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See Yowla dancein Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

#4of 27 things to doin Abu Dhabi

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Yowla is traditionally performed by men in snow-white dresses - kanduras. The dance symbolizes the unity and togetherness of the emirates.
How to see Yowla dance in Abu Dhabi
Men in white clothes line up in two rows, opposite each other. They hold a long cane with one curved edge in their hands. This is an obligatory attribute of the dance.

It is performed to the beat of drums. The musical accompaniment and screams during the dance once filled the tribe with a warlike spirit. The dance has several meanings - it glorifies the victory and symbolizes the unity of the Arab tribes.

Yowla can be seen both in the remote places of the Emirates, and at festive events of national scale in the center of the capital.

Yowla, Abu Dhabi
Photo: © Omar Al Sumaiti

How to do?

1. You can see the yowla dancing at an Arab wedding or during any national holiday. For example, it is performed at the annual Qasr al-Hosn festival. You can even join the dancers, if you know the moves.

Yowla, Abu Dhabi

2. The festival is held next to the ancient Qasr al-Hosn palace, which belonged to the ruling Al Nayan dynasty for a long time. It`s located on Zayed the First Street, next to the park. The buses 032, 034, 005, 054 run here.

Where to do?

#1Qasr Al Hosn fort in Abu DhabiQasr Al Hosn fort

The oldest building in Abu Dhabi, which is called its birthplace. It is next to the modern skyscrapers, recalling the past of the emirate.

Location: Al Hosn, Sheikh Zayed the First Street
Open hours: From Saturday to Thursday - from 7:30 to 14:30 and from 17:00 to 21:00
Phone: +971 2 666 4442

When to do?

The festival is held annually in February.

Reviews

Guest06 May 2025

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