For a corporate event or a VIP arrival in Dubai, book a single 15 to 20 minute ayala or razfa welcome set at the moment your guests arrive. It is used for VIP check-ins, delegation arrivals, airport arrivals, red carpet moments and gala dinner entrances. A troupe of 4 to 6 suits a hotel lobby, and 8 to 12 suit a gala entrance or a conference opening. Send the date, the venue and the arrival time, and we plan the welcome.
Price: a welcome troupe of 4 to 6 performers usually costs AED 3,500 to AED 6,000, and 8 to 12 performers AED 6,500 to AED 10,000. A ceremonial razfa troupe of 8 to 12 usually costs AED 5,500 to AED 10,000. See all prices.
Choose the dance for the moment
| Moment | Dance | Length |
|---|---|---|
| VIP or delegation arrival | Ayala or razfa welcome line | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Formal reception, ribbon cutting | Al Razfa | 1 or 2 sets of 15 to 20 minutes |
| Conference opening or product launch | Ayala troupe | 15 to 20 minutes, or 2 sets |
| Gala dinner entrance | Ayala troupe of 8 to 12 | 15 to 20 minutes |
| Exhibition stand or mall activation | Yola or ayala | Repeat sets of 15 to 20 minutes |
Razfa for formal protocol
Al Razfa is slower and more formal than ayala, with more chant and less movement. It is the dance used to greet dignitaries and at government receptions. Companies hosting international delegations book it to show respect for the local culture. See Al Razfa.
Ayala for openings and launches
A full ayala troupe gives a conference opening or a product launch a strong start. Two rows with canes and drums fill the front of the stage, and the chant sets a proud tone before the first speech. For an exhibition or a mall activation, short yola or ayala sets can repeat through the day to draw visitors to your stand. See the ayala dance show.
Get the timing right
An arrival never happens exactly on time. Give the troupe a contact person at the entrance who can signal when the cars are close. Agree where the performers wait, where they stand, and where the guests walk. At a hotel entrance, keep a clear lane for cars and luggage. For a stage opening, fix the cue with your AV team and the host.
Respect and dress
The troupe performs in kandura and ghutra and brings its own canes or ceremonial rifles. By default the show is respectful and suitable for a mixed audience. For a government audience you can ask for a longer chant section. Tell the team who is attending and what the occasion marks, because a formal reception and a lively launch need different dances.
Permits and venue approval
A paid performance in a public venue in Dubai needs a DET entertainment permit, and Abu Dhabi needs DCT approval. Hotels and private venues usually need only an internal approval that lists the act, the timing and any props. The team coordinates permits for public venues and confirms the hotel's requirements with its events team.
Add a heritage touch
Arabic coffee and dates on arrival, henna, calligraphy or a falcon display can sit next to the welcome line. A combined quote is usually cheaper than booking each part separately. For a full celebration on 2 December, see National Day shows.
Book your welcome
Send the date, the venue, the arrival time and who you are welcoming on WhatsApp or through the quote form.
