Celebratory Al-Daha dance at Turaif weddings has deep historical roots

1 / 2
Performed colectively, the Al-Daha dance includes songs and voices similar to lions’ roar or camels’ grunt, and is performed by young and old people alike. (SPA)
2 / 2
Performed colectively, the Al-Daha dance includes songs and voices similar to lions’ roar or camels’ grunt, and is performed by young and old people alike. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 27 June 2024
Follow

Celebratory Al-Daha dance at Turaif weddings has deep historical roots

  • The dance aims to either spread fear among enemies or celebrate victory after the battl
  • It includes songs and voices similar to lions’ roar or camels’ grunt, and is performed by young and old people collectively

TURAIF: Weddings in Turaif governorate in the Northern Border province are marked by the celebratory Al-Daha dance which symbolizes community and connection to the land.

Its songs have sounds mimicking animals, including the lion’s roar and the camel’s grunt. Young and old people traditionally perform it together, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In the past, the dance was used to inspire combatants before battle and celebrate victories in the aftermath.




The dance aims to either spread fear among enemies or celebrate victory after the battle. (SPA)

Khalaf Al-Karan, head of the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in the Northern Border province, said that normally between 20 and 40 people participate in the dance.

He added that his organization was committed to keeping traditional practices alive, including on national holidays and during various cultural events.

Al-Karan said young people have shown increasing interest in the country’s history and traditions.


Saudi mine-clearance project in Yemen destroys 4,235 explosive devices in a day

Updated 22 January 2026
Follow

Saudi mine-clearance project in Yemen destroys 4,235 explosive devices in a day

  • Project Masam aims to rid Yemen of all mines to help ensure the highest standards of safety and security for the Yemeni people

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam cleared 4,235 mines, unexploded ordnance and other explosive devices in a single day from Bab Al-Mandab region in southwestern Yemen, as part of its mission to protect civilians.

Osama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s director general, said it aims to rid Yemen of all mines to help ensure the highest standards of safety and security for the Yemeni people.

On Wednesday, the project’s teams destroyed 33 anti-tank mines, 31 anti-personnel mines, 86 miscellaneous shells, 2,750 assorted rounds, 1,291 breakers and valves used in devices, 12 grenades, two Katyusha rockets, a missile, 15 shell arrows, and 14 other explosive devices.

Masam’s teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and areas around schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and delivery of humanitarian aid.

The project trains local people to become demining engineers, provides them with modern equipment to do the job, and also offers support to Yemenis injured by explosive devices.