Traditional performing art Al Azi now a Unesco-listed cultural heritage

Top Stories

Traditional performing art Al Azi now a Unesco-listed cultural heritage

Abu Dhabi - The art of Al Azi depends on the repetition of poems without music or rhythmic instruments

By Staff Reporter

  • Follow us on
  • google-news
  • whatsapp
  • telegram

Published: Sat 9 Dec 2017, 1:58 PM

Last updated: Sun 10 Dec 2017, 1:59 PM

Al Azi, the traditional performing art in the UAE has been added to the list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) list of 'Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding'.
The decision was taken during the 12th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which is currently being held on Jeju Island in South Korea and closes on December 9.
Al-Azi is a significant and important cultural heritage performance reflecting UAE culture and Emirati society. The art of Al-Azi depends on the repetition of poems without music or rhythmic instruments. It is practiced at national and social events to instill pride, loyalty and national values.
Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said: "Al-Azi's inclusion in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage In Need of Urgent Safeguarding' list is reflective of our leadership's directives to support our authentic cultural heritage, and to emphasise on its importance in building national identity and maintaining communication between different generations.
"In that context, Al-Azi is an important performing art which still enjoys wide public participation, highlighting its historical depth and its significant stature among elements of the UAE's authentic heritage."
The committee, which includes representatives of 24-member countries of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, meets on an annual basis to monitor the implementation of the legal document ratified by 175 countries that have listed the safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage in their national legislation. The 14-year old convention has enabled the launch of 140 conservation projects for living heritage in 107 countries.
Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director General of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, said: "The inscription of Al-Azi on UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding is one of the positive outcomes of the depth of research and documentation that the Department of Culture and Tourism has conducted to preserve the UAE cultural heritage and promote at the international level, as a tool of effective intercultural communication among world nations." 
Previously, Al Majlis, Gahwa (Arabic coffee) and Al Razfa have joined Falconry, Al Taghrooda and Al Ayala on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, while Al Sadu has been inscribed on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in need of Urgent Safeguarding.
The Intergovernmental Committee for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage meets once a year to examine the heritage elements and practices that are nominated for inscription on the UNESCO List. Its 4th session in 2009 was held in Abu Dhabi, after which the UAE adopted a number of recommendations and issued decisions that contributed to UNESCO's journey towards achieving its key objectives.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com

'Unesco has certified a tradition of UAE culture'

Abdullah bin Lagious Al Shehi, chairman of Al Shohooh National Heritage Association, talks to Khaleej Times, on the origin and significance of the Al Azi performing art, and what the Unesco decision means for the promotion of old traditions.
How old is Al Azi?
Al Azi is a traditional activity that is almost 250 years old. It was practised by residents of the UAE and Oman. Till date, both countries have tribes that perform this heritage art. In the UAE, the Al Shohooh and other tribes practise it.
What do the moves performed as part of Al Azi signify? What are its origins?
Al Azi is a collection of moves that represent honour and pride. Back in the day, it used to be performed to boost the morale of soldiers before wars.
It also used to be performed at weddings, when the names of the most important people of the tribe and that of the groom would be uttered.
What does the Unesco decision mean for this art form? What are your expectations from the government to promote these traditions?
The Unesco decision certifies a tradition of the UAE culture.
The government should help civil society associations gather more old documents that chronicle our old traditions.
The government should also support civil society organisations to protect our traditional and cultural heritage.
(As told to Hisham Salah)


More news from