The National Library and Archives Presents Emirati Deep-rooted Traditions in the Dates Season ‘Mqeez’

In conjunction with the mid Mqeez season, the National Library and Archives organized a lecture titled: “Mqeez in the Mountains and Sands”. Information were drawn from interviews with senior citizens conducted by the Oral History Section. The lecture highlighted an important phase in the lives and sustainable heritage of the ancestors.
The lecture began by discussing the interest of the founder and builder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan in agriculture and his achievements in palm cultivation and various crops, reflecting his famous saying: “Give me agriculture and I will guarantee you civilization”.
The lecture, presented by researchers Madya Al Mehairbi and Hend AlZahmi from the Oral History Section at the National Library and Archives, defined Mqeez season and then reviewed the customs and traditions of the people starting from their journey to the oases and Mqeez locations, to its midpoint known as Jamrat Al Mqeez, or Ghurzat Al Mqeez, up to its end. The lecture revealed many details about the Emiratis’ dedication to preserving this proud heritage.
The lecture showed that the appearance of semi-ripe dates, known as ‘Tabasheer Al Rutab’, marks the beginning of the date season and its first harvest, as described by the poet Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi: “The rise of the Pleiades begins with the early signs ‘Rutab dates’ / And after two weeks, friends exchange them.” This confirms that Mqeez season starts with the rise of the Pleiades, and Mqeez refers to summer, as explained by Dr. Sultan Al Ameemi. The lecture also covered the means of travel to Mqeez areas, noting that people used to travel on camels and Land Rovers, moving to areas abundant with palm trees and valleys. The people of Abu Dhabi used to spend the Mqeez season in Al Ain and Al Dhafra regions.
In the middle of the Mqeez season, people harvest dates, including varieties such as Naghal, Anwan, Khinizi, Hilali, Fard, Khushkar, and Ain Al Baqara, among others. As for Lulu, it ripens later. Mqeez fruits also include mangoes, known locally as “Hamba.”
The lecture highlighted the importance of sustainability by following the ancestors’ approach, noting that they utilized every part of the palm tree for building shelters, tents, household tools, and food products. This practice demonstrates their commitment to environmental resource sustainability. They made ropes and rags from palm fronds and leaves to use them for fishing.
At the end of Mqeez season, they used to preserve dates and extract their syrup to use for preparing foods during winter that would last throughout the year.
The lecture praised the UAE’s efforts and dedication to celebrating heritage through various activities, notably registering the palm tree in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Liwa Date Festival, and Dhaid Date Festival. The lecture also commended the role of the National Library and Archives in preserving and sustaining the heritage for future generations.
The lecture listed the popular dishes made with dates and the important products derived from the palm tree, such as hayb (the palm kernel), attar, date juice, coffee made from date pits and others, all of which demonstrate sustainability.