Creating a Nation through Heritage: Emiratization of the Coffee Pot (Dallah)

Abstract

Coffee plays a significant role in today’s Arab culture, and it has long been considered one of the main aspects of Arab history, culture, heritage, and hospitality. It has even been recognized by UNESCO, which added Arabic coffee to its Intangible Cultural Heritage List following the application by several Gulf countries. This study explores the nation-building process of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) through its heritage, with specific reference to the coffee pot (dallah). The UAE forms its national identity (the Emirati identity) by deriving it from a broader identity (that is, being Arab) and defining it to a regional identity (Khaleeji). Moving from a regional to a national identity is intended to unite the seven emirates under one standard identity, but at the same time contain common characteristic features and solidarity with Khaleej and other Arabs. Slight differences to strengthen the desired national (Emirati) identity and differentiate the UAE from the neighbors will be enough in creating national heritage. This study examines how the UAE attempts to create its own heritage, one that is common among its seven emirates, to unite them under one identity. The coffee pot, however, has common features with other Arab and Khaleeji countries, as can be clearly seen from the map. Meanwhile, the process is still in progress, and to date, no consensus has been achieved.