Al-Razfa: a traditional performing art in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman
Published on: Monday 13 May 2019
Al-Razfa is a traditional performing art of the United Arab Emirates and Sultanate of Oman that was initially used in victory celebrations. Now, it is a popular form of communal entertainment seen at festive events, involving groups of men holding wooden replica rifles chanting verses, often featuring traditional Nabati poetry, to music. Sometimes girls participate by swinging their hair to the music. To appeal to a younger audience, instruments and music have been adapted. Skills transmission is informal within families.
