The Committee
- Takes note that the United Arab Emirates have nominated Al Ahalla, a living performing art in the United Arab Emirates (No. 02279) for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
Al Ahalla is a traditional art form that blends performing arts with oral tradition. Historically tied to diving trips, the performances entail the recitation of poetry verses, typically at joyful celebrations such as weddings, holidays and public events. The practice unites people through its captivating chants and performances. Unlike other performances, Al Ahalla does not rely on traditional musical instruments such as drums or tambourines. Instead, performers, who belong to traditional arts groups, use alternating chants and bamboo sticks called ‘khayzaran’ to create rhythm. The performers, usually men, gather in circles of up to sixty people, reciting the poetry in harmony. The community participates in the practice, often through nighttime gatherings that last until sunrise.
- Considers that, from the information included in the file, the nomination satisfies the following criteria for inscription on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity:
R.1: Al Ahalla is deeply connected to the past and embodies traditional poetry and cultural rituals. The transmission of the related knowledge and skills occurs in family settings and schools, as well as through formal training by folklore societies. This performance art is adaptable, with poets creating new verses to reflect modern themes, keeping it relevant for contemporary events. It strengthens community bonds and plays a key role in major cultural events. Al Ahalla is an essential part of the lives of practising communities, offering an inclusive, engaging experience for all.
R.2: The submitting State Party consistently identifies how the element contributes to sustainable development and how its inscription would ensure the visibility and awareness of the importance of intangible cultural heritage. The element fosters inclusive economic development, since groups actively participate in cultural events, as is generally the case with performing arts. At the same time, Al Ahalla is strongly associated with innovation and creativity, despite its folk roots and reliance on traditional melodies. In fact, performers often explore new compositions, ensuring the dynamic evolution of the element and its relevance in contemporary contexts. It also contributes to social cohesion, serving as a symbol of stability, peace and the aspiration for coexistence. Moreover, the performances convey messages of social unity, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual understanding among participants and spectators.
R.3: The strategies for safeguarding the element are varied and multifaceted, encompassing a robust legal framework and a comprehensive action plan, as well as concerted efforts to promote the element and ensure media coverage. Additionally, there are initiatives focused on presenting the element to an international audience and integrating it into educational institutions. The State provides substantial institutional support for the safeguarding measures, while civil society, groups and individuals connected to the element are intensely engaged in their implementation.
R.4: The nomination file is the result of collaborative work that engaged poets, composers, performers and other bearers of traditional arts, as well as experts, academics and representatives from twenty traditional art groups and five heritage associations. They attended relevant meetings and provided their free, prior and informed consent to the nomination.
R.5: The element was included in the National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2015. The inventory is maintained by the Ministry of Culture and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and updated every five years, with the participation of communities, groups, and individuals.
- Decides to inscribe Al Ahalla, a living performing art in the United Arab Emirates on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity;
- Commends the State Party for the carefully presented nomination, which is focused on promoting poetry in the contemporary context.