Skip to content

Emirati traditions

The Zaffa

The zaffa is the bridal procession that marks a couple's move from single to married life. It brings together rituals, music, dance and a festive gathering, and UNESCO added it to its Representative List in 2025.

Updated October 2026 · Facts checked 22 October 2026

Year on the UNESCO list
20251
Year on the UNESCO list
Countries on the listing
71
Countries on the listing

The Zaffa

At a glance

At a glance
Item Detail
Name in Arabic الزفة
UNESCO list Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity
Year on the list 2025
Listed by Somalia, Mauritania, Jordan, Iraq, United Arab Emirates, Comoros, Djibouti

Source: UNESCO: The zaffa in the traditional wedding1

Before the procession

The bride goes through cleansing rituals and has henna applied, and clothes, jewellery and other adornments are prepared for the bride and groom. Symbolic acts to protect and bless the couple vary from one community to another.1

The procession

The procession moves with music and joyful shouts while sweets and flowers are thrown. Elders make sure tradition is respected, mothers prepare every stage, and young people accompany the bride and groom.1

Sources

  1. UNESCO: The zaffa in the traditional wedding
  2. UNESCO: United Arab Emirates, elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists

Facts checked 22 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information.

Next step

Plan Your Time in the UAE

The emirates, cities and free zones, and the companies that can help you settle in, in the Invest-Emirates.ae directory.

Explore the Emirates Browse the Directory