US President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East visit with a dramatic cultural welcome in the United Arab Emirates. Welcomed by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Trump arrived at Qasr Al Watan to the rhythmic chanting and gestures of a traditional Al-Ayyala show, an ancient Emirati and Omani dance that re-enacts a battle scene.
Women wearing traditional clothes stood in line, tossing long hair in perfect synchrony while men brandished sword-like bamboo sticks, creating a symbolic gesture of unity and resilience. The special welcome was recorded in a video posted by White House aide Margo Martin, who captioned on X, “The welcome ceremony in UAE continues!” The video went viral and has gained over 5.3 million views while generating extensive interest in the hair-tossing ceremony.
The welcome ceremony in UAE continues! ???? pic.twitter.com/sXqS1IboMN
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 15, 2025
Discovering Al-Ayyala’s Rich Heritage
Al-Ayyala is, according to UNESCO, not just a dance, but also a form of cultural expression that incorporates chanting poetry, drums, and dancing to mimic a battlefield. Al-Ayyala is normally performed in weddings and festivals and features dancers of all ages, sexes, and social classes. The girls’ hair-flipping is a metaphor, and the synchronized waving by the men is an imitation of warriors confronting each other.
The lead artist, usually in a position inherited through generations, teaches the troupe how to ensure the authenticity of the performance. In the case of Trump’s visit, the performance was a representation of tradition and hospitality, rich with the UAE’s cultural heritage.
Fanfare Across the Gulf
Trump’s visit to the UAE was preceded by similarly opulent welcomes in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In Saudi Arabia, his landing was accompanied by a six-fighter jet escort, and in Qatar, he was greeted by a fighter plane escort and a camel-lined motorcade. During his tour, the outgoing US President held high-level meetings and reportedly extracted more than $1 trillion in economic investment commitments from the Gulf countries.
Cultural Diplomacy Meets Economic Strategy
Trump’s welcome in Abu Dhabi not only capped his tour of the region on a high note but also demonstrated the marriage of cultural diplomacy and economic interests. While the now-viral performance was criticised for its visual overtones, it also reminded us of the strong traditions that continue to frame international dealings in the Gulf.
