Ayyala is an expressive, popular cultural performance practised in Oman and throughout the United Arab Emirates. Al-Ayyala involves chanted poetry, drum music, and dance, as well as simulating battle scenes.
Yawlah dances are considered victory dances, and they were performed after winning a tribal war or returning from successful pearl diving. Al-Ayyala is diverse and inclusive of all social classes, ages, genders, and social roles. The lead performer is usually an inherited role and is responsible for training others.
It originated as a Bedouin war dance in which men spun rifles after taking a victory in a battle. This performance involves chanted poetry, drums, and dance to create the impression of a battle scene. Two rows of about 20 people face each other, each carrying thin bamboo sticks to signify swords or spears.
Between the rows, musicians play large and small drums, tambourines, and brass cymbals, and move around the performers, who occasionally throw swords or guns up into the air and catch them. Dancers are positioned close to each other in rows to symbolize unity and cooperation.
Throughout the performance, all of the performers make alternating movements with their heads, shoulders, arms, and canes that suggest victory or defeat, always moving to a beat from the drums. They chant verse, often from Nabati poetry (a form of ancient Bedouin poetry), about chivalry and valour. During the dance, traditional music is played (drums and other instruments), with men and women performing together in separate groups.
In both Oman and the United Arab Emirates, traditional dresses and long hair are worn by girls who perform al-Ayyala and toss their long hair from side to side. A seven-tone melody is chanted in an irregular pattern, and the poetry can vary based on the occasion. The performance of Al-Ayyala is common at weddings and other festive occasions. It is performed by people of different backgrounds and ages.
Al Ayyala is fundamental to UAE culture, exemplifying the ethos of the nomadic Bedouin and reinforcing the values of honor, dignity, and unity. It embodies the heritage of the Emirati people and embodies their pride in their heritage. However, the values of the yowlah from one generation to the next are to facilitate respect, understanding, and peace among the people of the UAE.