Oman's Intangible Cultural Heritage on UNESCO Lists and an Outstanding PracticeOman's Intangible Cultural Heritage on UNESCO Lists and an Outstanding Practice

Oman, a country rich in history and culture, has a diverse range of intangible cultural heritages that have been recognized by UNESCO. These heritages not only reflect Oman's unique cultural identity but also contribute to the global cultural diversity. Additionally, an outstanding practice from Oman showcases its efforts in promoting cultural dialogue and heritage preservation.

1. Al-Bar’ah, music and dance of Oman Dhofari valleys - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2010
Al-Bar’ah is a Bedouin musical tradition originating from the Dhofar Mountains in southern Oman. It takes the form of a warlike dance, accompanied by the beating of drums and the chanting of poetry in the local tribal dialect. The performance of Al-Bar’ah is carried out by a group of 10 to 30 men and women arranged in a semi-circular formation. While they recite and clap their hands, two male dancers holding daggers perform regulated dance movements, swinging the daggers above their shoulders. Although the dancers' steps are not overly complex, coordinating with other performers and the music requires considerable skill.
Each tribe has its own unique version of Al-Bar’ah, featuring different drum rhythms and dance moves. The accompanying musical instruments include the al-kasir, al-rahmâni, ad-daff, and al-qassaba. This dance is typically performed outdoors on occasions such as weddings, circumcision ceremonies, and religious festivals. Similar to other Omani Bedouin dances, class and other distinctions are set aside during Al-Bar’ah, as both tribal chiefs and the humblest members perform together.
This tradition represents the Bedouin values of chivalry, strength, courage, generosity, and hospitality. The dance also emphasizes the poetic themes of love and flirtation. There are many practitioners of Al-Bar’ah from Dhofar (southern Oman), who have contributed to maintaining and spreading its poetic diversity and practices.

2. Al ‘azi, elegy, processional march and poetry - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2012
Al ‘azi is a form of chanted poetry performed in the northern regions of the Sultanate of Oman. It is one of the main manifestations of Omani culture and musical identity. The form of Al ‘azi is a poetry competition, interspersed with sword dancing and choreographed steps, as well as poetic exchanges among singers, poets, and choirs. A poet recites either improvised or fixed Arabic poems as the lead, and many people from the village or tribe participate.
The performers must pay attention to the movements and recitations of the lead poet and respond with appropriate reactions and actions. These poems express a sense of pride in belonging and may praise tribes, important figures, or historical moments. Through the creative transformation of existing poems, Al ‘azi enriches the cultural and intellectual aspects of the community and plays an important role in preserving the social oral memory. It also promotes unity and communication and emphasizes the need to overcome differences among community members.
Al ‘azi can be performed on all national and social occasions, serving as a symbol of social pride, strength, and unity. Currently, there are more than a hundred choirs engaged in performing Al ‘azi.

3. Al-Taghrooda, traditional Bedouin chanted poetry in the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman (Joint submission with the UAE) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2012
The traditional Bedouin chant, Al-Taghrooda, is composed and recited by those riding camels across the desert regions of the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. Bedouins believe that chanting keeps the riders happy and stimulates the animals to keep moving. Short poems of seven lines or fewer are improvised and repeated between two groups of riders, often in a call-and-response manner. Generally, the lead singer sings the first verse, and the second group responds.
These poems are also recited around campfires, at weddings, tribal and national celebrations, especially during camel races. Some Bedouin women also recite the poems while engaged in collective work. The most important aspect is the social connection during the oral exchange of the poems. The themes of the poems include sending messages to lovers, relatives, friends, or tribal chiefs. It also serves as a medium for poets to comment on social issues.
Other functions include resolving disputes between individuals or tribes, celebrating historical achievements, and highlighting contemporary themes such as good driving habits and health issues. The performances also provide the audience with an opportunity to learn about the history of their ethnic group and get a glimpse into the traditional way of life. The ability to write and recite these poems is passed down through families and community elders.

4. Al-Ayyala, a traditional performing art of the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates (Joint submission with the UAE) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2014
Al-Ayyala is an expressive cultural performance popular in northwestern Oman and throughout the United Arab Emirates. Al-Ayyala includes chanted poetry, drumming, and dancing, and simulates battle scenes. Approximately 20 people line up in two rows facing each other, holding thin bamboo poles that represent spears or swords. Musicians play large and small drums, tambourines, and gongs between the two rows.
The two rows of performers synchronously turn their heads and twirl their sticks to the rhythm of the drums, singing poetic lyrics, while other performers move around them holding swords or guns, occasionally throwing and catching these weapons in the air. In the United Arab Emirates, girls dressed in traditional clothing stand at the front, tossing their long hair to one side. The melody has seven tones and an irregular repeating pattern, and the recited poems vary according to the occasion.
In the Sultanate of Oman and the United Arab Emirates, Al-Ayyala is performed at weddings and other festive occasions. The performers come from diverse backgrounds and different age groups. The chief performers usually take on the role of inheritors, responsible for training other performers. Al-Ayyala welcomes people of all ages, genders, and social classes.

5. Al-Razfa, a traditional performing art (Joint submission with the UAE) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2015
Al-Razfa is a traditional performing art that is performed in both the United Arab Emirates and the Sultanate of Oman. Male performers of all ages and classes perform it on social occasions such as weddings and national festivals. The male actors form two rows, with dancers in the middle. Led by the lead singer, the two rows form a double chorus, singing chants in a call-and-response manner accompanied by drums and other musical instruments.
Many of the chants are carefully selected from the verses of traditional Nabati poetry to suit the occasion of the performance. The dancers hold imitation wooden rifles and perform elaborately choreographed movements to the music. Sometimes, young girls also sway their hair to the music. Originally performed to collectively celebrate victories, Al-Razfa is now widely popular as a form of entertainment.
Practitioners have adapted the musical instruments and melodies to attract a younger audience while maintaining the art's ancient expressions and oral traditions. The performers may include heads of state, elders, or young children. Nowadays, Al-Razfa is directly passed down within families through participation and observation at social events. Each actor's role is learned through practice, and girls receive guidance from their mothers and sisters.

 

6. Majlis, a cultural and social space (Joint submission with the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2015
The term "Majlis" means "a place to sit" and serves as a venue where community members gather to discuss local events and issues, exchange news, receive guests, socialize, and be entertained. It is also where the community comes together to solve problems, express condolences, and hold wedding receptions. Typically, it is a large space with carpets on the floor and cushions against the walls. There is often a stove or fire to prepare coffee and other hot beverages.
The Majlis space is open to everyone, and family members, tribes, and residents from the same community and other remote communities can come and go freely. Community elders, especially those with extensive knowledge of nature, genealogy, and tribal history, are considered the true hosts. Judges and religious sheikhs play a particularly important role in the Majlis, as they can adjudicate disputes and clarify political, social, and religious rights and responsibilities.
Women have their own Majlis, although some prominent women also participate in other Majlis, especially those of an academic or literary nature. The Majlis also plays a crucial role in the transmission of oral heritage, including folk stories, folk songs, and "Nabati" poetry. Since the Majlis space is open to people of all ages, knowledge is mainly transmitted informally through community members bringing children along when they visit. By observing the behavior of the elders in the Majlis, young people can learn the community's etiquette and morals, communication and listening skills, and the importance of respecting others' opinions.

7. Horse and camel Ardhah - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2018
In many regions of Oman, there are activities involving horse and camel riding. On Alardhah day (which means "a festive day" in Arabic), people gather around the racecourse to watch horse and camel performances that reflect the Omani people's skills in handling and taming animals. Traditional arts, such as the recitation of traditional poetry, also accompany the parades.
Ardhah first showcases some traditional movements, such as making the horses and camels lie down, riders standing while riding camels, riding at high speed with another rider, and other similar actions. This is followed by a display of horses and camels adorned with decorative ornaments and wearing beautiful silver accessories.
Ardhah is associated with many social occasions in Omani society, such as religious and national celebrations. This practice is an integral part of the social culture in both rural and urban areas, reflecting the people's excellent skills and dedication in taking care of animals. Both men and women participate in Ardhah, and it is also an opportunity for traditional bands and craftsmen to showcase their talents. At the community level, Omanis organize Ardhah on various social occasions, including events involving young people. Civil organizations also play a key role in teaching the relevant skills, and equestrian groups in universities teach students equestrian skills and how to perform Ardhah.

 

8. Camel racing, a social practice and a festive heritage associated with camels (Joint submission with the UAE) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2020
Camel racing is a social practice and a festive tradition related to camels, which is a popular social custom in the relevant communities. The preparation for camel races includes several stages. Camels are selected according to their breed, origin, and age and are given a special diet. They are grouped and trained on the track to prepare for the races.
Camel races are held on specially designed fields under the supervision of dedicated community committees. Typically, each round of the race has 15 to 20 participating camels, and the race distance is determined according to the camels' age. There are recognized community traditions, customs, and principles to manage the races and community practices, and the preparatory committee verifies the origin of the camels.
Thanks to the joint efforts of community representatives, government agencies, professional centers, as well as camel racing federations and clubs, the relevant knowledge and skills are spread. Children and teenagers gradually acquire the knowledge and skills related to the practice through observation, simulation, and oral communication. Camel racing is an essential part of their nomadic life and a source of inspiration for poetry and singing. The importance and continuity of this activity in Bedouin society are related to the prominent role of camels in the desert environment.

 

9. Arabic calligraphy: knowledge, skills and practices (Joint submission with Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, Tunisia, the UAE, Yemen) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2021
Arabic calligraphy is an artistic practice of writing the Arabic script in a fluid manner to convey harmony, elegance, and beauty. This practice can be passed down through formal and informal education. It uses the 28 letters of the Arabic alphabet and is written in cursive script from right to left. Initially developed to make the text clear and legible, it has gradually become an Islamic Arabic art in both traditional and modern works.
The fluidity of the Arabic script provides infinite possibilities. Even within a single word, the letters can be stretched and transformed in various ways to create different patterns. Traditional techniques use natural materials, such as reeds and bamboo stems as the "qalam" (writing tool). The ink is made from a mixture of honey, soot, and saffron, and the paper is handmade and treated with starch, egg white, and alum.
Modern calligraphy often uses markers and synthetic paints, and spray paints are commonly used for calligraphy on walls, signs, and buildings. Craftsmen and designers also use Arabic calligraphy to enhance artistic expression, such as in marble and wood carvings, embroidery, and metal etching. Arabic calligraphy is widespread in both Arab and non-Arab countries, and people of all ages and genders engage in writing it.

 

10. Al-Khanjar, craft skills and social practices - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2022
The Al-Khanjar dagger is a part of the traditional attire worn by Omani men on national and religious events and special occasions such as weddings. As an important component of Omani culture, its manufacturing requires a great deal of knowledge and skills, which are passed down from generation to generation.
The Al-Khanjar dagger is worn around the waist and includes a belt, handle, blade, sheath, and cover, all made from a variety of materials, including wood, leather, fabric, and silver. These materials, engraved with unique designs, are seen as a reflection of the connection to the land. The Al-Khanjar dagger is also part of the national emblem and plays a key role in many Omani customs and traditions.
Historical records and archaeological findings indicate that Omanis have been wearing the Al-Khanjar dagger for centuries. Formal workshops and training also contribute to its dissemination. As a highly popular gift, the Al-Khanjar dagger is one of the gifts that Omanis present to official guests, expressing the cultural connections between countries. Many poems in Omani literature also describe and praise the Al-Khanjar dagger, and Omani artists and photographers compete to document this item and the craftsmanship. Wearing the Al-Khanjar dagger is also related to many Omani folk arts, and it may even be associated with all of them.

11. Alheda'a, oral traditions of calling camel flocks (Joint submission with Saudi Arabia, the UAE) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2022
Alheda'a is a way for herdsmen to communicate with their camels. It is an oral polyphonic expression accompanied by gestures or musical instrument playing. This rhythmic expression is inspired by poetry, and the herdsmen use a unique sound repertoire, one that the camels are accustomed to, to guide the camel herds through the desert or pasture to places for drinking water, feeding, and milking.
Alheda'a can also be used for a quick gathering in response to immediate dangers such as sandstorms. The herdsmen train the camels to distinguish between left and right, open their mouths when being fed, and kneel down when someone rides on them. This practice builds a strong bond between the camels and the herdsmen, as well as among the herdsmen themselves.
Children are exposed to Alheda'a during their daily migrations accompanied by adults at home, and in this way, it is passed down within families and communities.

12. Date palm, knowledge, skills, traditions and practices (Joint submission with the UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Mauritania, Morocco, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Tunisia, Yemen) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2022
The date palm is an evergreen plant that typically grows in desert and dry, temperate regions. Its roots penetrate deep into the soil in search of water. In desert areas, date palms grow in oases where there is a suitable irrigation water level.
For centuries, many people have been associated with the date palm, and it has helped them build civilizations in arid regions. The ancient historical relationship between the Arab region and the date palm has led to the formation of a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Today, the communities, groups, and individuals in the regions where date palms are grown still maintain the relevant practices, knowledge, and skills, including cultivating and taking care of the date palms and using their parts (leaves and fibers) in traditional handicrafts and social ceremonies. The date palm is also often referenced in poetry and songs.
The connection between the date palm and the region has endured for centuries. In addition to the related crafts, occupations, and traditions, its fruit, the date, constitutes an important source of nutrition. Due to its long-standing importance, the date palm has received extensive support from local communities and various government agencies, resulting in a significant expansion of its cultivation area and an increase in the regional manufacturing labor force.

 

13. Harees dish: know-how, skills and practices (Joint submission with the UAE, Saudi Arabia) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2023
Harees is a popular traditional dish made from wheat, meat, and ghee. This dish is usually eaten for breakfast and dinner. Since washing and grinding the grains is a cumbersome process, a large quantity is often prepared at once. Harees is served in large plates and shared by several people who sit on one knee and use their thumbs and index fingers as utensils.
Although Harees can be eaten on many occasions, it is particularly popular during Ramadan, for entertaining guests, and at social events such as weddings. It is also popular during the pilgrimage season because of its simple ingredients and the ability to be made and served in large quantities.
In the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, Harees appears in many social and cultural elements, such as folk stories, proverbs, and poetry. The relevant skills and knowledge are passed down from mothers to daughters in educational institutions, restaurants, hotels, and through the media and official agencies. Preparing and serving Harees is regarded as a symbol of hospitality and generosity. As a means of promoting social connections, this practice strengthens the bonds between people and communities while enhancing the cultural affinity of the relevant societies.

 

14. Arabic coffee, a symbol of generosity (Joint submission with the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan) - Inscribed on the Representative List in 2024
Arabic coffee highlights an important aspect of generosity in Arab society and the associated tradition of hospitality. Serving and drinking Arabic coffee is a daily ritual for communities, groups, and individuals.