National Center for Saudi Ardah

The National Center for Saudi Ardah is a national center dedicated to the official Saudi al-ardah art in particular, as well as all its variations across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in general. It is affiliated with the King Abdulaziz Foundation (Darah) and is responsible for all matters pertaining to the organization, qualification, preservation, documentation, and support. It plays a role in preserving the national heritage and history of the Kingdom. The center was established in 2017.

The National Center for Saudi Ardah aims to spread the culture of Saudi al-ardah through modern means of communication and establish training courses to qualify and improve the performance of young and old amateurs. It also aims to increase participation in local and international events, in addition to organizing dedicated exhibitions and documenting studies, research, and visual materials related to this art. The center is responsible for organizing al-ardah groups in the Kingdom and preserving the components of al-ardah, e.g., songs, poetry, clothing, tools, and performing arts. 

The center has an advisory board that includes the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Tourism, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, the Saudi Royal Guard Command, the Ministry of Media, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Culture, and Darah.

The center's logo showcases a depiction of a Saudi al-ardah tambourine adorned with colorful threads. Below it lies its official name, accompanied by the slogan Our Ardah, Our Heritage. 

Saudi al-ardah is performed during national and cultural celebrations, weddings, and events. Among the various traditional dances, it stands out during national gatherings. The performance begins with Horba, representing the opening and the initial call of al-ardah, sung by a performer with a resonant voice, known as Mahrub. This begins from the melody type known as Maqam Nawa. Next is the Takhmeer (large drums) stage, followed by Tathleeth (small drums), leading to the Zameya, which is the final presentation of al-ardah. During this stage, the participants chant the phrase 'Under the banner of obedience and allegiance.' Multiple rows of performers can participate in Saudi al-ardah simultaneously, and it can be performed in any direction.