Folk scenic arts are a bright element of the Emirati cultural heritage, to which the government and its institutions pay great attention for the preservation and transmission to subsequent generations. These art forms are strongly present in various national, social, entertainment, and cultural events in the country, supported by specialists and "guardians of Emirati heritage."
The musical festival named after Sheikh Zayed, which takes place in the Al-Watba area in Abu Dhabi until February 28, attracts attention to traditional scenic arts of different genres through specialized groups, appealing to and delighting the visitors of the event representing various nationalities and age groups.
One of the participants of the folk artistic ensemble emphasized that the festival named after Sheikh Zayed highlights the importance of Emirati traditional arts as part of the national and cultural identity of the country. Regularly at the festival, performances of the folk dance Al-Harbiya and Rahafa are presented for the audience, involving around 30 participants and including about 300 people in total.
According to another participant, a poet, poetry is a natural gift, and among the new generations, there is still an inherent talent, despite the significant changes in society. It is important to involve new poets to participate in Al-Harbiya and other folk scenic arts so that they gain experience, expand their linguistic baggage, and develop skills in improvisation, as well as the ability to perform in front of an audience.
Participants noted that the government pays great attention to folk and traditional art, reaching beyond the country's borders to international platforms, which contributes to the dissemination of Emirati heritage and familiarizes the world with it. It was important to note participation in the preservation of Al-Harbiya and Rahafa and their presentation to audiences of different nationalities.
