Ezba Experience: A captivating insight into the private world of Abu Dhabi’s Emiratis, offering a magical experience of their cultural heritage.

While Abu Dhabi’s modern skyline and futuristic projects dominate the scene, traces of its traditional past remain, providing a rare chance for visitors to step into the private lives of the locals with the right guide.

The ezba is a time-honored Emirati tradition, once central to the lives of Abu Dhabi’s nomadic Bedouin tribes.

Distinct from a farm, the ezba was a sanctuary where families bred livestock like sheep, goats, and camels, while also passing down vital desert survival skills to future generations.

Though the rise of urban life has diminished the role of the ezba, the UAE government has made efforts in recent years to preserve this cultural relic from the past.

Today, the ezba has evolved into a genuine way for expats and tourists to experience the ancient ways of life and the resilience of the Emirati people before the oil boom.

“In the face of all the modernity surrounding us, the UAE government has ensured this tradition remains alive,” says Abdulazeez Manea, a young Emirati who opens his private ezba to visitors for an authentic cultural experience.

At just 30 years old, Abdulazeez is leading a new wave of Emiratis dedicated to preserving and celebrating their traditional heritage.

“It’s about forging a link to our past and our culture, and the ezba serves as that vital bridge,” he explains.

Tales and symbols

Through Airbnb, Abdulazeez Manea offers day trips to his family’s ezba, nestled in the dunes near Al-Wathba, just an hour’s drive from central Abu Dhabi.

Guests travel in his iconic Emirati Nissan Patrol 4x4, navigating the rugged dunes to reach this remote location – a spot once accessible only by camel or horseback.

As the sun sets, visitors join Manea on a walk through the desert sands, listening to stories that echo the oral traditions passed down through generations of his family.

Visitors discover the deep symbolism of the majlis, the traditional gathering place, as well as the significance of dates and coffee – staples of the ezba and symbols of Emirati hospitality.

Guests have the chance to milk animals, interact with camels, and learn the vital care routines for these desert dwellers, once the primary means of transport for the Bedouins across the harsh terrain.

Before the discovery of oil, wealth in the UAE was measured by the number of animals a family owned, as Abdulazeez Manea explains.

“A middle-class family would own around 40 camels, while the wealthy had 200-300. Wealth wasn’t measured in money, but in livestock,” he shares.

Visitors gain insights into Emirati life, from trying on traditional attire to learning about customary greetings. They also hear tales of desert survival, the role of animals, and the remarkable journey of these nomadic people towards becoming one of the region's most prosperous and advanced societies.

Barefoot in the desert sands

At the ezba, visitors can enjoy the serenity of the natural surroundings, engage with animals, or try their hand at traditional skills like fire starting. For many, it’s a rare glimpse into the often hidden world of the Emirati lifestyle.

The stillness of the desert, with its stables and fire pit, offers a sharp contrast to the bustling energy of Abu Dhabi’s urban life.

“Everyone is eager for this experience, and we can clearly see the profound impact it has, not only on visitors but also on the families involved,” says Manea.

“Children are stepping away from their screens, and people are genuinely connecting, sharing quality time together. As more families embrace owning ezbas, social interactions have flourished,” he adds.

The revival of this tradition isn’t just appealing to tourists; Emirati families are also embracing it as a way to stay deeply connected to their cultural roots.

“During the winter, the farm neighborhoods come alive, especially with the children playing with the animals, exploring the dunes, and learning about local plant life, insects, and the survival skills we once relied on,” Manea shares.

“Despite the many attractions available, the most popular choice for Emirati families is now visiting the ezba, even for special occasions. The experience of walking barefoot in the sand is truly magical,” says Manea.

The mystery within

The transformation of these private ezbas has been made possible by government investments in infrastructure, bringing essential utilities like electricity and water to previously isolated locations.

Manea now feels that sharing this experience with others has become more than just an opportunity – it’s almost a responsibility.

“Being Emirati is a responsibility – a responsibility to share an authentic story,” says Manea, who, although a trained diplomat, is also a certified tour guide, engaging visitors through Airbnb.

“The challenge lies in the fact that there are few Emiratis in the tourism industry interacting with visitors. And no one can tell my story better than I can,” he explains. “The ezba is one of the last remaining traditional experiences.”

“People often struggle to find true cultural experiences, but this is a way to touch the heart of Emirati culture – history, identity, and the spirit of hospitality. It shows that people genuinely want to learn about my culture,” he reflects.

Manea’s family members now actively participate, enabling visitors, both expatriates and tourists, to interact with Emiratis – a group that remains somewhat mysterious even to those who live in the UAE, where Emiratis make up just 10-15% of the population.

“My nephews, nieces, siblings, and elders all take part now,” he smiles. “I try to teach the younger generation that there are always bridges to build with people from around the world, showing them the true essence of Emirati hospitality and culture.”

“Our homes have always been open to all, and while modern life has brought changes, we can still send the message that our doors remain open. No café or mall meeting with international friends will leave the same deep impact as meeting them in the ezba,” says Manea.

‘Priceless treasures’

Emirati Fatma al Mehairi, part of the management team at Etihad Airways, calls offering such authentic cultural experiences ‘priceless’ and in ‘high demand’ among visitors and expatriates in Abu Dhabi.

“It’s valuable for expats living in the country, as it gives them a deeper understanding of the local heritage and allows them to appreciate the unique routines and values of Emirati life,” she explains.

She emphasizes that telling the Emirati story through an authentic Emirati voice is essential.

“Having locals involved in the tourism experience enriches it. We have so much to share. The UAE is a young nation that has progressed rapidly, but it’s also important to show our roots and remind others that despite all the growth, we remain respectful of our traditions,” she says.

By teaching both young Emiratis and foreigners about his people’s way of life, Manea ensures these essential traditions remain alive.

“It shows young people that we can enjoy the benefits of modern life without losing the ancient knowledge we would forfeit if we abandoned these practices,” he adds.

“The more time I spend there, the more I discover about myself, my history, my family, and my cultural roots,”

“I’ve come to understand the vital role camels have played in our lives and the immense care they require. These precious creatures must be preserved. This knowledge needs to be passed on to the next generation,” he reflects.

Photo credit: Abdulazeez Manea