Al-Ayyala is a popular cultural performance practised in Oman and the United Arab Emirates during religious and national festivals and weddings. It involves chanted poetry, drum music and dance, and simulates a battle scene. Two rows of men face each other, carrying bamboo sticks. They move their heads and sticks and chant poetic lyrics, while other performers move between the rows holding, throwing and catching swords or guns. The lead performer is usually an inherited role and is responsible for training others performers.

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