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Al-Ayyala and traditional performance

Al-Ayyala is the performance you're most likely to see in Abu Dhabi: two rows of men and boys face each other with thin bamboo canes, moving in sync to drums. The chants that pass between the rows draw on Nabati poetry, celebrating bravery and honour, and UNESCO recognised the dance in 2014.

Catch it at weddings, festivals and national celebrations. And listen for the rest of the tradition around it: Al-Razfa, the festive wedding dance, the oud, a pear-shaped lute, and the sea songs pearl divers sang to keep time.

Where to see Al-Ayyala in Abu Dhabi

For the most in one visit, come during Eid or the December national celebrations, when Al-Ayyala troupes perform across the city and everything is free to watch.

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Qasr Al Hosn
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Cultural Foundation
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Heritage Village
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The pearl divers' sea songs

Long ago, Abu Dhabi's crews spent months at sea, and songs kept the work going: a lead singer set the rhythm and the crew answered as they rowed, hauled sail and dived. The songs mixed work chants with prayers for a safe return home.

You can still hear them. Heritage troupes perform sea songs at winter festivals and maritime celebrations, and the Abu Dhabi Pearl Journey pairs the songs with a trip on a traditional boat.

Experience more Abu Dhabi culture

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Emirati culture & heritage
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Museums & art
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Craft & design
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Food & Coffee Culture
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Poetry & literature

Frequently asked questions

A traditional Emirati performance where two rows of men face each other with thin bamboo canes, moving to drums and chanted poetry. It recreates a battle scene, is recognised by UNESCO, and is performed at weddings, festivals and national celebrations across the UAE.

The oud (a pear-shaped lute), the rababa (a single-string fiddle) and a family of drums that set the rhythm for dances like Al-Ayyala and Al-Razfa.

Yes. Qasr Al Hosn and the Cultural Foundation stage regular performances, and traditional troupes perform across the city during Eid and December national celebrations.

At heritage festivals, during Eid and December national celebrations, and at cultural venues like Qasr Al Hosn. Performances are free to watch at public celebrations.

Work songs sung by dhow crews on pearling voyages: a lead singer set the pace and the crew answered in rhythm as they rowed and dived. Heritage troupes still perform them at festivals in Abu Dhabi.