The President of the United States, Donald Trump, was received this Thursday in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, with a ceremony that has caused surprise and gone viral on social media.
Upon his arrival at the presidential palace Qasr Al Watan, the leader was escorted by rows of Emirati women who, dressed in white, waved their long hair to the rhythm of drums and traditional chants.
Contrary to what has been reported in some media, the dance performed by Emirati women does not correspond to the "Al-Ayyala", but rather to a stylized representation of the Khaleegy (also spelled Khaliji), a traditional dance from the Persian Gulf.
This cultural expression is typical of countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, and its name literally means "of the Gulf."
The Khaleegy is a feminine dance characterized by the elegant and undulating movement of the hair, which women swing from side to side while walking or spinning, with refined gestures of the hands, shoulders, and head.
It is generally performed at social celebrations such as weddings or festivals, and at official occasions as a sign of respect and hospitality.
During the performance, dancers usually wear a long, loose tunic called a thobe or jalabiya, generally colorful and decorated, although on this occasion, they adapted their attire to a more subdued aesthetic for the State ceremony.
The music that accompanies the Khaleegy is based on traditional Gulf rhythms, such as sawt, performed with instruments like the tabl and the daf.
The fact that women waved their hair in formation in front of Trump has been interpreted as a symbolically and culturally significant way of offering a welcome, filled with grace and solemnity.
Beyond the visual gesture, the scene reflects a sophisticated expression of hospitality from the Arab world towards its distinguished visitors.
This visit to the United Arab Emirates marks the final leg of Trump's tour of the Persian Gulf, which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
Precisely, in this context, if the reception in Abu Dhabi was symbolic, the one in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, was openly luxurious.
Upon his arrival at the airport, Trump was personally welcomed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which marked a stark contrast to the treatment offered to the former president Joe Biden during his visit in 2022.
The presidential limousine was escorted by riders on white Arabian horses, while fanfares played and guided it along a lavender-colored carpet, a symbolic hue of status, to the Royal Court.
There, under gigantic crystal chandeliers, shining marble, gilded furniture, and portraits of King Salman, Trump seemed to be in a Saudi version of his Mar-a-Lago club, highlighted The New York Times.
During the tour of the region, the U.S. president has sought to strengthen economic and political ties, announcing multimillion-dollar agreements in sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense, and energy.
Frequently Asked Questions about Donald Trump's visit to the United Arab Emirates
How was Donald Trump received in the United Arab Emirates?
Donald Trump was welcomed with a unique and symbolic ceremony in Abu Dhabi, where Emirati women dressed in white performed a traditional Gulf dance called Khaleegy, showcasing a cultural expression of hospitality and respect towards the American leader.
What is Khaleegy, the dance that took place during the welcome ceremony?
El Khaleegy is a traditional female dance from the Persian Gulf characterized by the elegant movement of the hair and refined gestures of the hands and head. It is performed on social and official occasions as a symbol of hospitality and respect.
What was the purpose of Trump's visit to the United Arab Emirates?
The objective of Trump's visit to the United Arab Emirates was to strengthen economic and political ties as part of his tour of the Persian Gulf, which also included multimillion-dollar agreements in sectors such as artificial intelligence, defense, and energy.
What other countries did Trump visit during his tour of the Persian Gulf?
In addition to the United Arab Emirates, Trump visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar during his tour of the Persian Gulf, where he sought to strengthen relationships and agreed to significant investments in strategic sectors for the United States.
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