A traditional Arabic coffee pot on a coin

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) covers 83,600 square kilometres (32,400 square miles) and include 200 islands. It borders Oman in the east and Saudi Arabia in the south. On the coast of the Persian Gulf on the Arabian Peninsula, the UAE shares maritime borders with Qatar in the west and Iran in the north.

(Map of the UAE and region from WorldAtlas.com)

The History of the Arabian Peninsula goes back at least 6,000 years, to the Palaeolithic age. Some archaeological finds may be over 100,000 years old. Pre-Islamic religion in Arabia consisted of indigenous polytheistic beliefs, Ancient Arabian Christianity, Nestorian Christianity, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism. Christianity existed in the Arabian Peninsula, being established first by the early Arab traders who heard the gospel from Peter the apostle at Jerusalem, as well as those evangelized by Paul’s ministry in Arabia and by St Thomas. While ancient Arabian Christianity was strong in areas of Southern Arabia, especially with Najran being an important centre of Christianity, Nestorian Christianity was the dominant religion in Eastern Arabia prior to the advent of Islam. One of the major cultures that dominated the Arabian Peninsula just before the rise of Islam was that of the nomadic Bedouin people. The polytheistic Bedouin clans placed heavy emphasis on kin-related groups, with each clan clustered under tribes.

Islam was founded in what is today Saudi Arabia in 610 A.D. It soon arrived in what is today the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the east, in around 630 A.D. The Caliphates thrived in the region until the arrival of the Portuguese in the 1500s. Over the next three centuries, the region was fought over by the Dutch and English as well.

The pearl oyster or lulu (qamasha) was the main source of economic wealth in the region before the discovery of oil. Pearl oysters occur naturally in the calm water and shallow banks (fasht) of the Persian Gulf. At the beginning of the 20th century, Abu Dhabi was a subsistence economy made up of small fishing villages, pearling, camel herding and farming in the oases. The decline of the pearl industry in the 1930s caused significant hardship for the population. The discovery of oil in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia was to change all this. The first cargo of crude oil was exported from Jabel Dhanna in Abu Dhabi in 1962. As oil revenues increased, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan began a comprehensive programme to build new schools, housing, hospitals and roads.

(Map showing the seven Emirates of the UAE, from WorldAtlas.com)

At the time, the area which became the UAE was formed by seven “Emirates”, territories ruled by an “Emir”. The Gulf was patrolled and defended by the British under a 150-year-old treaty. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi championed the idea of union with his fellow Emirs. On 2nd December 1971, the United Arab Emirates was formed, with the final member joining in February 1972. The UAE consists of seven Emirates: Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. The new federation was intended to be the nucleus of Arab unity and to protect the potentially oil-rich coast from the ambitions of more powerful neighbouring countries. It is the only federation of separate states in the Arab world.

Obverse

The obverse contains the denomination in Arabic characters surrounded by the country name. The name is in Arabic above and English below.

Reverse

The reverse shows a Dallah (traditional Arabic coffee pot). Below the Dallah is the date in Gregorian and Hijri (Islamic) years, both in Arabic. In the case of this coin, the dates are 2014 (Gregorian) and 1435 (Islamic).

Dallah

Dallah is a symbol of generosity and hospitality in every Arab home. The word Dallah was derived from the word “Dalwa” which, in the language of Levant people, means the bucket we use to pull the water up to us, while the pot we use to make the coffee is called “Rakwa” in Arabian Peninsula.

But as a result of crafting Dallah in the Levant first, the people of Damascus called it “Dalwa”, then “Dallah” was known by its current name now.

(A table set with Dallah and cups – as well as nuts and fruits. From SakiProducts.com)

Arabic coffee, known as ‘Qahwa’ is a lighter, spiced brew with cardamom and sometimes saffron or cloves. Serving a cup of coffee is like offering a friendly handshake, a warm way to welcome guests. Traditionally, the hosts prepare the coffee in front of the guests, signifying respect and kindness.

First, grind the coffee, to a fine powder, slightly courser than espresso. Bring the water to boil in the dallah over heat. Next, remove from heat and add the coffee and ground cardamom (and any other spices you’re using), and stir. Return the dallah to low heat, and let it simmer. Watch for a gentle foam to form on the surface. Traditionally, the server pours the coffee into a finjan from a height to create a light foam. But be careful not to include the grounds. People typically enjoy Arabic coffee in small amount. People sip the rich flavour slowly, often accompanied by dates or small sweets.

When serving Arabic Coffee traditionally, always use your left hand for guests. Holding the dallah with the thumb pointing to the top, and your right hand holding the cup. Your guests will receive and return the cup with their right hands, too. This shows a sign of respect and part of the coffee’s deep-rooted etiquette.

That makes me want to sit down and enjoy an Arabic coffee with guests now! What coin most reminds you of spending time with friends? Let us know!