Gulfnews: Majlis is a key feature of civilisation in UAE Dubai: The Majlis is one of the cornerstones of Emirati civilisation. For decades, friends, neighbours and families would gather in a Majlis during sunset. Meaning 'place of sitting' in Arabic, the term is used to describe a formal legislative assembly and also a place for social gathering. Traditionally it was one of the major facets of social life in the Gulf countries