The Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) Sunday announced an initiative to document the oral history of Ardah, the Kingdom's national celebratory group dance made famous by the rising popularity of Saudi Arabia's culture and heritage around the world in recent years. Oral History of the Saudi Ardah is part of a series of similar initiatives aiming to preserve the national history, reinvigorate the festive Saudi dance, popularize Ardah songs and their writers, and introduce people to the Saudi art. Ardah is a quintessential Saudi art steeped in tradition that was, and still is, the hallmark of historic Diriyah. Today, Ardah is Saudi Arabia's calling card that combines the Kingdom's culture and tradition in one popular dance. As a collective form of expression, Ardah speaks volumes of the unbreakable bond between the leadership and the populace. Performed solely by men in a public space, Ardah is a manifestation of their upbeat enthusiasm as they reiterate their loyalty and love to the King and the Kingdom. Originally, Ardah started as a war dance to instill vigor and gusto in the hearts of fighting men right before engaging in a war. The sword dance was a way to show off weapons and fearlessness to the enemy. Today, it's a fundamental component of the Kingdom's popular culture. "Ardah symbolizes Saudi cultural heritage inspired by the heroism of the Kingdom's unifier and founding father," said Director of Research and Historical Studies at DGDA Dr. Badran Al-Honaihen. "Ardah was how warriors got their fervor before the battle. Today, it is a dance reserved for special occasions, such as national festivities — which is why it is important to preserve it as history for the benefit of posterity." Dr. Al-Honaihen reiterated the Authority's commitment to the preservation of the Kingdom's heritage, culture, tradition, and history. Part of that commitment is the documentation of the oral histories covering every aspect of Saudi heritage through initiatives across the various facets of popular art, in the form of audio- and videotaped interviews that are transcribed and kept as records. — SPA
