Hair to the chief.
During his visit to the UAE on Thursday, President Trump was welcomed with a cultural display featuring a woman who tossed her hair back and forth amidst traditional performances.
“What a beautiful city! I love it!” Trump remarked to reporters after observing the performers at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s presidential palace.
At the Palace of Al Ayala, a showcase of traditional UAE performance art unfolded, where Trump walked past rows of women adorned in flowing white gowns with long dark hair.
The woman dramatically flipped her hair again as a man played the drums and chanted rhythmically.
The audience also witnessed several men wielding sword-like props as part of their act.
The United Nations Education, Science and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) describes Al-Ayyala as an art form that includes chanted poems, drumming, dance, and reenacting battle scenes.
“In the UAE, a girl in traditional garb stands ahead and swings her long hair from side to side,” notes UNESCO.
Al-Ayyala is typically performed during weddings and celebrations in both Oman and the UAE.
Interestingly, unlike some other Middle Eastern countries like Iran, the UAE does not mandate that women cover their hair.
“I love you!” Trump exclaimed after passing through the performance.
Women in the UAE can choose not to wear head coverings.
Gulf nations have been going all out to impress Trump during his regional visits.
For instance, in Saudi Arabia, he was accompanied by six combat jets as he boarded Air Force One.
On another day in Qatar, a cybertruck was on standby for him.
The White House has reported that the president has secured over $1 trillion in economic investment commitments from Gulf countries during this trip.
