contEmporary muSic
Emiratis have always acknowledged the importance of music in daily
life. Songs have been traditionally composed to accompany different
tasks, from hauling water to diving for pearls. The Arabic music you’re
most likely to hear on the radio, however, is khaleeji, the traditional
Gulf style, recognisable to those familiar with Arabic pop music. Along-
side this, an underground rock and metal music scene is increasingly
taking shape, with a few Dubai bands worth noting.a
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