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Truth behind 'hair swinging' ritual from viral video during Donald Trump's visit to Middle East

Home> News> Politics

Published 14:45 16 May 2025 GMT+1

Truth behind 'hair swinging' ritual from viral video during Donald Trump's visit to Middle East

Trump arrived in the UAE for a four-day trip

Lucy Devine

Lucy Devine

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!”

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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.'

“In the United Arab Emirates, girls wearing traditional dresses stand at the front, tossing their long hair from side to side," the organisation adds.

Trump has been on a visit to the UAE (Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Trump has been on a visit to the UAE (Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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.'

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They wrote: "To everyone confused by the 'hair swinging' ritual in Trump’s UAE visit:

"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 received a spectacular welcome (Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Trump received a spectacular welcome (Waleed Zein/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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.

Featured Image Credit: X

Topics: Donald Trump, Politics, World News, News

Lucy Devine
Lucy Devine

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