The Committee

1. Takes note that Saudi Arabia has nominated Alardah Alnajdiyah, dance, drumming and poetry in Saudi Arabia (No. 01196) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:

Alardah is a traditional performance combining dance, drumming and chanting poetry that signifies the start and end of notable occasions, such as religious holidays, weddings, births, graduation ceremonies, or events of national or local significance. It is considered a fundamental component of the cultural expressions of the practising communities. Alardah performers include drummers, dancers and poets. Males performing Alardah carry light swords and stand shoulder to shoulder in two sets of facing rows, leaving space between them to accommodate drummers. One performer in full costume carries a flag. A poet chants verses specific to the occasion in a loud voice, which are then sung antiphonally by the participants. Large dance drums then strike strokes in quick succession, followed by smaller drums. While singing, all performers rock back and forth, side to side and move their swords up and down in rhythmic movements in harmony with the drumbeats and verses. As the poem ends, the men gather around the flag. Males may participate, regardless of social status, age or professional background. Women also participate as costume-makers. While fostering a sense of mutual respect, the performance consolidates social cohesion. Troupes and local citizens, schools, provinces and neighbourhood communities all engage in teaching, performing, popularizing and transmitting Alardah.

2. Decides that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria:

R.1:   The transmission of the Alardah Alnajdiyah is provided by both governmental and non-governmental bodies through public education in schools and non-formal means of transmission by the community itself and the element is practised by all citizens from different ages and educational and cultural backgrounds;

R.2:   The inscription of the element would raise the awareness of importance of the intangible cultural heritage through nature of sustaining and transmitting by thoroughly non-commercial ways; additionally the inscription could promote the respect for cultural diversity by triggering the appreciation of the element in national and international levels;

R.3:   Viability of the element is ensured by financial and technical support of the government as well as through strong community participation in the efforts and activities of NGOs at all levels; the nomination, on the other hand, includes a detailed and well-defined safeguarding plan with classified measures according to content including a timetable with budgetary information;

R.4:   The nomination was prepared with the participation of Alardah troupes and other practitioners and stakeholders, who gave their free, prior and informed consent to it;

R.5:   In 2012, the element was included in the Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage which is maintained by the Ministry of Culture and Information and conforms to Articles 11 and 12 of the Convention.

3. Inscribes Alardah Alnajdiyah, dance, drumming and poetry in Saudi Arabia on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.