Home Cultural Heritage UNESCO ICH Inscribed Elements Al-Taghrooda
Al-Taghrooda is traditional Bedouin poetry that is chanted by men who are moving from one place to another on camels, and is a common custom traditionally practised in the United Arab Emirates
In 2012, Al-Taghrooda was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This traditional chanted Bedouin poetry has its origins in the desert, mountainous regions and rural villages of the United Arab Emirates as a form of improvised poetry among Bedouin camel riders and herders. Today, it is found throughout the nation and is a beloved component of United Arab Emirates culture.
This Arabic verse of intangible cultural heritage was developed to help pass the long hours during desert treks on camelback. Riders also believed it encouraged the animals to walk in time with each other, and could even be used to increase their pace as the chanters quickened the rhythm of the poem.
Riders would improvise the words of each Al-Taghrooda poem during their journeys, creating short poems of seven or fewer lines, each of which was then repeated alternately between two groups of riders. Generally, a lead singer would chant the first line and the rest of the group would respond. Then the second line would be chanted and then repeated, and so on.
Al-Taghrooda poetry is straightforward and does not use complex metaphors. One of its most important traditional functions was to document the social and cultural history of the region. The most common theme in Al-Taghrooda is the love and devotion of the singer to loved ones, relatives, friends and tribal chiefs. Poets also use Al-Taghrooda to comment on social issues, and to highlight historical achievements. Poems are frequently cited in daily conversations and are seen as an important source of wisdom and insight into Emirati history.
Some of the most well-known Al-Taghrooda poets in the United Arab Emirates include Obaid Ibn-Maa'aded Al Nua`imi from Al Wajan, Ahmad Ibn-Salem Bal Abda Al Shamsi , and Mohammed Ibn-Hamed Al Manhali both from Al Ain.
Today, Al-Taghrooda performances give Emirati audiences insight into their history and the United Arab Emirates’ culture and traditions. In a change from the past, Al-Taghrooda is not necessarily accompanied by chanting, and it is enjoyed in written and recorded form as well as at live events.
These poems are chanted around campfires, at weddings, at camel races and at heritage and national festivals, while some forms of Al-Taghrooda are incorporated into traditional performances, such as Al-Ayyala. Women also compose and chant Al-Taghrooda poems while engaged in collective work such as Al-Sadu weaving.
For Emiratis, the most important aspect of this poetry is the social bonding that happens during the exchange of verses.
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