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Emirati traditions

Al Azi

Al Azi is a traditional recital of full-rhymed poetry by a group, without rhythm or musical instruments, sometimes mixed with sayings and proverbs. It is the UAE's entry on UNESCO's list of heritage in need of urgent safeguarding, since 2017.

Updated October 2026 · Facts checked 22 October 2026

Year on the UNESCO list
20171
Year on the UNESCO list

Al Azi

At a glance

At a glance
Item Detail
Name in Arabic العازي
UNESCO list List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding
Year on the list 2017
Listed by United Arab Emirates

Source: UNESCO: Al Azi, art of performing praise, pride and fortitude poetry1

Why it declined

Al Azi was performed regularly until the mid-1900s. As people moved from the desert to the cities, the boom of 1970 to 1990 drew them away from traditional work and its arts, and state laws replaced tribal custom. The number of poets fell sharply over 20 years.1

The revival

Traditional troupes kept it alive. Performances at national events, a theatre production and media coverage have since encouraged more poets to write Al Azi.1

Sources

  1. UNESCO: Al Azi, art of performing praise, pride and fortitude poetry
  2. UNESCO: United Arab Emirates, elements on the Intangible Cultural Heritage lists

Facts checked 22 October 2026. Prepared by Invest-Emirates.ae for general information.

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