Ardhah awarded Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO

Thursday, December 13, 2018

Horse and camel Ardhah, Oman’s traditional racing event, has been awarded Intangible Cultural Heritage status by UNESCO.

In Arabic, Ardhah means ‘to perform’. Horse and camel Ardhah is a fantastic performance that takes place during religious and national celebrations. These are complemented by traditional arts, such as poetry recitals.

During horse and camel Ardhahs, the animals donning decorative dress and silver adornments perform an array of displays.

Salem Adi Al Mamari, Director General from the Oman Ministry of Tourism, said that he is delighted that Ardhah has been recognized by international body UNESCO.

Horse and camel Ardhah is integral part of their culture and is practiced across many regions of Oman – both rural and urban areas. It brings the community together during key celebrations.

The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list was included in 2008 with the aim of protecting intangible cultural heritages worldwide.

Korean wrestling, the reggae music of Jamaica and avalanche risk management in Austria too have bagged the coveted Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Oman now has eight traditions on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Some of these are Arabic coffee, Al-Razfa Rafza, a traditional performing art and the Al-Bar’ah music and dance of the Oman Dhofari valleys.

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