If you’ve ever wondered what it means to truly experience UAE culture, then a visit to the bustling Souq Al Freej in Dubai is a must. This pop-up market offers an authentic taste of the UAE, and one dish that stands out as a must-try is the iconic harees. The aroma of this slow-cooked, porridge-like dish fills the air, enticing visitors with its warmth and deep, rich flavors. For both expats and locals, harees is more than just food—it’s a cultural experience. Here’s a look at what makes this dish so special and how it represents the heart of Emirati hospitality.
A Journey Through the UAE’s Culinary Heritage: The Making of Harees
Harees is a beloved dish in Emirati cuisine, made from tender lamb or chicken, slow-cooked with wheat and spices until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. The preparation of this dish isn’t a quick process—it’s a labor of love that demands patience and care. At Souq Al Freej, harees is prepared live, giving market-goers a chance to witness this age-old tradition in action.
Bless and Tayyeb Hussain, two skilled expat chefs, are at the heart of the harees preparation process. They begin stirring the massive pot of harees at 3 p.m., continuing the meticulous cooking process that began the day before. According to Tayyeb, the making of harees takes nearly 24 hours to perfect. “It’s a dish that tests your patience and dedication,” he says. From soaking the wheat overnight to carefully boiling the meat and slowly adding ingredients, every step is essential to achieving the perfect texture and flavor.
The process starts with soaking the wheat, which can take several hours or overnight to ensure the grains are tender. Once the wheat is soaked, fresh meat—often lamb—is sourced from the market. The meat is cooked on a low flame with spices and water until it becomes tender and can be easily shredded. Once the meat is cooked and shredded, it is set aside while the soaked wheat is added to the flavorful broth. The mixture is then slow-cooked for six to eight hours on low heat, reaching 70% of its final consistency.
As the clock ticks toward 5 p.m., the chefs continue to stir the pot for over an hour, seasoning the dish to perfection and serving it hot. The final touch often includes a garnish of butter or fried onions, enhancing the flavor of this hearty meal. The sight of people enjoying the harees makes Tayyeb and Bless feel proud, as they know they are contributing to a meaningful cultural tradition that has been passed down through generations.
The Soul of Souq Al Freej
Beyond the iconic harees, Souq Al Freej offers visitors an immersive experience into the UAE’s culture. This vibrant market brings together families, entrepreneurs, food lovers, and fashion enthusiasts, all celebrating the rich traditions and modern spirit of the Emirates.
Al Warqa Park 3 comes alive at sunset, with children running around play areas and families gathering to enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment. The market itself is a lively space filled with unique stalls showcasing local products. One of the highlights is the Emirati fashion scene, where visitors can find beautifully embroidered jalabiyas, traditional tunics, and dresses that reflect the UAE’s rich cultural heritage.
Fatma, an Emirati entrepreneur who has been participating in Souq Al Freej for the last few years, showcases her collection of handmade jalabiyas. “I use fabrics sourced locally and add embroidery inspired by Emirati heritage,” Fatma explains. The intricate details of her designs have garnered attention from visitors who appreciate the craftsmanship involved in each piece.
Fatma’s participation in the market has also been a significant opportunity for her small business. She notes that the market has helped her connect directly with customers, fostering relationships that contribute to the growth of her brand. For emerging entrepreneurs, the exposure and opportunities at Souq Al Freej are invaluable, offering a platform to showcase their products and build a following.
A Taste of Emirati Flavors Beyond Harees
While harees steals the spotlight at Souq Al Freej, the market is also home to a wide variety of traditional Emirati delicacies. For foodies eager to explore local flavors, this is a haven for authentic Emirati cuisine. Among the many delicious offerings are luqaimat, a sweet treat made of deep-fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup or honey, and balaleet, a dish of sweet and savory vermicelli noodles cooked with sugar, cardamom, and saffron. These dishes reflect the diverse and bold flavors that define Emirati cooking.
Traditional beverages such as local tea and jellab, a sweet drink made from dates and rosewater, complement the food offerings, making for a truly immersive dining experience. These drinks, often served chilled, provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory dishes, enhancing the cultural experience of the market.
For many visitors, Souq Al Freej is more than just a place to shop or eat—it’s an opportunity to connect with the UAE’s vibrant culture, where every bite, every interaction, and every piece of clothing tells a story. Whether you’re a local or an expat, the market offers a chance to dive deeper into the traditions that make the UAE a unique and fascinating place to live.
The Role of Markets Like Souq Al Freej in Preserving Emirati Culture
The importance of markets like Souq Al Freej cannot be overstated. In a world where global influence is increasingly shaping everyday life, it’s vital to have spaces where traditional Emirati culture is preserved and celebrated. Markets like these provide a platform for local entrepreneurs to showcase their goods, from food to fashion, while also offering visitors an authentic taste of the country’s heritage.
The experience of walking through the market, sampling local food, and interacting with Emirati artisans is a powerful reminder of the country’s deep cultural roots. As Dubai continues to grow as a global hub for business, tourism, and innovation, places like Souq Al Freej allow residents and visitors alike to pause and reflect on the traditions that continue to shape the UAE’s identity.
A Must-Visit Destination for Locals and Tourists Alike
Whether you’re living in the UAE or just visiting, Souq Al Freej is a must-visit destination to experience the heart of Emirati culture. The market offers an enriching experience that combines tradition with modernity, showcasing the best of local food, fashion, and craftsmanship. For those who want to try harees, there’s no better place to enjoy this iconic dish than right at the market, where it’s made with care and passion by chefs who have mastered the art of slow cooking.
The market is open for a limited time each year, typically coinciding with the cooler months when outdoor activities are most enjoyable. So, if you’re in Dubai during this period, be sure to stop by and immerse yourself in the flavors, sounds, and sights that define this incredible region.
Conclusion: Embrace the UAE Way of Life at Souq Al Freej
Souq Al Freej offers a rare opportunity to experience the UAE way of life in its truest form. From the slow-cooked harees to the vibrant Emirati fashion, every corner of the market is a reflection of the rich traditions and cultural pride of the UAE. It’s a place where locals and expats can come together to celebrate food, fashion, and heritage, offering a slice of life that’s unique to this region. So, the next time you find yourself in Dubai, take a trip to Souq Al Freej and savor the taste of local culture—one bowl of harees at a time.
