Have you ever heard the rhythmic beat of a drum and a voice echoing through your neighborhood in the early hours before dawn during Ramadan? If so, you've experienced a beloved Emirati tradition closely tied to this sacred month.

Known as ‘Bu Tubilla,’ or ‘the man with the drum,’ this figure is an integral part of . Bu Tubilla’s primary role is to awaken the community for suhoor and the fajr prayer.

Though the title ‘Musaharati’ is used across the Arab world, in the UAE, this role is uniquely referred to as ‘Bu Tubilla.’

Abdullah Fahidi is committed to preserving this tradition, ensuring that the spirit of in the UAE.

The 35-year-old Dubai resident inherited the role of Musaharati from his grandfather, who practiced it in the 1960s. "The Musaharati was a profession in Ramadan in the past, but today, it is more about preserving heritage," Abdullah told Khaleej Times.

Abdullah started carrying on this tradition in 2005, driven by his grandfather's legacy. "My grandfather was from Shindagha and well-known in the community. Whenever they saw me, people recognised me as Bu Tubilla's grandson. That inspired me to revive the character of Bu Tabila, and since then, I have been carrying it forward," Abdullah shared.

Each night during Ramadan, Abdullah, as Bu Tubilla, roams the streets, waking residents for Suhoor and the Fajr prayer. "In the past, families in the neighborhood rewarded the Musaharati at the end of Ramadan. Some give rice and flour, others gift traditional clothes, sandals, or sugar," he said.

For Abdullah, the role of Bu Tubilla is more than a tradition; it’s a way of connecting with his roots and sharing the cultural spirit of Ramadan with his community.

As Abdullah makes his rounds, he chants traditional wake-up calls:

"Wake up, O sleeper... rise and praise the Everlasting One... Wake up, O sleeper... remember your Lord, the Everlasting One."

He also sings:

“O Bu Tubilla … O Bu Tubilla… O Bu Tubilla… He wakes people up every night, O Bu Tubilla."

Children eagerly follow him, clapping along and joyfully repeating the chants. For safety, local police accompany Abdullah, helping to manage the crowds and guide both children and residents who join the procession.

Beyond his nightly duties, Abdullah is also involved in heritage events and is often invited to perform and showcase this unique cultural tradition. 

Abdullah believes that 'Bu Tubilla’s role will never disappear and will continue to thrive as long as there is an ongoing government support for heritage preservation. . He ensures the tradition remains alive in residential neighborhoods, practicing it within regulated guidelines.

"There are always people from the neighbourhood who join me, eager to learn and help. Some are 25 years old, some are 13, and others are 21," he said.

During Ramadan, Bu Tubilla walks through various neighborhoods in Dubai, such as Al Barsha and Nad Al Sheba. His grandfather, too, would make his rounds through older areas like Hor Al Anz, Shindagha, and Al Fahidi.

Abdullah’s nightly route spans several hours, ensuring as many residents as possible experience .

Outside of his role as Bu Tubilla, Abdullah enjoys several hobbies, including ice skating, sports, and fishing with friends. "In the past, I was involved in Emirati theater and participated in several plays before focusing more on heritage events," he said.

Now, Abdullah is considering a return to the stage. "I'm thinking of returning to theater, and this time, I want to try acting. I have the skills and capabilities needed to take on this challenge," he shared.