The Cultural Dances of the UAE

Traditional arts in the UAE are part of the culture and ancient history of the Emirates, and traditional dances in the UAE are one of the many traditional arts of the country. Emirati dances are powerful performances that bring people together during festivals, weddings and national celebrations, and fill the air with rhythm and a sense of unity.

The most famous types of traditional Emirati dances:

Al-Ayala:

Al- Ayala Dance

Al-Ayala is one of the most famous and important traditional Emirati dances, it is a dance performed by forming two opposite rows of men, each holding the other's hand and carrying a stick in their other hand that they move it down and up in harmonious movements, also in the middle stands the musical band and they drum on the drums.

Al- Ayala dance expresses the meanings of strength, cohesion, and victory, and UNESCO has included this traditional dance in the list of cultural heritage.

Al Yola:

Al Yola Dance

Al Yola dance is a favorite dance among young mens and children. It is derived from the Al Ayala dance, but it has now evolved to be performed to modern music and exciting songs.

Al Yola dance is similar to Al Ayala dance, but the band is replaced by a group of young men carrying wooden rifles and rotating them in a fast and professional manner.  Al Yola dance indicates courage and a display of strength, as the performers display their skills in controlling the rifles with lightness and grace.

Al Wahabi:

Al Wahabi Dance

Al Wahabi dance is performed by the mountain dwellers, especially in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, and is specific to the Al Shuhuh tribe. In the Al Wahabi dance, men line up in two opposite rows, each row consisting of about 20 men. They start moving forward and backward and they bend forward, and drummers, weapons displayers, and swordsmen stand between them.

These dances reflect the rich and authentic Emirati heritage. They are important in Emirati culture because they connect generations and embody the values ​​of unity, honor and joy that characterize the Emirati people. They also reflect the beauty of the arts in the country, in addition to being a living tradition that proudly echoes the past and enriches the present.

Prepared By. Shayma Mohammed