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Music and Dances of Dubai



Folk dances and music form integral part of the United Arab Emirates, including Dubai. The traditional dances of the region have been one of the most popular cultural expressions for both men and women, and are integral to any celebration like festivals, weddings, national holidays, and even casual gatherings of friends. Drums are an integral part of folk music in Dubai. Everyone attending a festive occasion is supposed to join the line or circle of swaying dancers, and dance to the accompaniment of tambourines. While young girls dance by swinging their black tresses and swaying their bodies to the strong beat of the music, men re-enact battles fought or successful hunting expeditions.
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Among most popular folk dances in Dubai include Ayyalah, which represent a battle signifying the defeat of enemy and celebration of victory.

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Ayyalah is usually performed in groups with up to 200 men, organized in formation facing each other, and taking turns reciting poetry and brandishing swords on the beats of traditional drums and tambourines. Harbiya is another popular dance in the Emirates.

Like Lyala, Harbiya is also performed by two lines of men confronting each other, but the recitation is based on the repetition of unaccompanied melodic phrases. Weddings are the most popular occasions for traditional dancing in Dubai.

Other popular traditional dances in Dubai include the Liwa, generally performed to a rapid tempo and loud drumbeat. This is also based on the theme of a war song whose purpose was to raise the morale of the fighting men. Haban (also known as the Khamiri, or the Khayali) is another major folk dance in Dubai. Another popular traditional dance performed by tribes in Dubai is the Mated, based on Sufi traditions) to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed. It's different from other traditional dances because of its relation to a religious occasion.

Culture of Dubai