It’s a story that exists in the folklore of many cultures throughout the world: a great evil disguised as a beautiful woman. The Emirati version of this story is the legend of Umm Al Duwais.
If you happened to see the 2013 Emirati horror film Djinn, then you’re probably already familiar with the lore surrounding Umm Al Duwais because the film was based on her.
First, you need to understand the role that jinn play in the Muslim faith. Jinn are essentially invisible spirits that live on Earth but (usually) can’t be seen by humans.
These spirits are not inherently good or evil, but can choose their own path and are judged by God just like humans. They also have their own societies that are structured as tribes.
In most accounts of encounters with Umm Al Duwais, it’s nearly impossible to resist her charm. She appears as a woman with long, black hair and beautiful legs.