A man paces in the middle of the group playing a simple reed instrument called mizmar or surnai, whose plaintive sharp sound reminds the listener of an oboe.
The Liwa is a more casual dance than the others, and can be performed with great spirit and banter from the young men who usually take part.
[citation needed] This drummer plays a dominant role, which gives him plenty of opportunity for a virtuoso performance.
The mizmar has an oboe-like sound and produces a haunting melody, which is lent particular poignancy by the eastern tonic scale to which it is tuned.
These were both major trading partners with the Persian Gulf in centuries past, and have lent their language and culture to influence this fascinating dance.