Music and Dance Traditional music in Kuwait is another reflection of the country's diverse heritage. As a trading and pearling center, Kuwait attracted foreigners who left their music with the inhabitants, while the Kuwaiti traders brought back music from East Africa and India. The result was a rich, varied sound full of vitality. Click Here for more information on the unique quality of the traditional music of Kuwait. Click Here to learn about the Oud , or the 'lute,' which is a traditional Arabic musical instrument.
Traditional dance is another form of cultural art that is important in Kuwait.
The Ardah dance involves the use and skill of the sword, accompanied by the rhythm of drums and poetry reading. The Samri , Khamari , and tanboura are all dances and traditions that are performed at family and social gatherings, and weddings. The formative arts in Kuwait have reached a new level of international recognition, and the country has established its own Society for Formative Arts . Several Kuwaiti artists have held exhibitions of their work both locally and abroad. The origins of this genre of art can be traced back to 1959, when the formative arts were first introduced into Kuwaiti schools.