Al-Dil’a Traditional Dance

Al-Dil’a Dance is one of the folk dances in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, known among the people of the southern region and performed on important occasions.

Al-Dil’a Dance is among the dances traditionally performed on various occasions, serving as a form of celebration when welcoming guests or visitors, as well as during circumcision ceremonies. In the Southern Province, there are several dances alongside al-Dil’a Dance, including al-Saif (Sword) Dance, the Damah, and the Azawi.

Participants gather to form a circular shape, with the poet and musicians at the center. The dance begins with the beating of drums and the poet’s chanting, initiating the play, dance, and performance around the circle. All attendees then proceed in rows toward the intended location, raising their voices with songs, chants, and drumbeats until they arrive.

The performance of al-Dil’a Dance is accompanied by the sounds of chants, which the attendees learn from the poet. The poet selects a chant suitable for the occasion, repeats it until the attendees memorize it, and they raise their voices in harmony with the rhythm of the drums.