Makkah: The Saudi Ardah is an authentic heritage symbolizing national identity, unity, and loyalty, passed down through generations as a traditional group dance performed by men lined up in close rows chanting patriotic verses to the rhythm of drums and waving swords.

According to Saudi Press Agency, the Ardah holds a significant place in the nation’s history. In February 1932, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud asked his sons and soldiers to celebrate Eid by performing the Ardah in front of his palace in Makkah. A similar event took place in March 1931, following a Saudi army parade, when princes and dignitaries performed the dance to express loyalty and belonging.

The kings of Saudi Arabia have continued this tradition, performing the Ardah on various occasions as a symbol of national identity and a continuation of a long history rooted in courage, loyalty, and unity. It is more than just a performance; it embodies strength that connects the past with the present, instilling pride and honor in the homeland and its heritage.