What music is played in Qatar?
What instruments are in Qatari music?
Qanun and Violin. Although Qanun and Violin don't come exactly from Qatar, they have become a huge part of their music and have been in Qatar's traditional instruments list. Qanun is known for its plucked string and trapezoidal shape and is widely used in the Middle East. Qanun in Arabin means “law” or “rule.”

Violin, on the other hand, also comes from Western origins and has significantly influenced Qatar’s Instrumental Music. This lovely instrument has risen in popularity among Arab communities and Qatari people as a modern and amazing instrument. Violins can easily blend in with different music styles and are great for Qatar’s instrumental music. 

Nay:
Another traditional instrument in Qatar’s traditional instruments list is the Nay, which is basically a flute-like instrument. Nay is also widely used and played throughout the Arab world and has a long history and great cultural significance.

The Nay is made from hollow reed or bamboo sticks with multiple holes that are designed for fingers. The Nay can be performed for both solo and ensemble pieces and sometimes can accompany vocalists and other instruments as well. The Nay is the symbol of Qatar and is a unique musical instrument.
Oud:
The Oud, known as “al-oud,” which translates to “the wood” in English, is another fascinating Qatari musical instrument. This instrument is highly cherished in Qatar and has played a vital role in the country’s musical traditions.
The Oud is a stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body and a short fretless neck. This instrument can include eleven or sometimes thirteen strings. Additionally, the body of the Oud is also made out of wood, and its strings are made of gut or nylon.

In Qatar, the Oud is considered the king of instruments and is widely used in traditional Qatari music.
Tabil & Mirwas:
Originating from North Africa and adopted in Arab musical traditions, Tabil is a cylindrical drum with a wooden or metal frame and a drumhead made of animal skin. The Tabil has a striking sound, and the word “Tabil” is derived from the Arabic word “Tabl” meaning “drum.”

Tabil is used in some traditional Qatari musical performances. Compared to Tabil, the Mirwas is another musical instrument that is relatively small and a kind of handheld drum and is usually seen in Arab music. Mirwas is also a unique instrument that adds percussive elements and rhythmic patterns to the music, enhancing the overall sound and driving the tempo.
Rababah:
Rababah is another Qatar traditional instrument list that has a fretless neck and a resonating body. Rababah is mainly known due to its desert music characteristics and reflects the nomadic heritage of the country.
Rababah’s sound expresses melancholic tones, creating a unique and fascinating melody. The Rababah’s sound is ideal for conveying emotions and evoking a sense of nostalgia and melancholy. Rababah playing is intertwined with having great skill and precision. Rababah is also a symbol in Qatar’s Instrumental Music.
Darbaka (Goblet Drum):
The Goblet Drum, called the Darbaka in Arabic Language, is widely used in Arab regions and the Middle East. Darbaka has a goblet-shaped body and is usually made of clay, metal, or wood. Striking the drumhead with the hands and fingertips is the main way of playing Darbaka, which creates pitch and timbre.

Moreover, Darbaka has gained a lot of popularity in recent years among people and in pop, fusion, and other genres of music. Playing Darbaka can add rhythmic depth to musical performances and can evolve and change musical landscapes.