Traditional Emirati music is a music of a heart and spirit

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The UAE has such a unique and rich cultural and traditional history, it is authentic and popular cultural expression has always been the traditional dances which were a special feature of festivals, national holidays, weddings and even casual gatherings. The Emirati traditional dances is an individual art which form a beautiful fabric together with dance and poetry that shows national spirit. Because it reflects the heritage and values of Emirati culture, the dance has become a symbol of national identity here.

Some types of folk songs originated from the sea, the pearl diver music, the pace, tempo and the lyrics of these songs vary according to the seasons, the phase of the venture or the job of the singer.

Archaic dance and songs any where in the world is reflection of the tradition, history and culture of the land and its people. Music and song have been always an essential part of amy society since old times and in history. Musicians have impersonate the sounds found in nature to reflect their feelings. thoughts, visions and evolve their musical talents.

Traditional or archaic dances and songs in any country forms have been passed down through generations, even before schools and education.

However, in the UAE a lot is being done to preserve the rich dance history because it is part of their tradition, with the UAE government working to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy and participate in the traditional dances. The Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development (MCKD) works to enrich the cultural ecosystem in the UAE through, supporting cultural, arts and heritage and by providing support to the Nation Folk Arts Group, which performs all over the Emirate and internationally, sharing the traditional dances.

Emiratis are known by their integrity and their touching nature to value beauty and art. They have always been bound to protect the poetic tradition inherited from their ancestors.

Poets enjoyed a presiding place in the Emirati society and their works were appreciated. Poetry knew no barriers and Rulers, scholars, merchants and common men exhibited their poetical talent in public.

The Nabati is a kind of narrative epic poetry based on the lives of popular Arab heroes. It has been so popular since ancient times that it was recited in colloquial Arabic.

Despite of the great vulnerability of the UAE people to culture through history which enriched the music and songs of the Emirates. However, the core of their own traditional and archaic is intact.

The early Arabian music were derived from the songs of the ancient camel herdsmen who recite beautiful verses, to break the silence and monotony of the raging deserts. This is called Ghna’a Al-Rukban, the music of the riders in Arabic, is the oldest musical genres in Arabia. It emerged long centuries before the emergence of Islam and symbolizes the close relationship between a camel and its shepherd. These songs still exist in the deserts of the Emirates.

Al Ayyalah which means encouraging people to defend their land and attack the enemy. This traditional dance praises the image of ancient Arab warriors.

Al Ayyalah is still popular in the Gulf region in general and the UAE specifically. The verses are in classical Arabic and contain a message of bravery. Additionally, the Al Ayyalah plays such a significant part of the history of the UAE that in 2014 it was added on UNESCO’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage Items of Humanity. This recognises that the traditional dance forms part of the nation’s identity and heritage. This recognition will help in the transfer of knowledge of the dance from one generation to the next, preserving the values of the dance amongst the people of the UAE.

Al Manaheel is one of the most popular traditional dances in the UAE. It is performed jointly by male and female dancers. This dance is a must at weddings and festivals.The participants stand face-to-face holding hands in two rows.

Al Razzefa is a traditional performing art practised throughout the UAE and Oman. It is performed by men of all ages in social occasions, such as weddings and national festivals. Male performers form two facing lines with dancers filling the space between. Led by the main singer, the two rows create a dual chorus,

Al Taghruda has originated from Taghreed, meaning singing, and has its origins in the desert and mountainous regions, and rural villages of the United Arab Emirates as a form of improvised poetry among Bedouin camel riders and herders. Today, it is found throughout the nation and is a beloved component of UAE culture.

Al maled, or al mowled, is the recitation of long poems that deals with religious themes. A group of tambourine players or drummers provide a gentle percussion background to the narration and a second, larger group repeats the refrains after the narrator.

Two other performances, Al na’ashat and Al radha, were traditionally given by Bedouin women at various kind of celebrations. Young girls in colourful attire toss their cascading raven locks from side to side in tune to Arabic songs, which glorify bravery and praise the achievements of the tribe.

During Al na’ashat, the dancers roll their heads from side to side to display the beauty of their long hair, especially when the song performed relate to love, pride or bravery. Al radha was traditionally performed after a wedding celebration, when the women sang as they made their way to the house where the musical instruments were kept.

Other unique dances are al wannah whivh is a slow romantic song for two singers, in praise of heroism, which has a gentle rhythm played on tambourines and it is accompanied by brass instruments, and al sameri, an ancient form of Bedouin singing that derives from the world samer, meaning to stay up at night: the tradition was to sing through the hours of darkness, accompanied by the traditional Arabic stringed instrument called rababa.

Al Liwa, which has origins in Africa, is one of the most popular folk dances in the entire Arab region. It is performed by a group of dancers. The main subjects that are dealt with in these songs are beauty, love, religion and the tribe.

Al Noban has its origins in Al Noba in the south of Egypt. while Al Andeema is a tradtional dance from the shore of Africa and it is similar to Al Liwa. And it is a must at a wedding.

Al Dan is a song and dance sequence, that traces its origins to the Al Batina region in Oman. The songs that comprise this art form deal with social subjects and are mainly in praise of love, wisdom and religious discourses.

Al Habban songs are in classical Arabic, and belong to the class of nuptial songs. They are performed by two bands of men and women dancers. The lyrics in colloquial Arabic express deep emotion and tackle social issues. They are sung by the women at a wedding.

The folks songs and dances in the UAE are the character and bravery of Bedouin life and their values of dignity and honour.