Poetry debate , also known as ' al-Kalta ' or known to some as ' al-Radiya, ' is a form of vocal poetry. It has been known as a verbal heritage of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . It is based upon melodic poetry recitation or live dialogue sung by two or four poets and repeated by two rows of at least ten performers. It encompasses several poetry levels, some featuring poetic satire or celebration. Poetry debate is practiced within the community during some occasions, such as w...
Al-Hijini Art is a renowned traditional singing art in the northern provinces of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . It relies on sung Nabati poems and is also referred to as Hijini poems, named after camels (Hijn), as these poems are often chanted while riding camels during travel. Types of al-Hijini Art Al-Hijini poems are divided into two types. The first is performed using a stringed instrument called the Rebab , played by a solo Rebab musician who recites Nabati poetry during celebrations, eveni...
The Musical Theater Program is a training program organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission , part of the Ministry of Culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , as part of the Talent Development Initiative. The program targeted musical theater enthusiasts and practitioners and was held in three Saudi cities. It followed a timeline starting in the capital, Riyadh , on September 25, 2022, moving to Dammam on October 2, 2022, and concluding in Jeddah City on October 27, 2022. Objective...
The Azawi Dance is one of the traditional dances in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , originating in the southern region of the Kingdom. It can be performed individually, in pairs, or as a group. Performers are characterized by their light, exhibitionist movements, which demonstrate flexibility and fitness. In the Kingdom, traditional arts emerged as a result of human interaction with the environment. Due to the vast expanse and diverse provinces of the Kingdom , its terrain and lifestyles have var...
The difference between both lies in that al-Masahub can be described as a meter of Nabatean poetry, a traditional poetry form in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is locally referred to as al-Jarr , where the expression often used is Jarr al-Masahub rather than singing al-Masahub. Al-Masahub poems express the culture of each region and its most popular traditional poems. However, both al-Masahub and al-Heda'a cannot be considered among traditional dances, as they feature singing folklore poe...
Al-Maasha Dance is one of the traditional dances in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , known among the people of Jazan Province , southwest of the Kingdom. It is a group dance featuring a light rhythm. It is namely performed by the elderly due to its few movements. Al-Maasha dance performance Al-Maasha Dance is performed upon forming two rows or an incomplete circle. Rhythms are first played without reciting any poetry, where rhythm announces that the dance performance is about to begin. Then, two p...
The Labooni Art, or Labooniyat , is one of the traditional arts associated with al-Ahsa Governorate in the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is attributed to its founder, the poet Mohammad Bin Laboon, and is based on singing Samriyat and Ghazaliyat (romantic verses). Types of Labooni art The Labooni art is divided into three types: Khamari Art, characterized by its captivating and mind-delighting singing; Samiri Art, associated with evening gatherings and moonlit nights; and F...
Al-Hassawi Art is a collection of vocal arts, performances, traditional songs, and accompanying dances, performed collectively. It is one of the traditional arts unique to the Eastern Province of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Characteristics of al-Hassawi Art The characteristics, names, and performance styles of al-Hassawi art differ from those in other provinces of the Kingdom. The arts that reflect human experiences arise from the lifestyle and activities of the people. There are maritime arts...
Art in the First Saudi State was a means for people to express their emotions, pains, needs, and aspirations throughout the history of the First Saudi State , which lasted ninety-four years, from 1727 to 1818. Art varies according to the environment and region that embraces it, as each area in the Arabian Peninsula has its own unique characteristics suited to specific arts and musical instruments. Art found its way to the Arabian Peninsula early on, as musical instruments were crafted from avai...
The Yalli Dance is a traditional group dance known in the western part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia , specifically in Makkah al-Mukarramah and al-Madinah al-Munawwarah Provinces. It is one of the diverse traditional arts performed by locals during celebrations and special occasions. Introduction to the Yalli Dance The Yalli Dance is named as such because its chants always begin with the word 'Yalli,' a local form of address used to express complaint or reproach, as in the phrases ...
Al-Haida Dance is a traditional dance performed by the residents of the Eastern Province in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and is considered an ancient heritage, particularly in al-Ahsa Governorate . It is also called 'al-Ahsa Ardah' and is often performed in large spaces due to its popularity. Folklore groups include al-Haida Dance in their activities during occasions such as National Day , marriage celebrations, and holidays. Steps of al-Haida Dance Al-Haida Dance shares similar steps ...
The Janbiya Dance is a traditional dance popular in the cities and governorates of Jazan Province , southwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia . It is performed during various occasions and celebrations and is one of the dances of the southern region, alongside the Razf, Madqal, and Masahbani dances. Performing the Janbiya Dance The Janbiya , a specific type of dagger with a short curved blade with a medial ridge, is used in performing the dance. Each Janbiya is distinguished by its unique arti...