Khaleeji · خليجي
Region/Countries: Gulf States
Khaleeji spans 1990s–present across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman. It foregrounds lyrical poetry, sawt melodies, polished ballads. Rhythms include samri, khaleej 2/4 and borrow from sout. Ensembles center on oud, violin, synth. Influences include Levantine pop, Egyptian pop. Lyrics are ≈100% Arabic.
Musical features
- lyrical poetry
- sawt melodies
- polished ballads
- khaleeji swing
Rhythms & Forms
- samri
- khaleej 2/4
- sout
Core instruments
Influences
- Levantine pop
- Egyptian pop
Related genres
- Tarab
- Maqam-based Classical (Arab Classical)
- Classical Arabic Music
- Modern Arabic Classical / Symphonic Music
- Arabic Symphonic Pop
- Muwashshah
Sources
- Britannica — Arabic music (overview)
- Oxford Music Online — Arab music overview
- Smithsonian Folkways — regional notes