Al Sanaa quiz: Emirati etiquette questions and answers

Here are 12 questions from the “Al Sanaa (Emirati etiquette)” category of Uloomak, from easy to hard. Try to answer, then tap “Show the answer” to see the answer and its source.

1. What is usually served with Arabic coffee in Emirati hospitality?Easy

   • ABread
   • BDates
   • CSalted nuts
   • DChocolate
   Show the answer

   Correct answer: B) Dates

   Source: Visit Abu Dhabi — Emirati traditions

2. How does a guest signal he has had enough coffee?Easy

   • ARaises his hand high
   • BShakes the cup
   • CPuts the cup on the floor
   • DTurns the cup upside down
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   Correct answer: B) Shakes the cup

   Source: UNESCO — Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity

3. What is the mid-Shaaban occasion when children visit neighbours and receive sweets and nuts?Easy

   • AAl Hiya Biya
   • BHag Al Laila
   • CEidiya
   • DLaylat Al Qadr
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   Correct answer: B) Hag Al Laila

   Source: Official UAE portal — Ramadan

4. What does it mean when your host pours you gahwa?Easy

   • AThe visit is over
   • BYou should leave soon
   • CYou will serve coffee next
   • DYou are welcome
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   Correct answer: D) You are welcome

   Source: Visit Abu Dhabi — Emirati traditions

5. What follows the nose greeting in an Emirati greeting?Medium

   • ASilence until the eldest speaks
   • BExchanging gifts before sitting
   • CSitting down at once without a word
   • DA handshake, an embrace and greetings of peace
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   Correct answer: D) A handshake, an embrace and greetings of peace

   Source: UAE Government Portal — Social life

6. Which of these are other Emirati names for the majlis?Medium

   • AHosh, Sath and Liwan
   • BAl Barza, Al Sibbla and Al Hadira
   • CDakka, storeroom and corridor
   • DAreesh, tent and market
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   Correct answer: B) Al Barza, Al Sibbla and Al Hadira

   Source: DCT Abu Dhabi — The Emirati Majlis guide

7. According to UNESCO, which poetry is passed on through the majlis?Medium

   • ANabati poetry
   • BFree verse
   • CAndalusian muwashshahat
   • DTafila (metred free) verse
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   Correct answer: A) Nabati poetry

   Source: UNESCO — Majlis, a cultural and social space

8. What does the proverb “He who has no dallah, no one finds his way to him” mean?Medium

   • AA shiny dallah shows travellers the way
   • BDon't buy a new dallah while the old one works
   • CA house that serves no coffee receives no guests
   • DA dallah is so costly only the rich own one
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   Correct answer: C) A house that serves no coffee receives no guests

   Source: DCT Abu Dhabi — Al Gahwa guide

9. Who wrote the book “Al Sanaa”?Hard

   • AAbdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook
   • BDr. Aref Al Sheikh
   • CAhmed Rashid Thani
   • DSultan Al Owais
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   Correct answer: A) Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmook

   Source: Hamdan Bin Mohammad Heritage Center — Al Sanaa

10. According to UNESCO, who hold special status in the majlis because they settle disputes?Hard

    • APoets and storytellers
    • BMerchants and pearl traders
    • CFishermen and sailors
    • DJudges and religious sheikhs
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    Correct answer: D) Judges and religious sheikhs

    Source: UNESCO — Majlis, a cultural and social space

11. What does “Your coffee is consumed” (gahwatkum mashrouba) mean?Hard

    • AThe host announcing the coffee has run out
    • BA thank-you when politely declining a cup
    • CA guest asking for another cup
    • DA guest complaining about the taste
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    Correct answer: B) A thank-you when politely declining a cup

    Source: DCT Abu Dhabi — Al Gahwa guide

12. What were Arab gathering places (majalis) known as before Islam?Hard

    • ASouq or khan
    • BDiwan or court
    • CRibat or zawiya
    • DDar al-Nadwa or al-Nadi
    Show the answer

    Correct answer: D) Dar al-Nadwa or al-Nadi

    Source: DCT Abu Dhabi — The Emirati Majlis guide

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