On May 15, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump was greeted in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the traditional Ayyala dance, sparking global curiosity and debate.
The performance, featuring women in two rows flipping their hair as Naa’shaat and men chanting with bamboo canes, captivated onlookers. Ahmed Bel Jafflah, Senior Presenter at the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), explained to Gulf News that this UNESCO-recognised Intangible Cultural Heritage symbolises Emirati unity, pride, and hospitality.
Swords, beats, and unity- this is Al-Ayyala, the traditional dance of the UAE. pic.twitter.com/VlxvMMPxDJ
— Brut India (@BrutIndia) May 16, 2025Ayyala’s Cultural Significance
The Ayyala dance, performed by men in two rows, is a cornerstone of Emirati culture. It is often seen at weddings, Eid celebrations, National Day, and state events. It fosters joy and togetherness, reflecting the UAE’s social fabric. With flowing hair movements, the Naa’shaat hair dance by young women complements the performance, symbolising strength and cultural pride. Posts on X described the women’s synchronised hair-flipping as a gesture of joy, not defiance, during Trump’s welcome.
The Ayyala’s use in welcoming dignitaries like Trump underscores the UAE’s tradition of inclusive hospitality. Recognised by UNESCO, the dance integrates music, poetry, and movement, often lasting days at celebrations. Its performance for Trump highlights its role in state protocol, as noted by cultural experts, who emphasised its non-threatening, celebratory nature.
What the authentic Emirati 🇦🇪 “Ayyala dance” means and why it was performed during President Donald Trump’s visit to the UAE
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— حسن سجواني 🇦🇪 Hassan Sajwani (@HSajwanization) May 16, 2025The visually striking welcome drew mixed reactions online. Some X users, like @HSajwanization, praised its cultural depth, while others expressed surprise at the unfamiliar ritual. The event showcases the UAE’s commitment to sharing its heritage with global leaders.
During Trump’s visit, the Ayyala dance’s prominence reinforces its enduring role in Emirati identity, fostering cross-cultural understanding through tradition.
