SALALAH, JUNE 27
The third stage of the "Poet of Haboot" competition commenced at the Sultan Qaboos Youth Complex for Culture and Entertainment in Salalah on Wednesday. Spanning four days, this stage features 16 poets competing for qualification to the competition's final rounds.
Opening under the auspices of Dr. Ahmed al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, and in the presence of officials, dignitaries, elders, and business leaders, the first day of this stage witnessed a significant audience turnout. Poets Mohammed al Mushaileh, Qais Hebais, Ahmed Ba'awain and Salem al Maashani were among those who took part in the events, which were livestreamed on the Dhofar Cultural Center's YouTube channel, allowing the public to follow this distinctive cultural and heritage event.
'Haboot' is considered one of the traditional Omani arts, widely known in the Dhofar Governorate. It is among the most famous singing dances, with various types including a special kind performed by the people of Dhofar when aiding someone in need, known as 'Haboot Al-Najda'.
Each type of Haboot has its own poet, and the poetry is recited to a specific rhythm of five beats, which gradually becomes faster during the celebration, known as "Al-Asir." Different environments and social settings in Oman give rise to several types of Haboot: urban, rural, and desert, all being heritage arts primarily performed by men.
The performance involves participants lining up in short, organized rows, with elders and seniors leading followed by younger participants, carrying various weapons like swords, rifles, and daggers. The youth, armed with swords and daggers, perform special airborne jumps while moving their weapons. The poetry recited during Haboot varies depending on the occasion, especially during celebrations such as the national holiday.
Typically, Haboot involves collective singing without musical instruments, consisting of slower-paced verses (Zamil) followed by faster and lighter singing (Al Asir). After singing, performers form circles where poets engage in poetic exchanges, addressing various themes like wisdom, advice, praise, reconciliation, pride, greetings, mediation, emergency assistance, and presence upon request. This art form reflects social dynamics, with the poet acting as the voice of the community, particularly during social confrontations. Each tribe often has its own unique poet.
Costumes worn during Haboot vary among men according to their environment; mountain and coastal dwellers wear distinct attire, while urban areas favor formal national dress. All participants carry daggers and weapons on their shoulders, symbolizing unity in dance and culture.
Significantly, audience participation will play a crucial role in selecting winners through SMS voting, enabling support for their favorite poets and influencing the outcome of this stage. The competition is expected to feature intense rivalry among participating poets, renowned for their unique poetic talents and ability to create verses that reflect Oman's heritage and culture.
Dr Al Ghassani, Chairman of Dhofar Municipality, emphasised that this competition is a significant platform for showcasing poetic talents, supporting Omani literature, and preserving traditional poetic heritage, thereby enhancing its value among younger generations.
The evening concluded with the Director of the Dhofar Center for Culture, Heritage, and Creativity presenting a commemorative gift to the event's sponsor. The event concluded with the electronic drawing of several cash and in-kind prizes among the attending audience.
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