Wanna, poetry and melody in the United Arab Emirates Wanna is a traditional performing art characterised by a melodic vocal and the singing of Nabati poetry

Wanna relies on the singer’s melodic voice to create a mood of sadness, longing and calm. Sometimes, it is performed by two singers who take turns in exchanging lines of verse. Often, performers will incorporate verses of Nabati poetry, which uses colloquial Arabic, in reference to the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates.

Wanna is presented as part of a traditional Al-Ayyala performance and is a common feature of social occasions, national celebrations and religious holidays.