'Al-Shabah' in Saudi Arabia

In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, "al-Shabah," also known by other names such as "Shabat al-Nar" and "Shabat al-Daw," is a social tradition where Saudis gather around a fire, seeking warmth during the long winter nights when temperatures drop to zero °C or below, especially in the northern provinces of the Kingdom.

The Arabs have known "Shabat al-Nar" (gathering around the fire) since pre-Islamic times, and it has remained a symbol of generosity and hospitality. It embodies elements of Arab hospitality, with the clinking of coffee cups, the sound of the mortar pestle, and the aroma of blue oud wafting through the air. People of all ages gather around, inspired to recite poetry, share stories, memories, and historical tales filled with wisdom, humor, and proverbs, exchange riddles, or play traditional games such as dominoes, Baloot, and Carrom.

During winter, Saudis light al-Mashab using pieces of Acacia tortilis, Haloxylon salicornicum, Acacia nilotica, Calligonum comosum, or even charcoal, as long as it provides warmth and produces minimal smoke. They gather around the fire (al-Shabah) as the cold intensifies, especially during the Saud period, which includes phases known as (Saad ad-Dhabih, Saad Bala’, Saad al-Saud, and Saad al-Khabaya). In some provinces of the Kingdom, al-Shabah remains lit until the end of March, as the cold gradually subsides. It becomes even more popular on weekends.

Al-Shabah gatherings are not limited to nighttime hours; some hosts welcome guests right after Fajr (dawn), Duha (between Fajr and Dhuhr), Asr (late afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), or Isha'a (night) prayer. Others keep their doors open for guests and visitors twenty-four hours a day.

Al-Shabah is held in family gatherings within homes, in open spaces set up in courtyards, in tents or Buyut Shi'r (traditional Bedouin tents) in desert areas, or in open rest houses. The host welcomes visitors, including family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Hot drinks are prepared over al-Shabah fire, alongside what is known as al-Ma’amil, which includes the Arabic Dallah (coffee pot) and other pots for making coffee, brewed tea, milk, especially camel milk, ginger, and Karak (spiced tea). Some foods are also prepared, particularly dates, chestnuts (known as Abu Farwa), and corn roasted over the embers of al-Shabah.

Some also prefer to prepare hearty meals, such as Kabsa cooked over al-Shabah fire, especially when gathered in a tent or Bayt Shi’r during camping trips.