Music of Qatar

The music of Qatar is based on Bedouin poetry, song and dance. Traditional dances in Doha are performed on Friday afternoons; one such dance is the Ardah, a stylized martial dance performed by two rows of dancers who are accompanied by an array of percussion instruments, including al-ras (a large drum whose leather is heated by an open fire), tambourine and cymbals, along with small drums. Other instruments played in Qatar include the oud and rebaba, both string instruments, as well as the Arabian flute.

Most Qataris (in modern times) enjoy listening to Khaliji music in the style of the traditional Bedouin music. This music dominates the airwaves in the capital Doha as well as in the rest of the country.

Fann at-Tanbura is a type of spiritual music and dance ritual.

The Qatari Gulf Folklore Center is one of the preeminent centers for the study of the folk music of the Persian Gulf.

Qatar is currently seeking membership in the EBU with hopes of soon entering the Eurovision Song Contest.