The Three Core Majlis Seating Formats
Every majlis seating system fits into one of three formats: wall-mounted fixed seating (the traditional L or U arrangement running along the walls), floor-level cushion systems (toshak-style laying on carpet without raised furniture), or a hybrid of raised seating at the walls with a floor-level central area. Which you choose depends on the space dimensions, the formality expected, and whether the majlis is indoors or inside a tent.
Wall-Mounted Fixed Seating (Majlis Sofa Systems)
The classic UAE majlis runs a continuous upholstered seat along two or three walls, with a low central table and a row of small decorative pillows along the back. Dimensions to know:
- Seat height: 35–40 cm from floor — lower than a standard sofa (45–50 cm), which is deliberate. The lower seat angle is more conducive to extended sitting and conversation.
- Seat depth: 70–90 cm. Deeper than a standard sofa seat to allow cross-legged sitting if the guest prefers.
- Back height: 80–100 cm total unit height. High-back versions (100–120 cm) are used in more formal reception majlises; lower backs create a more open, relaxed atmosphere.
The seating runs wall to wall in the room or tent, connected at corners. Corner sections are typically square bolsters (60×60 cm) that look balanced from both angles.
Floor Seating (Toshak and Arabic Floor Cushions)
In many traditional and heritage-style settings — particularly inside bayt al-sha'ar tents, at farm majlises, and in the reception areas of Islamic events — seating is entirely at floor level. The toshak (also spelled tashek) is a thick floor mattress, typically 180–200 cm long × 60–70 cm wide × 10–15 cm thick. It is placed directly on the carpet or on a layered kilim, with bolsters at each end and a row of back cushions against the wall.
For formal floor seating in the UAE, the arrangement mirrors the wall-mounted system: toshaks run along the walls on all open sides of the space, with the center left open for the low coffee table, tea service, and incense burner. Guests who need back support use a long cylindrical bolster (called a mutakkah) between their back and the tent or wall behind them.
Hybrid: Raised Wall + Floor Center
Popular in larger outdoor tent majlises, particularly for Ramadan setups: fixed upholstered majlis seating runs the perimeter, while the center of the space uses floor cushions and large area rugs. This accommodates guests who want to sit up (at the perimeter) and guests who prefer floor level (in the center). It also creates a visual layering that reads as generous and hospitable.
Fabric Choices for UAE Majlis Seating
The fabric choice is the most visible decision and the one that ties the seating to the rest of the space:
- Velvet: the premium choice for formal indoor majlises. Rich texture, takes dye intensely, comfortable to sit on in air-conditioned spaces. Not suitable for outdoor tent majlises — collects dust and is difficult to clean after a gathering.
- Majlis-grade jacquard: woven fabric with geometric or arabesque patterns built into the weave, not printed on. More durable than velvet and appropriate for both indoor and tented settings.
- Linen-cotton blend: casual, breathable, appropriate for open-air farm majlises or summer-evening garden setups. Shows dust easily — darker colors are practical for high-use settings.
- Leather or synthetic leather: easy to clean, holds up to heavy use at events and Eid gatherings. Tends to feel cold in air conditioning and hot in any residual warmth — best in temperature-controlled indoor spaces only.
Sizing Your Majlis Seating for the Space
A common error is under-ordering seating and leaving visible gaps at the corners or between sections. Use these formulas:
- For a standard tent or room wall, measure the wall length and subtract 40 cm from each end (for corner clearance and door clearance). The remaining length fills with 90 cm sofa sections plus one or two 60 cm corner pieces.
- For a U-shaped arrangement (three walls), the two side arms are typically 2–3 sections (1.8–2.7 m) and the back wall is the longest run (3–6 m depending on tent width).
- For floor toshak arrangements, plan one toshak per 1.5 persons at comfortable gathering density, or one per person at a formal seated event.
Ordering Majlis Seating in the UAE
Arab Muzalat supplies and installs complete majlis seating sets — indoor fixed systems, outdoor tent configurations, and floor toshak arrangements — across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and all UAE emirates. We measure your space, produce the seating to the correct dimensions, and install it ready for your first gathering. Contact us with your tent or room dimensions to get a production and delivery timeline.
