Palm Tree (Ar)

This booklet is an extensive study of the role of the date palm in the society, culture and heritage of the United Arab Emirates. From traditional oases to modern times, this tree has been a source of survival, food, shelter and livelihood. Palm Tree examines the various uses and products of this versatile evergreen. It describes the role of the farmer in planting the palm, transplanting offshoots, pollination, pruning, irrigation and harvesting the dates. The pressing process to create molasses and the tradition of gifting dates are also explained. The wood and leaves of the palm tree helped to build homes, household goods and utensils. The booklet explains how this was done, such as through 'trunking' and Khoos (wicker weaving). This documentation has gained greater importance with the 2019 inscription of the date palm on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Palm Tree is a Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi research project.