Al-Maydaan is an Omani tradition of poetic jousting that incorporates sung poetry and dance. The poems can be four to ten verses long, focussing on plays on words, double meanings and puzzles. They are performed within a strict call and response framework whereby a row of men faces a row of women and accompanying drummers rhythmically punctuate the poetic exchanges between participants. Functioning both as entertainment and as art, Al-Maydaan plays an important role in celebrations and social events in local communities.

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