associated largely with an identity and a heritage. For an Arab to say he is from a Bedouin family, is like saying, ‘Look, this is where I am from, a group of people known for their generosity, their honor, and values’.
We, the LWGH team, believe that global heritage is becoming increasingly important to people because, with the move toward a more global economy and culture, people want to have something that distinguishes them from others while connecting them on a Human level at the same time.
And standing out due to a Bedouin-ness notion of a free, roaming, nomadic life really strikes a romantic chord with us, right?
Tuesday, 11.04.2023
On Camels & Self-Discipline
For millennia, camels have been an integral part of Arab culture. Considered a gift from God, they have always been treated with love, respect, and considered a part of the family or tribe, with many legends, stories, and even poems written about them. Over the centuries, the camel has grown from a convenient means of transportation across the desolate desert, to a symbol of status among families. Arab tribes in the Gulf region believe that it is a virtue for a person to become disciplined in the same characteristics and qualities typically attributed to the camel, such as endurance, resilience, patience, and the ability to withstand harsh conditions.
Qualities that continue to be assets in the face of modern life adversities.
Wednesday, 12.04.2023
On Camel Trekking & Heritage Keeping
Organized by the HMH Heritage Center, the annual camel trek, in which amateur camel trekkers complete a 600 km desert journey to Dubai, is very popular with Emiratis and expats, especially among those who’d love to have a unique desert experience and learn the old ways of the Bedouins. The 34 camel riders from 15 countries who spent 12 days in the desert in 2023, said their journey connected them with nature, in addition to developing ties of friendship and cooperation with other participants. All of them had to undergo 2 months of training before the actual trek, with each participant concluding to be familiar with their camel and ready for the upcoming desert challenges.
What do you say, dear Green Heart Warrior? Are we up for the challenge of becoming a desert warrior in 2023?
Thursday, 13.04.2023
On Bedouin Storytelling
The Wolf will keep its stature even if it was betrayed,
while the fox will remain inferior even if it wins.
Achieving the Goals while overcoming difficulties is like the cherry on the cake.
Although friends are supposed to be there for you,
some of them are feeding on ingratitude.
Although Brotherhood is priceless, some brothers could break your heart.
Good manners triumph over mountains of money.
Showing gratitude and being thankful are a form of decency.’
Join us tomorrow for our storytelling moments with H.E. Abdullah bin Dalmook, whose story we have shared today, to be inspired by Arabic storytelling even more.
Friday, 14.04.2023
Live Interview
Join us, dear Green Heart Warrior, for Bedouin storytelling moments with H.E. Abdullah bin Dalmook, CEO of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Center.
With Love from the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula.
Saturday, 15.04.2023
Self-reflection Saturday with the keyword of the month: Persistence
Arab tribes believe that it is a virtue for a person to become disciplined in the same characteristics and qualities known about the camel, such as endurance, resilience, patience, and the ability to withstand harsh conditions.
- Please take a moment to think about the importance of those qualities in the face of modern life adversities.
- How are they currently present in your life?
Sunday, 16.04.2023
Self-reflection Sunday with the keyword of the month: Persistence
On Wednesday, we talked about the UAE annual camel trek in which amateur camel trekkers complete a 600 km, 12-day desert journey to Dubai.
- Have you ever joined an adventurous journey like that?
- Please share your stories and inspire us all, dear Green Heart Warrior.
Monday, 17.04.2023
On Wisdom
“Hikma” is the Arabic word for wisdom and is, in Emirati culture often associated with qualities such as experience, insight, and practical knowledge. Arabs perceive wisdom as an essential quality for leaders and elders, who are expected to have a deep understanding of customs and traditions. This can be observed in the tradition of “majlis,” which is a gathering of community leaders and elders who come together to discuss important issues and make decisions.
Overall, the concept of “hikma” highlights the importance of respecting and learning from the wisdom of the elders.
“This has tremendous potential in today’s life, helping people in making good decisions and finding solutions to their problems,” said an Emirati elder in the Bedouin camp.
Tuesday, 18.04.2023
On Diversity and Tolerance
Nowadays, the Arabian Peninsula is home to a wide range of people, coming together from around the globe, bringing along with them different ethnicities, religions, and even cuisines. History teaches us that when diversity is present, then our goal for a functioning and productive society is cohesion. And that can never be achieved without tolerance. The Emiratis have an amazing ability to accept others even if they don’t share the same beliefs or don’t look the same.
They believe our differences can enrich our life experience and broaden our horizons if we can simply admit that, despite what the news and the world are telling us, we don’t come from several races.
There is only one race, and it’s called the Human race.
Wednesday, 19.04.2023
On Knowledge
“There is no poverty greater than ignorance.”
“Scientists and scholars are the heirs of prophets.”
~ Prophet Mohammad (PBUH).
Islam is the prominent religion in the Arabic world, and when this much emphasis is laid upon any value, it should never be taken lightly.
Whether a means of self-development and personal growth leads to sharp critical thinking skills and informed decision-making, or a way to fulfill our calling in life, Arabs believe that learning and seeking knowledge is the best investment that we can do with our most valuable resource, our limited time on this planet.
Thursday, 20.04.2023
On Modern Arab Women
EXPO 2020 Dubai being done so beautifully, one could feel its feminine power and hear the message of Unity and Connectedness all around. Today, we are honoring Modern Arab Women who were behind it ALL.
Introducing the Woman leading ‘The Tribe’, as she likes to call her team, beautiful H.E. Reem Al Hashimi, the Managing Director of Expo 2020 Dubai, led her team to success with this global event and received incredible recognition for it from her team members and the public.
Today, H.E. Reem Al Hashimi in her dual role as UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation & CEO, EXPO City Dubai Authority, keeps on inspiring Arab Women to step into their full potential.
Friday, 21.04.2023
On holy month of Ramadan
Eid is significant because it marks the completion of a month-long fast from dawn to dusk. And as Muslims worldwide look forward to celebrating the joyous festival of Eid.
Eid Ul-Fitr is the time to get busy decorating the house, and buying gifts for your loved ones and is one of the most important festivals which is celebrated by Muslims with great happiness and joy.
Eid Mubarak, to ALL the Green Heart Warriors around the globe, that celebrate.
Saturday, 22.04.2023
Self-reflection Saturday with the keyword of the month: Persistence
With Thursday’s story about H.E. Reem Al Hashimi and her holding the role of UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation & CEO, EXPO City Dubai Authority, we honored the role of Women in the Arab world.
- How can we help and support the Modern Arab Woman in breaking the stigma of not being empowered?
- Have you been exposed to stigmas that historically oversimplify or misrepresent views or ideas about something in your personal life? How did you break through?
Enjoy your Saturday, dear Green Heart Warrior.
Sunday, 23.04.2023
Self-reflection Sunday with the keyword of the month: Persistence
The UAE is home and workplace to more than 200 nationalities, with the expatriate community outnumbering the population of UAE nationals. Indians are the largest foreign community, followed by Pakistani, Bangladeshis, other Asians, Europeans, and Africans.
- Please reflect on the level of Tolerance present in Emirati culture to be able to share their country on such a large scale.
- How do you practice patience and tolerance in your everyday life?
Monday, 24.04.2023
On Hospitality
Hospitality is of great importance in Arab culture. Hosting and receiving guests is an honor, because a guest is considered a guest of God, and therefore when a guest arrives, houses compete for the honor of hosting.
That makes Arabs famous for their hospitality and taking care of their guests. In Arab culture, the guest enjoys many rights since the host must provide food, drink, shelter, safety, and even entertainment. There are no excuses for refusing or threatening a guest, not even the fact you have just come home from work exhausted or your hands are full of housework.
Relationships always come first in Arabic culture.
Tuesday, 25.04.2023
On Community
Belonging to and living with the community is a very well-established concept in the Arabian Peninsula. The idea that there is strength in unity dates back to the Middle Ages when everything in a city or a town was resolved through community gatherings and communal support.
From simple grievances or complaints between individuals to trade transactions and even declarations of war and peace, everything was resolved in a public gathering that was usually chaired by a ruler of a city or a village elder. To this day, Arabs still visit these gatherings, now happening in Majlis (Arabic: المجلس which is an Arabic term meaning “sitting room”), for aid and help when they need it.
Sadly, in today’s busy life, the strength and support that come from the community, and the significance it holds are often ignored and undermined.
Wednesday, 26.04.2023
On Humility
Humility is one of the key values according to human etiquette and various religious teachings. In Emirati culture, it is linked with modesty, respect, and defined as the willingness to put the needs of the community above one’s own desires. Individuals are expected to prioritize the well-being of their family and community over their own interests.
Humility is seen as a way to cultivate a sense of community and foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual support. According to the great book of Al Sanaa’ describing the Timeless Values and Manners embedded in the local communities of the UAE, humility is seen as a way to avoid arrogance and to maintain a sense of perspective on one’s place in the world.
Thursday, 27.04.2023
On Keeping Promises
One of the precious teachings of the Arab Ancestors is that if you give your word, you must stay true to it. If a person promises to do something, they cannot go back on their word. The Elders say: “Once you start slipping on the small things, e.g. not phoning someone even though you promised it, you will get used to it and that’s really dangerous if you make it a habit.”
We, dear Green Heart Warriors, wholeheartedly agree with this final teaching from the Arab Ancestors; that’s why we are keeping our promise and will continue to collect and post Ancient Wisdoms from around the globe, occasionally adding live events to make it more fun.
Please join us tomorrow for the report from our first ONE WORLD. ONE FAMILY. 365 event we and the Spirit agency have hosted in Dubai, and the live interview with Petra Tolja, Manager of the Slovenian Pavilion at EXPO CITY Dubai.
Friday, 28.04.2023
Live Interview
Join us, dear Green Heart Warrior for the report from our first ONE WORLD. ONE FAMILY. 365 event. Hosted by the Spirit agency and the Slovenian Pavilion in Dubai, it featured a live interview with Petra Tolja, Manager of the Slovenian Pavilion at EXPO CITY Dubai, and herself an ex-pat in Dubai.
With Love from the Arabian Peninsula.
Saturday, 29.04.2023
Self-reflection Saturday with the keyword of the month: Persistence
Humility is one of the key values according to human etiquette, and virtually all religious teachings.
- Have you ever taken the time to reflect on what it really means?
- How is it present in your everyday life?
Enjoy your Saturday, dear Green Heart Warrior.
Sunday, 30.04.2023
GOODBYE UAE
Dear Green Heart Warrior, with April coming to an end, we are saying goodbye to the United Arab Emirates and are flying over to Africa into another Ancient Wisdom Month full of amazingly brave people, wild animals, and breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
Thank you for being with us and please stay tuned. It’s going to be so much fun. Love to ALL.