The first things that usually spring to mind when one mentions the name Dubai, are mega shopping sprees, glistening skyscrapers and unique boutique hotel, Dubai certainly has plenty of them like the chic and contemporary Desert Palm PER AQUUM, for example. However, if you really want to get to know this city better, look further into its culture and history to uncover its far flung roots. Dubai has a deeply vibrant and rich cultural heritage, and folk music plays a big part in it.
Dubai’s residents keep their traditional music close at heart, with every occasion and ceremony calling for folk songs and dance. These dances reflect their deep connection to their roots and help them to express their happiness. In a typical ceremony, people dance in a loose circle and there are three main falk dances that are performed.
The “Ayyalah” is a dance that is widely popular all over the UAE; it depicts a battle and celebration of conquest over enemies and is danced by anywhere between 25 to 200 men. They form two lines, each facing the other, their arm interlinked as if ready for battle. All the men carry pretend swords (camel sticks) and wave them in the air while reciting various poems, all whilst swaying back and forth to drum beats. The second “Liwa” folk dance has its roots in African style drumming. The dance starts with 6 minutes of mizmar ( a type of flute) followed by beats from three types of drums, 10 dancers and singers then gather to perform. This dance is always performed at weddings.
The “Haban”, also commonly known as the Khamiri or Khayali, relates to the instruments that dominate the performance. Three sets of dancers perform the Habdan. The first set is made up of eight men and the following is eight women. The last group are ten musicians. Both the men and women move back and forth, following a two step beat. Drums of various sizes are used to set the beat. The Haban is another popular wedding dance.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
