Must-Try Emirati Dishes for UAE Islamic New Year

Hey there, food lovers! As we get ready to welcome the Islamic New Year 1447 here in the beautiful UAE, there’s a certain feeling in the air, right? It’s a calm, reflective time as we start a new chapter. While it’s not quite the big party vibe of Eid, Islamic New Year is a special occasion for family, reflection, and just being together. And let me tell you, in the UAE, when families gather, food is always at the heart of it!

As someone who absolutely loves and lives Emirati cuisine, I wanted to share some of my favorite traditional dishes that are just perfect for your Islamic New Year gatherings this year. These aren’t just meals; they’re stories, traditions, and pure comfort on a plate.

Food and New Year Gatherings

So, like I said, Islamic New Year (or Muharram 1st) is more about quiet reflection and starting fresh than huge public festivals. It’s a time many families choose to spend at home, praying, setting intentions for the new year, and simply enjoying each other’s company.

And this is where food steps in. Preparing and sharing a meal is a fundamental way we show love and hospitality in the UAE. It brings everyone to the table, creating those warm, cherished moments that are so important when marking a new beginning. It’s less about fancy feasts and more about serving heartfelt, comforting dishes that everyone loves.

About Emirati Hospitality & Food

Emirati cuisine is something truly special. It’s built on simplicity, using ingredients that have been staples here for generations – dates, rice, local fish and meat, and those incredible, warming spices. But the real secret ingredient? Hospitality. Every dish feels like it’s made to be shared, served in generous portions from central platters, inviting everyone to dig in together.

These are dishes that tell the story of the land, the sea, and the people who have called this place home for centuries. Bringing these traditional Emirati dishes to your Islamic New Year gathering is a beautiful way to connect with culture and make the occasion feel truly authentic.

Key Dishes for Your Gathering

Alright, let’s talk about the stars of the show! Here are some essential traditional Emirati dishes that are just perfect for sharing with family and friends this Islamic New Year:

Machboos / Majboos

If there’s one dish everyone in the UAE knows and loves, it’s Machboos (you’ll sometimes see it spelled Majboos). It’s the centerpiece of almost any celebration, and for good reason!

• What it is: Imagine perfectly cooked, fragrant rice layered with flavor from slow-cooked meat (usually super tender chicken or lamb, but fish Machboos is amazing too!). It’s infused with a beautiful blend of spices – think warm notes of saffron, cardamom, turmeric, and that signature Emirati touch, dried lime (loomi), which gives it a lovely, slightly tangy depth.
• Why it’s great for gatherings: Machboos is made for sharing. It comes on big, beautiful platters, inviting everyone to gather ’round. It’s filling, incredibly tasty, and always a crowd-plaser. It just feels like a celebration when Machboos is on the table.

Harees

Harees is a dish deeply rooted in Arabian tradition, often prepared for significant religious occasions and large gatherings. Its preparation is a labor of love, requiring patience and effort.

• What it is: This is a seriously comforting dish made from slow-cooked, coarsely ground wheat and meat (usually chicken or lamb). The mixture is simmered for many hours and then vigorously beaten or pounded to achieve its signature smooth, uniform consistency. Often, it’s finished with a drizzle of golden clarified butter (ghee).
• Why it’s great for gatherings: The time and effort involved in making Harees make it a special dish, showing the care put into the meal. Its soft, nourishing texture is incredibly soothing, and like Machboos, it’s typically served from a communal dish, perfect for sharing a moment of quiet enjoyment.

Thareed

Thareed is another ancient dish found across the Arabian Peninsula, cherished for its comforting depth of flavor.

• What it is: Picture this: layers of thin, traditional bread (like the crispy Rgag bread) placed at the bottom of a dish, and then generously soaked in a rich, savory stew. This stew is typically made with tender meat (lamb or chicken) and root vegetables, all simmered in a fragrant, spiced broth. The bread soaks up all that delicious liquid, becoming wonderfully soft and flavorful.
• Why it’s great for gatherings: It’s a complete, hearty meal all in one go! The combination of the tender bread and the savory stew is incredibly satisfying. It’s a perfect dish for sharing from a central pot, evoking a feeling of warmth and togetherness.

Salouna

Salouna represents the versatility and home-style comfort of Emirati cuisine.

• What it is: Salouna is basically a spiced stew, and it’s really versatile. You can make it with meat (lamb, chicken), fish, or even just vegetables, all cooked in a fragrant, spiced tomato-based broth. The spices used can vary, but often include turmeric, cumin, coriander, and dried lime.
• Why it’s great for gatherings: Its adaptability means you can prepare a Salouna to suit different tastes or available ingredients. It pairs perfectly with rice or bread for dipping, making it easy to share and enjoy. It offers a lighter, perhaps slightly tangier, option compared to Machboos or Harees.

Luqaimat

You absolutely cannot host a gathering in the UAE without offering something sweet, and Luqaimat are the ultimate symbol of hospitality.

• What it is: Think of them as little golden clouds! These are small, spherical dough fritters, deep-fried until they’re crispy on the outside and lovely and soft inside. The best part? They’re traditionally drenched in sweet, sticky date syrup (dibbs) or honey.
• Why it’s great for gatherings: They are the perfect sweet bite to offer guests as they arrive or after the main meal. They’re easy to eat, addictive, and sharing a plate of warm Luqaimat with a cup of coffee is a classic Emirati welcoming gesture.

Important Accompaniments

Alongside these delicious dishes, remember the absolute must-haves for any Emirati gathering:

• Dates: Always have a beautiful plate of dates available. They are a sign of generosity and a natural sweetness.
• Arabic Coffee (Gahwa): The fragrant, cardamom-spiced coffee is continuously poured for guests. It’s a vital part of the social ritual and hospitality.

Finding These Dishes in the UAE

Now, while cooking these dishes at home is wonderful, let’s be real – sometimes you want to enjoy authentic flavors without spending all day in the kitchen! The good news is, the UAE is full of fantastic traditional Emirati restaurants that serve these very dishes.

Whether you’re planning to take the family out for a meal or you want to order in a delicious feast to enjoy in the comfort of your home, finding these authentic options is key to a truly traditional Islamic New Year gathering.

And hey, this is where a platform like Habibi Menus comes in super handy! You can easily jump on, browse through the menus of amazing Emirati restaurants across the UAE, and see exactly which ones offer classic Machboos, comforting Harees, or those irresistible Luqaimat. It makes planning your traditional meal, whether dining out or getting delivery, totally simple. You can even search specifically for “Emirati” cuisine or look up the dishes by name!

Wishing You a Happy New Year!

As we step into Islamic New Year 1447, let the rich and welcoming flavors of traditional Emirati dishes fill your home and your hearts. These dishes, steeped in history and culture, are more than just recipes; they are an embodiment of hospitality, family values, and the simple yet profound joy of sharing a meal with loved ones.

However you choose to mark the occasion, we hope it’s filled with peace, reflection, and the simple joy of sharing good food with the people you love.

Happy Islamic New Year!