A Traditional Performing Art of the UAE

This activity guide explores Al Azi, the traditional Emirati performing art of reciting poetry. 

Al Azi is an important element of Emirati heritage that has been performed for centuries and remains widely practiced throughout the UAE today, and particularly during social and national events. Al Azi was registered on the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2017. 

In this guide, you will learn about the art of Al Azi, its history, performance, poetry, and its inclusion in UNESCO List of Intangible Culture Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding. We invite you to take notes, draw, and write in this guide.