Every year, as the holy month of Ramadan draws near, families across the UAE prepare to mark Haq Al Laila, a beautiful tradition deeply rooted in the nation’s culture and values. This special occasion highlights the spirit of generosity, togetherness, and faith that lies at the heart of Emirati life.

Haq Al Laila or Hag Al Laila can be used interchangeably, referring to the Ramadan custom where children dress in vibrant, traditional clothing and visit their neighbours, cheerfully singing songs of gratitude and receiving treats in return. It’s a celebration that brings smiles to young faces and strengthens bonds within communities, creating a shared sense of joy and connection.

Read on as we delve deeper into the meaning of Haq Al Laila, its significance, and how you can join the festivities.

What Is Haq Al Laila?

Haq Al Laila, transliterated from the Arabic حق الليلة, literally means “The Right of the Night” or “The Truth of the Night”. Also spelled as Hag Al Laila or Haq Allailah, it marks the 15th night of Sha’ban, the month preceding Ramadan in the Islamic calendar.

Hag Al Laila serves as a cultural and spiritual prelude to the holy month, marking a time for reflection, generosity, and togetherness. Haq Allailah has been passed down through generations in the UAE and continues to hold a special place in the hearts of families nationwide.

The celebration is especially exciting for children, who dress in traditional attire, visit neighbours, and sing memorable songs while collecting sweets, nuts, and other treats. It’s a joy-filled night, bringing families and communities closer.

Hag Al Laila is a treasured custom that reminds everyone of the importance of kindness, sharing, and unity as they prepare for Ramadan.

How Haq Al Laila is Celebrated in the UAE

Children at the Heart of the Festivities

Haq Al Laila for children is a celebration that places them at its centre. Dressed in colourful traditional clothing, they go from house to house in their neighbourhoods, carrying brightly decorated bags. Singing cheerful songs like “Aatona Allah Yutikom” (meaning “Give to us, and Allah will reward you”), they collect sweets, nuts, and small gifts from their neighbours. This tradition brings immense excitement and joy to children, making it one of the most memorable nights of the year for them.

Community Spirit

The essence of Hag Al Laila lies in its ability to unite people. Neighbours and families take the opportunity to strengthen bonds within a community, share moments of happiness, and express generosity. Homes open their doors with warm hospitality, and the exchange of treats becomes a meaningful way to connect. It’s a celebration fostering kindness and a sense of belonging.

Modern Touches

While the tradition remains deeply rooted in its cultural significance, modern communities have introduced new ways of celebrating Haq Al Laila. Schools often host themed events to teach children about the tradition, while urban neighbourhoods organise gatherings to ensure the custom thrives in today’s busy world. Eco-friendly gift packaging and reusable treat bags are also becoming popular, reflecting a growing awareness of sustainability while preserving the spirit of the occasion.

The Significance of Haq Al Laila

A Prelude to Ramadan

Haq Allailah serves as an important spiritual preparation for Ramadan. Celebrated on the 15th night of Sha’ban, it allows families to reflect on the values that define the holy month, such as charity, gratitude, and community.

By engaging in acts of giving and connecting with others, people are reminded of the principles they will carry into Ramadan. Hag Al Laila’s celebration helps set the tone for a month dedicated to faith, generosity, and self-reflection.

Preserving Emirati Heritage

Haq Al Laila is also a vital part of the UAE’s cultural identity. It is one of the many traditions that preserve the rich heritage of Emirati society, passing down meaningful customs to future generations.

By continuing to celebrate Hag Al Laila, the UAE ensures that its values of unity, hospitality, and kindness remain alive and relevant in a rapidly changing world. Schools, communities, and families play a key role in keeping this tradition strong, teaching its importance to children and incorporating it into modern life.

Ideas for Celebrating Haq Al Laila with Your Family

Bringing Haq Al Laila into your family’s celebrations can be a meaningful and enjoyable experience. You could start by creating personalised gift bags filled with sweets, nuts, and small treats for children to share with neighbours or friends. This adds a personal touch to the tradition while teaching children about the joy of giving.

Take time to explain the significance of Hag Al Laila to younger family members, helping them understand its role in Emirati culture and its connection to Ramadan. You may also want to make it a family tradition to dress up in cultural clothing, to capture the spirit of the occasion and create lasting memories.

To make Haq Al Laila even more special, consider organising an event in your community or among friends. Whether big or small get together, it’s a wonderful way to strengthen bonds. This celebration could include themed decorations, traditional songs, and sharing sweets.

To create tangible memories of this special occasion, consider having a professional photographer take family photos. This way, you can enjoy and be fully present in your Hag Al Laila celebration while ensuring candid moments are captured. These small touches truly help keep the tradition alive for years to come.

Traditional Clothing and Accessories for Hag Al Laila

For families planning a Haq Al Laila photoshoot, traditional outfits can help capture the spirit of the occasion. The clothing reflects the heritage and culture behind the celebration, making the photos feel more authentic.

Girls: Bright Dresses and Accessories

Girls usually wear colourful dresses, often decorated with embroidery and patterns. These dresses, known as jalabiyas, are loose-fitting and comfortable, making them easy to move around in. Many families choose dresses in bright shades like red, green, and blue, sometimes with gold details.

A matching embroidered bag is often part of the outfit, used to collect sweets and treats. Some girls also wear a headdress, which can be a simple headscarf or a more decorative piece with embroidery.

Jewellery is a common addition, with some girls wearing gold coin necklaces, bracelets, or anklets. These pieces add a traditional touch and are sometimes passed down through generations.

Boys: Traditional Emirati Attire

Boys wear a kandura, a long, white robe that is a common part of Emirati dress. It is simple and comfortable, making it suitable for the occasion.

Some boys also wear a ghutra, a headscarf usually in plain white or with a red-and-white pattern, held in place with an agal (a black rope-like band). Others might add a waistcoat over the kandura for a more festive look. Waistcoats often come in darker shades with embroidery, adding a bit of contrast to the outfit.

Colours and Details

Haq Al Laila’s clothing is often more colourful than everyday wear. Girls’ dresses are usually in bright, festive colours, while boys stick to the traditional white kandura, sometimes adding darker shades through accessories like waistcoats. Gold embroidery is common, giving the outfits a decorative look.

Special Foods and Treats of Hag Al Laila

It is common for supermarkets and groceries in the UAE to be busy prior to Hag Al Laila as Emirati families buy traditional treats to distribute amongst children who will be knocking on their doors. Some also make it a family activity to make sweet desserts from scratch. Children are encouraged to continue this tradition as they look forward to receiving treats during Hag Al Laila and celebrating with the community.

1. Nuts and Candies: A Sweet Tradition

One of the most delightful traditions of Hag Al Laila is the giving and receiving of nuts and sweets. Children dress in colourful traditional attire and roam their neighbourhoods, singing:

“Atoona Hag Al Laila…” (Give us from the bounty of this night…)

In return, households warmly welcome them with small fabric pouches, often embroidered with golden threads, filled with a mix of treats. These treats symbolise the spirit of sharing and abundance, reinforcing the values of kindness and hospitality.

The contents of these treat bags vary but typically include:

• Mixed nuts – almonds, cashews, and pistachios, often lightly salted or roasted.

• Candies – a variety of locally sourced and international sweets, ranging from caramelised sugar treats to chocolate.

• Toffees and lollipops – enjoyed by children for their long-lasting sweetness.

This tradition is not just about receiving; it is a way for communities to connect, strengthen relationships, and pass on cultural values to younger generations.

2. Popular Treats of Hag Al Laila

While shop-bought sweets are common in treat bags, traditional Emirati desserts are also prepared at home, filling the air with the rich aromas of cardamom, saffron, and dates. These delicacies are often made in large batches and shared with neighbours, ensuring that the joy of Hag Al Laila extends beyond one household.

Loqaimat – The Beloved Emirati Dumplings

Loqaimat (لقيمات) is a staple during many Emirati celebrations, and Hag Al Laila is no exception. These deep-fried, golden dumplings are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are traditionally drizzled with date syrup or honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds, adding a perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

• How it’s made: To cook Loqaimat, you’ll need to mix flour, yeast, saffron, and cardamom for your batter, which is left to rise before being shaped into small balls and fried to perfection.

• Why it’s loved: Loqaimat is light, slightly chewy, and irresistibly sweet, making it a favourite among both children and adults.

• A symbol of generosity: Since they are best enjoyed fresh, they are often made in large quantities and shared with guests and neighbours, embodying the communal spirit of Hag Al Laila.
  
  
  

Rangina – The Comforting Date Dessert

Rangina (الرنجينة) is a traditional dessert deeply rooted in Emirati culture, made from dates, butter, and flour. This simple yet rich dish is particularly meaningful during religious and cultural gatherings.

• How it’s made: The recipe for Rangina includes pitted dates that are lightly sautéed in melted butter before being topped with a mixture of toasted flour and fragrant spices such as cinnamon and cardamom.

• A nostalgic treat: Many Emiratis associate Rangina with childhood, as it is often prepared by grandmothers who pass down their unique recipes.

• A nutritious indulgence: Since dates are packed with energy and nutrients, this dessert is both wholesome and satisfying.

During Hag Al Laila, Rangina is commonly served at home as a comforting snack to welcome guests or gifted to neighbours in beautifully decorated bowls.

Emirati Halwa – A Sweet Delight with Saffron and Cardamom

Emirati Halwa (الحلوى الإماراتية) is a well-loved dessert across the Gulf region, known for its rich, gelatinous texture and deep, aromatic flavours. Emirati Halwa is particularly special due to its generous use of saffron and cardamom, which give it a distinctive taste and a golden hue.

• How it’s made: To prepare Emirati Halwa at home, combine sugar, cornstarch, rosewater, and ghee. Slow-cook all the ingredients until the mixture reaches a thick consistency. Nuts such as almonds or pistachios are often added for extra flavour.

• Why it’s cherished: The luxurious texture and fragrant spices make this a celebratory dish, perfect for special occasions like Haq Allailah.

• A gift of appreciation: Small portions of Halwa are sometimes packed in decorative boxes and given as gifts, symbolising gratitude and goodwill.

Traditional Songs of Haq Al Laila

1. Atoona Allah Yutikom (أعطونا الله يعطيكم) – “Give to us, and may God bless you”

This is the most iconic song of Hag Al Laila. As children walk from house to house with their decorated cloth bags, they chant:

“Atoona Allah Yutikom, Bait Makkah Yudikum”

Meaning: “Give to us, and may God reward you; may He grant you a house in Mecca.”

This song is a heartfelt expression of gratitude and well-wishing, emphasising the values of generosity and kindness.

2. Atoona Halawa (أعطونا حلاوة) – “Give us sweets”

A lively and playful song where children joyfully request sweets from their neighbours. The lyrics are simple and repetitive, making it easy for young ones to sing along:

“Atoona Halawa, doum doum doum”

Meaning: “Give us sweets, always, always, always.”

This song enhances the excitement of the celebration, encouraging a sense of community and happiness.

3. Ya Nas Hado Allah (يا ناس حدو الله) – “O people, remember Allah”

This song carries a more spiritual tone, reminding people to reflect on their faith while celebrating. The lyrics encourage blessings upon the Prophet and gratitude for God’s provisions. It is often sung by older children or in a group setting as they walk through their neighbourhoods.

4. Mubarak Aleikum Al Shahar (مبارك عليكم الشهر) – “Blessed be this month upon you”

A song that acknowledges the sacredness of Sha’ban and the upcoming arrival of Ramadan. The lyrics convey good wishes and prayers for prosperity and health. It is sometimes sung by families at home as they prepare treats for the children for Haq Al Laila.

Keep the Spirit of Haq Al Laila Alive for Generations

Haq Al Laila is a meaningful tradition that brings families, neighbours, and communities together. It highlights the importance of generosity, gratitude, and unity while preserving the rich cultural heritage of the UAE.

Whether you’ve celebrated it for years or are experiencing it for the first time, Hag Al Laila offers a chance to connect with others and reflect on Emirati values that continue to be relevant. By participating in this cherished occasion and sharing its traditions with younger generations, you help ensure that its spirit continues to thrive.

Take the opportunity to embrace Hag Al Laila this year, whether by joining local festivities, organising your own celebration, or simply learning more about its significance. It’s indeed a night filled with joy, connection, and relevance – a beautiful reminder of the power of tradition in uniting people.