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

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.'

“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:

"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.

"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.

"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.'

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.