Cited by UNESCO - the Oman Center for Traditional Music

The rich treasure of traditional music, historical songs and dances has been systematically collected and academically documented at the Oman Center for Traditional Music since 1984.

The Omanis' long tradition as a seafaring folk is reflected in the country's wide variety. Influences from Africa, India and Iran are unmistakable. There are songs for special occasions, songs for seafarers, fishers, the Bedouins and mountain farmers. The rich treasure of traditional music, historical songs and dances has been systematically collected and academically documented at the Oman Center for Traditional Music since 1984. This unique documentation center was cited by UNESCO in 2002 for worldwide distinction.

On the website of the Oman Center for Traditional Music there are many excerpts from original recordings.

Examples of modern Omani folk music can be found on the website of HM Sultan Qaboos.

A delightful CD with diverse recordings of traditional music can be ordered via the online Oman Shop.

There is a also a CD here of the music of Omani singer Anwar Al-Asmi, who is known throughout the Gulf region for the songs he has composed himself, most of which draw on religious inspiration.