On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump was welcomed in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, with a ceremony that has captivated social media users. As he arrived at the presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, he was greeted by rows of Emirati women dressed in white, who swayed their long hair in rhythm with traditional drumbeats and chants.
Contrary to some media reports, this dance performed by Emirati women is not the "Al-Ayyala," but rather a stylized representation of the Khaleegy (also spelled Khaliji), a traditional dance of the Persian Gulf. This cultural expression is typical in countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain, with its name literally meaning "of the Gulf."
The Khaleegy is a women’s dance known for its flowing and graceful hair movements, with participants shaking their hair from side to side while walking or spinning, accompanied by refined gestures of hands, shoulders, and head. It is typically performed at social celebrations like weddings or festivals, and on official occasions as a sign of respect and hospitality.
During the performance, dancers usually wear a long, loose robe called a thobe or jalabiya, often colorful and embroidered, although for this state ceremony, their attire was adapted to a more subdued aesthetic. The music accompanying the Khaleegy is based on Gulf traditional rhythms, such as the sawt, played with instruments like the tabl and daf.
The act of swaying their hair in formation in front of Trump was seen as a symbolically and culturally significant way to welcome him, filled with grace and solemnity. Beyond the visual gesture, the scene reflects a sophisticated expression of Arab hospitality towards distinguished visitors.
This visit to the UAE marks the final stage of Trump's tour of the Persian Gulf, which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Notably, while the reception in Abu Dhabi was symbolic, the one in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia’s capital, was overtly lavish.
Upon arrival at the airport, Trump was met by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman himself, contrasting sharply with the reception given to former President Joe Biden during his 2022 visit. The presidential limousine was escorted by riders on white Arabian horses, as fanfares played and guided him along a lavender carpet—a color symbolizing status—to the Royal Court.
There, under grand crystal chandeliers, gleaming marble, gilded furnishings, and portraits of King Salman, Trump appeared to be in a Saudi version of his Mar-a-Lago club, noted The New York Times. Throughout his regional tour, the U.S. President has sought to strengthen economic and political ties, announcing multi-billion-dollar deals in sectors like artificial intelligence, defense, and energy.
Understanding the Cultural Significance of Khaleegy Dance
What is the Khaleegy dance?
Khaleegy is a traditional dance originating from the Persian Gulf, characterized by women gracefully swaying their hair and using refined gestures. It is performed in social celebrations and official occasions as a sign of hospitality.
How is the Khaleegy dance performed?
During the Khaleegy dance, women wear a long, loose garment called a thobe or jalabiya, and sway their hair side to side while walking or spinning, accompanied by traditional Gulf music rhythms.
Why was the Khaleegy dance performed for Donald Trump?
The Khaleegy dance was performed as a symbolic and culturally significant way to welcome President Trump to the UAE, reflecting the sophisticated expression of Arab hospitality towards distinguished visitors.