Ayala dancers in Dubai usually cost AED 3,500 to AED 6,000 for a troupe of 4 to 6 performers playing 2 sets of 20 minutes. A troupe of 8 to 12 usually costs AED 6,500 to AED 10,000, and a National Day scale troupe of 14 to 16 AED 10,500 to AED 14,000. Troupes are priced by headcount, because more performers make a wider, stronger formation. These are usual ranges, not fixed prices. Send your date and venue for an exact figure.
Ayala prices by troupe size
| Troupe | Performers and sets | Usual price |
|---|---|---|
| Al Ayala, small | 4 to 6, 2 x 20 minutes | AED 3,500 to AED 6,000 |
| Al Ayala, standard | 8 to 12, 2 x 30 minutes | AED 6,500 to AED 10,000 |
| Al Ayala, National Day scale | 14 to 16, 3 x 20 minutes | AED 10,500 to AED 14,000 |
A small troupe suits a hotel lobby welcome or a smaller majlis. The standard troupe is the usual choice for a wedding stage or a gala entrance. The large troupe fills a National Day stage, a large ballroom or an outdoor government event. See the ayala dance show.
Other Emirati dances
| Act | Performers and sets | Usual price |
|---|---|---|
| Yola | 1 to 4, 2 x 15 to 20 minutes | AED 1,800 to AED 4,500 |
| Harbiya troupe | 6 to 10, 2 x 20 to 30 minutes | AED 4,500 to AED 9,000 |
| Al Razfa, ceremonial | 8 to 12, 1 or 2 sets of 15 to 20 minutes | AED 5,500 to AED 10,000 |
| Khaleeji dancer, women's solo | 1, 2 x 15 minutes | AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 |
| Extra live drummers | 2 to 4, with the troupe | AED 1,200 to AED 2,500 |
More about each dance: yola, harbiya and Al Razfa.
What the price includes
- Traditional costumes: kandura and ghutra for the men's dances.
- Canes or ceremonial rifles, brought by the troupe.
- Sound, arranged with the venue's AV team or supplied.
- Standard travel within Dubai.
Quoted separately: travel to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or further, a custom stage set and any added props.
What moves the price
Number of performers. The biggest factor. Each step up in troupe size costs more.
Number and length of sets. One welcome set of 15 to 20 minutes costs less than 3 sets across an evening.
Live drummers. Extra drummers add to the price.
Public or private venue. A public venue needs a DET permit in Dubai or DCT approval in Abu Dhabi, which adds paperwork.
The date. National Day week and Ramadan carry a premium, and the October to April wedding season fills first.
Location. Travel outside Dubai is added to the quote.
Ways to fit your budget
- Book a small troupe of 4 to 6 for a lobby welcome instead of a full troupe.
- Choose one welcome set rather than two or three sets.
- Use the venue's sound system.
- Pick a date outside National Day week and Ramadan, or book early.
- Ask for one combined quote if you also need Arabic coffee, henna or a falcon display.
What a good quote lists
Ask for each item in writing so you can compare fairly: the number of performers, the dance, the number and length of sets, live drummers, costumes, travel, sound, and who arranges the permit.
Get an exact price
Send the date, the venue, the occasion and the number of guests. The planning guide covers space, timing and dress, or ask for a quote.
