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#oral tradition

A traditional Gulf majlis with a storyteller gesturing to seated listeners
Culture

The Hakawati: A Guide to Gulf Storytelling Traditions

From desert campfires to modern festivals, oral storytelling remains a cherished part of Gulf cultural life, connecting generations through timeless tales.
A quiet desert camp under a starry night sky with a small fire glowing
Culture

Nabati Poetry: The Spoken Art That Still Shapes Gulf Culture

Nabati poetry, written in the everyday Arabic of the Gulf, has long carried the region's stories, humour and values. Here is how to understand it and where to hear it.