UNESCO Considers Arabic Coffee and Other Things for its List

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UNESCO is considering including some Arabic traditions in its Intangible Cultural Heritage lists, which are Arabic coffee, Emirati henna, and Nabulsi soapmaking. 

These Arabic traditions and other international traditions will be part of the discussion of the committee's general session in Paraguay from Dec. 2 to Dec. 7.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Palestine, and 12 other countries have been working towards getting their traditional henna-making practices on that list. Henna is used for adornment and medicinal purposes in the Arab region.

A joint submission to get Arabic coffee on the UNESCO list was made by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, and Jordan. In the Arab world, coffee is a symbol of peace, harmony, tolerance, an act of approval from the woman's family of a suitor, a means of settling disputes amongst tribes, an important part of welcoming guests, and much more.  

Palestine's Ministry of Culture made a submission to get Nabulsi soapmaking on the list, which is an important part of Palestine's cultural heritage. The soap is made of olive oil, water, and lye; making at home reflects good management of a house. This tradition of soapmaking has been an important source of income for various families. 

If approved, these traditions will make it to the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists.

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