Emirati poetry’s fine lines and rhymes win recognition

Unesco decided that Al Azi is a significant and important cultural heritage performance reflecting UAE society

The traditional UAE performing art of Al Azi poetry has been offered protected status by a UN heritage preservation committee.

A decision to add the Emirati poetry recital to the protected list was made during the 12th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, on Jeju Island in South Korea.

Al Azi is a full-rhymed poem based on traditional Emirati prose, with lines sometimes using sayings and proverbs.

The poetry is said to strengthen bonds and is inspired by nature. It was regularly performed by communities until the mid-1900s, before slowly dwindling as the country underwent rapid development and urbanisation.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation decided that Al Azi is a significant and important cultural heritage performance, reflecting UAE culture and society.

“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,” said Mohamed Al Mubarak, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism.

“This emphasises its importance in building national identity and maintaining communication between different generations.

“It also contributes to the achievement of the Department of Culture and Tourism’s strategic goals in ensuring UAE heritage is embedded in the constant development and progress of our nation.

“In that context, Al Azi is an important performing art that still enjoys wide public participation, highlighting its historical depth and its stature among elements of the UAE’s authentic heritage.”

The committee, which includes representatives of 24 countries, meets annually. The 14-year-old convention has enabled 140 conservation projects for living heritage in 107 countries.

The art of Al Azi depends on the repetition of poems without music or rhythmic instruments. It is practised at events to instil pride, loyalty and national values, while praising the traditions of welcoming and acknowledging achievement.

The performance focuses on the singer and the supporting reciters who give him answers that emphasise his words. Reciters stand in lines behind the lead performer to symbolise unity and solidarity.

Previously, Al Majlis, gahwa (Arabic coffee) and Al Razfa have joined falconry, Al Taghrooda and Al Yola on the list of intangible cultural heritage, while Al Sadu is on the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in need of Urgent Safeguarding.

Others included on the list of 360 intangible treasures include the Mediterranean diet and Indian yoga. Nominees this year included German organ music and a Neapolitan pizza baking tradition that involves songs and stories handed down over generations.

“The inscription of Al Azi on Unesco’s list is one of the positive outcomes of the depth of research that the Department of Culture and Tourism has conducted to preserve the UAE’s cultural heritage,” said Saif Ghobash, director general of the culture department.

“This will help us to promote at an international level, and as a tool of effective intercultural communication among world nations.”