New Delhi: During the final leg of his tour across three West Asian countries, US President Donald Trump Friday visited Abu Dhabi’s Presidential Palace, Qasr Al Watan, and was welcomed with a traditional Emirati performance art—Al-Ayyala.
In the video of Trump’s welcome, dozens of women line both sides of the palace entrance corridor as he walks in alongside UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Dressed in flowing white gowns with their long black hair loose, the women begin rhythmically swaying their hair from side to side to the beat of traditional drums.
A traditional performance art shared by the UAE and Oman, Al-Ayyala holds deep cultural significance and was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. According to UNESCO, “Al-Ayyala involves chanted poetry, drum music and dance, and simulates a battle scene.”
The performance embodies core Bedouin values such as dignity, honour, and unity, and is typically showcased at weddings, national ceremonies, and other major celebrations.
Traditionally, two rows of men stand facing each other, holding thin bamboo sticks that represent spears or swords, while musicians play drums, tambourines, and brass cymbals. The men move their heads and sticks in unison to the rhythm, chanting poetry.
In the UAE, the performance includes women in traditional attire, who sway their long hair from side to side.
In 2019, ahead of a state visit to China, an Emirati troupe performed the Al-Ayyala dance in front of the Great Wall of China. This performance was a cultural gesture meant to celebrate Emirati heritage and strengthen diplomatic relations.
After the video of Trump receiving the Emirati greeting went viral, many on social media highlighted its cultural significance, while others appreciated it as a window into the region’s rich heritage.
“President Trump lands in Abu Dhabi like a statesman. Welcomed with Al-Ayyala—UNESCO heritage, drums, sabers, power. Say what you want, but this is what leadership looks like. Respect commands tradition,” wrote one user on ‘X’.
“In the UAE, the Ayala (Al-Ayyala) dance is a key cultural symbol, rooted in Bedouin traditions and performed at weddings, festivals, and national events. Interestingly, the Oromo people also perform similar music, dance, wear similar clothing, and celebrate ceremonies like the Irreecha festival, which brings the community together to give thanks and celebrate their identity,” another user wrote.
Trump’s visit to the UAE was the final leg of his tour to three Gulf countries. He first visited Saudi Arabia, then Qatar, and finally visited the UAE.
The purpose of the tour was to strengthen relations between the US and Gulf nations, as well as to finalise several agreements, including those on cooperation in areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies.
President Trump also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, describing it as “beautiful” during his tour of the site alongside Crown Prince Khaldoon Khalifa.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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