Trump dazzled by traditional UAE welcome with Al‑Ayyala dance
In recent days, Donald Trump has been visiting Middle Eastern countries. During his visit to the United Arab Emirates, an unusual way of welcoming the U.S. president was recorded. The lineup consisted of women who swung their hair by tossing their heads. It turns out this is a traditional dance.
Donald Trump is on a four-day trip through Middle Eastern countries. The U.S. president is visiting Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In the latter country, he appeared on Thursday (May 15). A recording of Trump's welcome in the UAE has surfaced online.
During the welcome ceremony at the airport in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. president was received by a lineup of women dressed in white gowns. Their behaviour piqued the curiosity of internet users, as they swung their long hair in a gesture of greeting. In the background, traditional music was performed live.
Donald Trump looked surprised and smiled as he witnessed what was happening upon his arrival at the airport. A recording of his welcome appeared online, and Internet users immediately started pondering why Trump was welcomed in this manner.
Trump's welcome in the UAE: extraordinary scenes as traditional dance is performed
It turns out that Trump's welcome at the airport in Abu Dhabi was a reenactment of the traditional Al-Ayyala dance, which was inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage in 2014.
Al-Ayyala is a dance mainly performed by men standing in two rows facing each other. However, it is also practiced by women in the United Arab Emirates.
Men also had their role—they waved swords over the women's heads, recreating battle scenes. The dance participants were accompanied by rhythmic drum music and chanted poetry.
The dance is performed during holidays, festivals, weddings, and other essential ceremonies in the UAE and Oman. Participants come from various social strata. Al-Ayyala is a symbol of national identity and unity, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Emirates.
