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How the performance works
Saudi ardah depends on a collective response to words and rhythm. Men repeat poetry in facing rows, coordinating their movements with drumbeats, while swords and a flag form part of the scene.
Changing settings and purposes
Ardah was historically associated with preparations for combat and demonstrations of solidarity. Its settings later expanded to celebrations, weddings, holidays and national occasions. Saudi ardah is also called Najdi ardah and differs from other regional performing traditions that share the name ardah.
Learning and safeguarding
Najdi ardah was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015. In Saudi Arabia, the National Centre for Saudi Ardah, affiliated with the King Abdulaziz Foundation, works on documentation, training and the organisation of groups. Learning the practice includes poetry, rhythm, dress and performers' roles.
Related people
- PersonMohammed AbdoMohammed Abdo is a Saudi singer and composer from Ad-Darb Governorate in the Jazan Region, known as the “Artist of the Arabs”. He began singing in the 1960s and received the Cultural Personality of the Year award in 2025.
- PersonTariq AbdulhakimTariq Abdulhakim was a Saudi composer, singer, and music researcher known as the "Dean of Saudi Art". Born in 1338 AH/1920 CE in the Al-Mathnah district of Taif, he founded the Saudi Army Music School in 1954 and in 1981 became the first Arab to win the UNESCO International Music Prize.
- PersonAbbadi Al-JoharAbbadi Al-Johar is a Saudi singer and oud player who took part in official national and cultural events in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, among them his performance of the operetta 'Land of Love and Peace' at the opening ceremony of the twenty-second National Festival for Heritage and Culture (Janadriyah) in 1428 AH/2007, and his attendance at festivals of the Music Commission, the General Entertainment Authority and the Ministry of Culture.
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