U.S. President Donald Trump was welcomed in the United Arab Emirates on May 15, 2025, with a traditional Al-Ayyala dance performance at Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi. This event was part of his Middle East tour, which also included visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
The Al-Ayyala dance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a traditional Emirati performance that symbolizes unity and national pride. It typically features rows of men wielding bamboo sticks or swords, moving rhythmically to the beat of drums and poetic chants. In this particular performance, women dressed in flowing white gowns added a unique element by flipping their long hair in synchronized movements, enhancing the visual spectacle.
Trump expressed his admiration for the performance, reportedly stating, “What a beautiful city! I love it!” The elaborate welcome was part of a broader effort by Gulf states to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with the United States. During his Middle East tour, Trump also visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar, where he received similarly grand receptions.
The visit culminated in significant economic agreements, with the White House announcing over \$1 trillion in investment commitments from the Gulf region. The UAE’s commitment to preserving and showcasing its cultural heritage, as demonstrated by the Al-Ayyala performance, underscores the nation’s efforts to balance modernization with tradition.
The viral footage of the hair-flipping dancers captivated audiences worldwide, sparking discussions on the beauty and depth of Emirati cultural practices. As the UAE continues to assert its presence on the global stage, such performances serve as poignant reminders of the nation’s rich heritage and its role in fostering cultural diplomacy.
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