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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.
Among most popular folk dances in Dubai include Ayyalah,
which represent a battle signifying the defeat of enemy
and celebration of victory. 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.
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