KHANJAR KHASHMAK Kuli Wuli (Khalli Walli) KARAK TEA KURKUMI KHOUS
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KHOUS Palm frond weaving KHASHMAK Your nose, as in, “give me your nose”. The nose kiss, when two men rub noses together, is an Arabian Gulf greeting of respect. KULI WULI (KHALLI WALLI) Arabian Gulf-speak for “let it go”. Said to be derived from khalli, “allow”, and ywalli, “it goes”, or “runs quickly”. The phi- losophy of kuli wuli is accept that which cannot be changed. Like the well worn phrase mafi mushkala (“no problem”), this pidgin-Arabic expression embodies a relaxed philosophy to life that is well understood and embraced in the Gulf. It is one of several popular expressions derived from Gulf pidgin-Arabic, a blend of Arabic, English, Hindi and Urdu, spo- ken as the common language in taxis, markets and cafes. Em- ploying simplified grammar and phonetics, pidgin expressions like kuli wuli are adopted by Arabic and English speakers. KHANJAR KARAK TEA The UAE’s first weapons took the form of late 3,000 BC straight copper and bronze daggers, as Perhaps no piece of Indian culture has left an imprint on the Emirates well as long spears. After a fixation with swords, that is more common or loved than karak tea, a simplified Arabian Gulf through to the introduction of socketed axes version of chai masala. Cardamom pods, saffron, spoonfuls of sugar in 1,000 BC, the khanjar – a curved dagger – and condensed milk are boiled into black tea. emerged supreme. Foodies offer high-end variations but there is no substitute for the sim- Although the origins of the khanjar lie in Oman, it ple, classic brew of Rainbow Milk and Lipton Tea, two of the country’s grew in popularity all over the Arabian Gulf. Origi- long-established brands. nally used for personal protection and a hunting Served with balalet noodles at breakfast or a Chips Oman sandwich at tool, it developed into a symbol of manhood and lunch, karak’s sweet intensity is the perfect complement to ghee-rich Emi- often status. Omani delegates still wear the khan- rati cuisine, albeit not the healthiest. jar around their waists while travelling, much to Having earned pride of place alongside Arabic coffee, karak is served the chagrin of airport security. as a sign of hospitality in the home and a promise of good intent Forged of Damascene or Yemeni steel, the curved between business associates or adversaries, be it at the lawyer’s blade is sharpened on both sides and is attached office or in a souq before negotiations. to a handle, usually made of ivory. Its scabbard is The best karak, though, is served at drive-in cafeterias where adorned with gold and silver, again reflecting the thousands of cups a night are passed to drivers seated be- high esteem of those who wield such a weapon. hind tinted windows. Sometimes the knife maker even adds a final touch to the inner shape at the top of the scab- bard, which is their signature. The most recognisable of Emirati dancing para- phernalia is the bamboo camel stick, although the khanjar has been known to make an appearance Kurkumi at special events. The sword has also become popular in the country at the occasional wed- ding and sometimes in the crime sections of local newspapers. The colour of turmeric. Emirati dialect has a rich vocabulary of colours that hint at its long trade history. Some colours, such as kurkumi or qahwi, coffee, tell its culinary story. Other Emirati colours include neeli, an indigo stone that whitens clothing and skin, and amlah, the grey white of faded cloth, neither light nor black..