Al Shehhi Tribe Documentary Reveals 1,800-Year Emirati Heritage

In the rugged, mountainous terrain of Ras Al Khaimah, a resilient community known as the Al Shehhi tribe has thrived for more than 1,800 years. This community’s rich cultural heritage, unique dialect, and traditional lifestyle have remained largely undocumented until recently. Thanks to the efforts of a young Dubai-based filmmaker, Ali Fuad, this hidden chapter of Emirati history is finally gaining recognition. His documentary, Echoes of Our Land, shines a light on the Al Shehhi tribe, offering a rare glimpse into the UAE’s deep-rooted past.

Fuad’s film not only won the Best Audience Award at Middlesex University Dubai’s Premier de MDX screening but also sparked interest in a broader series aimed at exploring the diverse, untold stories of Emirati communities. This documentary marks a significant cultural milestone, preserving oral histories and traditions that are at risk of fading away in the face of modernization.

Discovering the Al Shehhi Tribe: A Unique Mountain Community

The Al Shehhi tribe is part of the larger Shihuh confederation, which inhabits the mountainous areas of Ras Al Khaimah. Known for their endurance and strong connection to the harsh mountain environment, the Al Shehhi have developed distinct cultural traits that differ markedly from other tribes in the UAE.

One of their most remarkable characteristics is their unique dialect—Shehhi Arabic. This dialect blends Arabic with traces of Persian influence, reflecting centuries of geographic isolation and intercultural contact. Linguists, including Mark Shockley, have highlighted Shehhi Arabic as a critical piece in understanding the linguistic diversity of the Arabian Peninsula and preserving the tribe’s cultural identity.

Despite their deep historical roots, the Al Shehhi remain largely unknown outside their region. Modern urban development and national narratives often overlook such mountain tribes, making Fuad’s documentary all the more important in amplifying their voice.

The Making of Echoes of Our Land: An Immersive Journey

Ali Fuad’s journey to document the Al Shehhi tribe began as an academic project during his final year at Middlesex University Dubai. Under the mentorship of senior lecturer Deema Maghalseh, Fuad chose to focus on this remote community, driven by a desire to preserve their stories for future generations.

One of the biggest obstacles Fuad faced was the scarcity of existing documentation. Few photographs, films, or written records existed to tell the tribe’s story. This gap required Fuad to engage directly with the tribe, relying on oral histories passed down through generations. His immersive approach involved living alongside the Al Shehhi, participating in daily tasks such as herding sheep and preparing traditional foods, and spending hours listening to the elders recount their experiences and cultural practices.

This method earned the trust of the community and allowed Fuad to produce a documentary rich with authenticity and nuance. The physical challenges were significant as well; some filming locations could only be reached by four-hour hikes through mountainous terrain. Yet, these difficulties reinforced the importance of preserving such heritage and gave the film a raw, intimate quality that deeply resonated with viewers.

Cultural Insights: Life and Traditions of the Al Shehhi Tribe

Life in the mountains is demanding and shaped by the environment. The Al Shehhi tribe traditionally depended on subsistence farming and animal husbandry to survive. They cultivated wheat during the early winter months, grinding the grain by hand using a traditional millstone called the Riha. These efforts produced staple foods like khubz (flatbread) and Aseed, as well as Emirati sweets like luqaimat.

Women played a vital role beyond domestic duties. They were responsible for weaving palm fronds into household items such as utensils and roofing materials. This craftsmanship not only provided practical solutions for living in extreme climates but also passed down cultural knowledge through generations.

The tribe’s unique dialect and war chants, such as Nabdah and Tahweed, are more than linguistic or musical forms—they are expressions of unity, resilience, and identity. These chants historically served as calls to solidarity and strength, especially in times of conflict or threat. Even today, elders greet each other with the Nabdah chant, a tradition symbolizing enduring connection.

Overcoming Challenges to Cultural Preservation

One of the most significant challenges Fuad faced was the lack of existing audiovisual records or written sources about the Al Shehhi. This gap highlights a broader issue faced by many indigenous and remote communities worldwide—the risk of cultural erasure due to modernization and lack of documentation.

By relying on oral histories and direct engagement with the tribe, Fuad’s documentary acts as an important preservation tool. It captures traditions, language, and daily practices that may otherwise be lost. His work exemplifies the crucial role of ethnographic storytelling in safeguarding intangible heritage, particularly in regions experiencing rapid economic and social transformation.

Moreover, Fuad’s collaboration with the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research provided necessary funding and institutional support. This partnership reflects increasing recognition in the UAE of the importance of cultural heritage and the need to support projects that document and protect it.

Impact and Recognition of Echoes of Our Land

The film’s reception went beyond academic circles, earning the Best Audience Award at Middlesex University Dubai’s Premier de MDX screening. It resonated with viewers for its authenticity and respectful portrayal of a community rarely seen or heard in the mainstream.

Encouraged by this success, Fuad plans to expand his work into a full documentary series that will explore other Emirati communities and traditions—from desert tribes to coastal pearl divers. This vision aligns with a growing movement within the UAE to document and celebrate its diverse heritage, balancing the country’s rapid modernization with cultural preservation.

The Broader Context: UAE’s Heritage Preservation Efforts

The UAE has increasingly prioritized preserving its cultural heritage, especially in the face of rapid urban development and globalization. Institutions like the Sharjah Institute for Heritage and the Al Qasimi Foundation have been instrumental in documenting oral traditions, crafts, languages, and historical narratives.

Cultural preservation initiatives often focus on empowering communities to tell their own stories. Films like Echoes of Our Land demonstrate the effectiveness of engaging youth and academics in this mission. Through media, education, and community collaboration, these efforts foster national pride and raise awareness about the nation’s diverse past.

Additionally, the UAE’s commitment to cultural preservation aligns with global frameworks, such as UNESCO’s efforts to safeguard intangible cultural heritage. By supporting projects that document living traditions, the country contributes to the international dialogue on heritage preservation and cultural diversity.

A Call for Future Storytellers and Preservers

Ali Fuad’s journey offers a powerful message for aspiring filmmakers, historians, and cultural advocates. His advice to “be authentic” and “start with stories that move you” encourages young creatives to explore their own communities. Often, the most profound stories are found close to home—in conversations with elders, neighbors, and family.

In an era where rapid change threatens traditional ways of life, capturing and sharing these narratives becomes a vital act of preservation. Fuad’s approach, combining immersive fieldwork with cinematic storytelling, provides a blueprint for others who wish to document their heritage responsibly and respectfully.

Preserving the UAE’s Living History

Echoes of Our Land is more than a documentary—it is a bridge between past and present, a record of a people whose traditions have endured for nearly two millennia. Ali Fuad’s work highlights the importance of cultural preservation in the UAE and the power of storytelling to foster understanding, respect, and pride.

As the UAE continues its rapid development, projects like Fuad’s remind us that heritage is a living, breathing element of national identity. They emphasize the value of embracing diversity within the nation and ensuring that future generations can connect with the rich mosaic of stories that define their roots.

Through dedication, empathy, and innovation, the Al Shehhi tribe’s legacy—and many others—can continue to inspire and educate, helping the UAE build a future grounded in respect for its past.