Earlier this week, US President Donald Trump arrived in the United Arab Emirates with a very special greeting.
Arriving at the UAE's presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, Trump was greeted with a traditional dance in which women could be seen tossing their hair from side to side.
After walking through the performance, Trump later told reporters: “What a beautiful city! I love it!”
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) the presentation, called the Al-Ayyala, involves 'chanted poetry, drum music and dance, and simulates a battle scene.'
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“In the United Arab Emirates, girls wearing traditional dresses stand at the front, tossing their long hair from side to side," the organisation adds.
Following a video of the traditional dance, some people were left confused, with many unaware of the meaning behind the routine.
One person on X gave their take, claiming the ceremonial welcome is reserved for those receiving the 'highest honour.'
They wrote: "To everyone confused by the 'hair swinging' ritual in Trump’s UAE visit:
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"That wasn’t random. That wasn’t a TikTok dance. That was ancient. Intentional. Royal.
"Here’s what it really meant: The ritual is known in Gulf Arab culture especially in the UAE as part of a ceremonial welcome reserved for kings, heads of state, and those given the highest honor.
"The synchronized hair swaying by women is not a performance. It’s a gesture of grace, pride, and spiritual blessing."
They continued: "It symbolizes: Honor. Purity of intent. And in some interpretations: submission to a higher cause or protector.
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"It’s rare. It’s sacred.
"You don’t get this unless you’re being received as a liberator or covenant figure.
"Donald Trump didn’t walk into a normal greeting.
"He was flanked by military, tribal elders, and ceremonial dancers.
"This was a king’s welcome.
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"It sent a message to the world and especially to those watching in silence:
"'He’s not just back. He’s the one we trust now.'
"This was a global power shift, wrapped in ancient tradition."
Trump has been visiting the UAE as part of a four-day trip, in which CNBC report he was greeted with 'spectacular fanfare.'
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The publication reports that the president was met by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as his plane arrived on the tarmac, which is unprecedented in royal tradition.
Meanwhile, a Cybertruck motorcade was awaiting Trump at Qatar's Doha airport, while in Abu Dhabi, UAE leader Mohammed bin Zayed presented Trump with the Order of Zayed Award.
Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, World News, News
Lucy Devine