Trump's UAE visit: Greeted with traditional 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 captured. The lineup included women tossing their heads in a hair swing display, which turns out to be a traditional dance.
Donald Trump is currently on a four-day trip through the Middle East. The U.S. president is visiting countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. He arrived in the latter country on Thursday, 15th May. A video of Trump's welcome in the UAE has appeared online.
During the welcome ceremony at the airport in Abu Dhabi, the U.S. president was greeted by a group of women dressed in white gowns. Their actions piqued the curiosity of internet users as they swung their long hair as a gesture of greeting. In the background, traditional music was played live.
Donald Trump appeared surprised but smiled as he witnessed the scene at the airport. A video recording of his welcome was shared online. Internet users immediately began to question why Trump was welcomed in this manner.
Trump's welcome in the UAE: Extraordinary scenes and traditional dance
It turns out that Trump's welcome at the airport in Abu Dhabi was a reenactment of the traditional Al-Ayyala dance. It was inscribed on UNESCO's list of intangible heritage in 2014.
Al-Ayyala is a dance primarily involving men standing in two rows facing each other. However, in the United Arab Emirates, women also practise dance.
Men also participated by waving swords over the women's heads, recreating battle scenes. The dance participants are accompanied by rhythmic drum music and chanted poetry.
The dance is performed during holidays, festivals, weddings, and other significant ceremonies in the UAE and Oman. Participants come from various social backgrounds. Al-Ayyala is a symbol of national identity and unity, reflecting the cultural heritage of the Emirates.
