Do young Emiratis know Razfa, other traditional art forms?

A growing discussion among community members in the UAE has brought to light concerns about the younger generation’s connection to traditional Emirati heritage, with some fearing that vital cultural practices like traditional dances are being overshadowed by modern influences.

- Ruqayya Al Qaydi [e-mail]

Initiatives like those recently organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority are being lauded as crucial steps in preserving national identity and instilling cultural values in youth.

Salem Al-Dhahri from Al Ain voiced a common observation: “Recently, we have noticed that some of our youth do not know how to perform the Razfa (a traditional dance by men) correctly... and if one of them does manage to perform it, they do so incorrectly, which is disheartening.”