What is a Majlis?
A Majlis is a tradition from the Persian Gulf and more specifically from the United Arab Emirates where I lived close to 15 years, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
It is an open place where the community sits, listens, chats, debates, takes advice and makes decisions about various topics. It is also a family gathering venue.
Listed as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015, they still take place. There are public ones in cities, and they can be used as banquet or seminar venues. They an also refer to more official councils.
Nowadays, the majlis is often mix, however sometimes ladies also have their own. There, you still listen, learn and share advice.
If you are curious, check the Unesco or the Abu Dhabi Culture websites.