Key Points
- Trump concludes Middle East tour with landmark UAE visit and $200 billion in deals
- Viral video shows Emirati women performing traditional hair dance at Abu Dhabi airport
- Dance is part of Al-Ayyala, a UNESCO-recognized Emirati cultural tradition
- Al-Ayyala symbolizes chivalry, unity, and is performed at major state events
- Women’s hair dance and men’s stick dance highlight UAE’s rich heritage during Trump’s welcome
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump landed in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday, marking the final stop of his Middle East diplomatic tour. Greeted with full honors by President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, Trump’s visit was not only politically significant but also culturally memorable.
$200 Billion in US-UAE Deals
Trump’s UAE visit saw the signing of agreements worth a staggering $200 billion, cementing economic and strategic ties between the two nations. These deals span sectors including energy, defense, and technology, reflecting the growing partnership and mutual interests of both countries.
The Viral Dance: Emirati Women and Al-Ayyala
While the diplomatic achievements made headlines, it was a unique cultural moment that captured the world’s attention. A video, now viewed over 1.8 million times on X (formerly Twitter), shows Emirati women in flowing white robes energetically tossing their long black hair as they circle around President Trump and UAE officials. The striking visual, paired with traditional music and men’s dancing, sparked curiosity and admiration online.
What Is the Hair Dance?
The scene is part of the Al-Ayyala, a centuries-old performing art and dance form deeply rooted in Emirati tradition. While Al-Ayyala is primarily performed by men and boys-who stand in two facing rows, wielding thin bamboo sticks as they enact stylized battle scenes-women often participate by performing a hair dance. Dressed in white, the women rhythmically whip their long hair in graceful arcs, symbolizing beauty, pride, and the vibrancy of Emirati culture.
Al-Ayyala: A Symbol of Heritage and Unity
Al-Ayyala is more than just a dance; it’s a celebration of unity, valor, and community spirit. The men’s dance is accompanied by the singing of Nabati poetry-verses that praise chivalry and honor-set to the beat of copper drums, tambourines, and other traditional instruments. The performance is a fixture at weddings, national holidays, and, as seen in this case, state receptions for visiting dignitaries.
In 2014, UNESCO recognized Al-Ayyala as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, underscoring its importance to the UAE’s national identity.
Cultural Diplomacy on Display
The inclusion of Al-Ayyala in Trump’s welcoming ceremony was a deliberate showcase of Emirati hospitality and cultural pride. The dance, blending martial symbolism with poetic artistry and the striking hair dance by women, highlighted the UAE’s commitment to honoring tradition even during high-profile political events.
President Trump’s UAE visit was historic not only for its record-breaking economic deals but also for the viral cultural display that welcomed him. The Al-Ayyala performance, with its powerful symbolism and captivating visuals, offered the world a glimpse into the heart of Emirati heritage-reminding us that diplomacy is as much about shared culture as it is about politics and economics.
