Al-Fajri is a genre of folk music exclusive to men, known in the Arabian Gulf, especially in Qatar. It was traditionally performed by pearl divers aboard ships. This art form accompanied the pearl diving journeys, with all their hardships and dangers. As a result, the lyrics sung during the performances are often melancholic, reflecting the struggles of the divers, the perils of the sea, the long absence from loved ones, and the joy of reuniting after long periods at sea. The name of God is frequently invoked in the lyrics, typically at the end of each stanza.

Despite the changes that have occurred in the pearl diving seasons, this art form continues to be performed in art venues and mimics the songs used aboard ships, which are linked to the stages of navigation. Each stage has its own specific song, such as the “Al-Khirab” stage, which is sung when the anchor is raised and the oars are paddled by the sailors, along with the raising of the sails. The method of performance directly influences the musical structure of the songs, and sometimes there is a rhythmic clash between the drum and the “Ghursha,” a musical instrument unique to this art form.

Although Al-Fajri is a maritime art form sung both on land and aboard ships, some people prefer to perform it on land rather than on ships, despite the songs mimicking the actions of sailors, such as rowing and raising the sail. The art form is traditionally performed only by men. The lyrics express the divers’ suffering, the dangers of the sea, and the joy of reuniting with loved ones, often invoking the name of God between almost every pause.

Today, national, love, or mourning poetry is sometimes incorporated into its anthems. An interesting feature of Al-Fajri is the rhythmic conflict between the drum and the “Ghursha,” which is a distinctive musical instrument of this genre.