‘Sounds of the UAE’ to preserve cultural heritage
ABU DHABI: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi ( DCT Abu Dhabi) is introducing its latest initiative, ‘Sounds of the UAE’, as part of its ongoing efforts to preserve and safeguard the nation’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Working with one of the region’s largest music plaforms, Anghami, 15 traditional Emirati Shallahs (performed poetry) from the iconic genres of Al Ayyala, Al-rafza, Al Azi and more will be digitised, reproduced, and promoted online. ‘Sounds of the UAE’ has been created in response to continued demand for traditional music in the region, and will make it easier for audiences to access culturally significant music.
“Sharing the UAE’S living cultural heritage is a fundamental aspect of DCT Abu Dhabi’s mission, and we are always looking for opportunities to raise awareness among new audiences of our long history of music, poetry and performing arts,” said Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, Acting Undersecretary at DCT Abu Dhabi. “Traditional Emirati performing arts have evolved for the contemporary era, with today’s performers exploring heritage through poetry, tune and rhythm. Digital plaforms like Anghami offer a powerful channel for listeners to engage with these traditions as part of modern life.”
Elie Abou Saleh, VP of GCC at Anghami, said: “Music has always been a means of expression across cultures and generations. Through this partnership with DCT Abu Dhabi, we’ll be using our recommendation engine and scale across the region to help in enabling discovery of these tracks and eventually drive further demand around them, thus helping in preserving these sounds.”
Starting from 1 December, audiences will have access to this curated playlist via the Anghami plaform.
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the Emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the Emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.
DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the Emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.