UNESCO-honoured Al-Ayyala dance welcomes Donald Trump — here's what the UAE's hair-flipping tradition at Qasr Al Watan signifies
What the dance looked like
In the widely shared visuals, women in long white dresses lined both sides of Trump's walkway, flipping their hair in rhythm as men behind them beat drums and chanted. The women's synchronized movements added a striking visual element to the performance, which took place as Trump passed through the palace. 'What a beautiful city! I love it!' Trump said, watching the dance unfold.
Cultural significance of Al-Ayyala
Al-Ayyala is a well-known folk performance from the UAE and north-western Oman. It blends music, poetry, and movement to simulate scenes of battle and celebration. Typically, men stand in two rows holding swords or bamboo sticks while moving in harmony to drumbeats and verse. The women often join at the front, adding emotion and rhythm by flipping their hair with the music. UNESCO has listed Al-Ayyala as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Beyond special occasions
Though Al-Ayyala was performed for Trump's arrival, it is not limited to state visits. The dance plays an important role in weddings, national celebrations, and local festivals in both Oman and the UAE. Its inclusive nature allows participation from different age groups and genders. In recent times, more women have been actively participating in public performances, reflecting a gradual shift in traditional roles.
Meaning behind the hair-flipping
In contrast to some nearby countries, the UAE does not mandate women to cover their hair, allowing them to engage more freely in cultural displays like Al-Ayyala. The hair-flipping seen during the dance isn't just decorative—it serves as an expression of joy and identity. It plays a rhythmic and emotional role, reinforcing themes of unity and national pride.
Ties and trade agreements
Trump's UAE visit was also significant for diplomatic and economic reasons. Wrapping up his three-country Gulf tour—which included Saudi Arabia and Qatar—Trump announced $200 billion in agreements with the UAE. Discussions included cooperation in fields like artificial intelligence, underscoring the evolving partnership between the two nations.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hans India
5 hours ago
- Hans India
INDIA'S PRIDE: Bharata Muni's Natya Shastra
Last month, when UNESCO announced the latest additions to its Memory of the World Register, there was jubilation in India. Of the 74 items inscribed, two hailed from India—Bharatamuni's Natya Shastra and the Bhagavad Gita, one of India's most revered spiritual texts. For millions, this was not only a recognition of India's cultural depth but also an affirmation of its enduring contribution to global heritage. The Memory of the World Register is a UNESCO initiative to preserve and provide access to the world's most precious documentary heritage. As of 2025, it holds over 500 inscriptions, now including India's two monumental texts. A Timeless Text on the Arts For the uninitiated, the Natya Shastra is a centuries-old Sanskrit treatise authored by Sage Bharata (Bharata Muni). It is regarded as a treasure trove on the performing arts—covering dramaturgy, music, dance, theatre, stage architecture, acting techniques, and aesthetics. Among its most significant contributions is the theory of Rasa—the philosophy of evoking moods and emotions in audiences through performance. The influence of this monumental work extends far beyond India. It shaped South and Southeast Asian performing arts and even influenced architecture. The Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur famously depicts most of the dance poses (karanas) described in the text. Because of such contributions, India is often referred to as Prachi Sudha—'Nectar of the East'—celebrated for its rich traditions of music and dance. The UNESCO recognition, many believe, strengthens this reputation. Pride—and a Sense of Delay The honour has been warmly welcomed, though many in the art community feel it came later than it should have. As one dancer remarked, 'This recognition was long overdue. The Natya Shastra deserved this place on the world stage years ago.' Still, the consensus is clear: better late than never. Across India and the world, the text is studied in academic institutions where classical dance and theatre are taught. Yet the recognition prompted many to ask: have we given the Natya Shastra the attention it deserves at home? Voices from the Dance World Padma Bhushan awardees and Kuchipudi legends Raja and Radha Reddy called the honour 'a moment of great pride and inspiration.' They noted that Indian classical dance, a holistic blend of drama, music, poetry, and storytelling, draws its very framework from the Natya Shastra. Celebrated Bharatanatyam dancer Alarmel Valli echoed the sentiment: 'That UNESCO has finally recognised this timeless text is a matter of pride for Indians everywhere. The Natya Shastra is a fountainhead of aesthetics and performance, inseparable from the cultural forms of India and Southeast Asia.' She highlighted its unique duality—providing a rich vocabulary and grammar for performers while leaving space for individuality and creative exploration. Dance scholar Arshiya Sethi, Founder of the Kri Foundation, remarked: 'This recognition makes the Natya Shastra a global inheritance. It highlights the antiquity of Indian knowledge systems, which organised and preserved wisdom in a manner unparalleled among ancient cultures.' The Challenge of Dissemination While academic institutions include the text in syllabi, private dance schools and home-based training often overlook it. Students practice art forms deeply rooted in the Natya Shastra without engaging with the text itself. Barriers include the language of Sanskrit and the paucity of time—since most schoolchildren already juggle heavy workloads alongside dance lessons. Experts suggest a balanced solution: dance teachers should introduce students to the text, offer an overview, and spark curiosity, leaving deeper study to motivated learners. As Yamini Krishnamurthy and Sanjukta Panigrahi—actively sought both practical and theoretical knowledge years ago. Similarly, today's students should be encouraged to engage with the text to understand the roots of their art. The Reddys emphasise that without a grounding in theory, performance risks losing its 'soul.' They advise teachers: 'Introduce students—even at a young age—to the text and its concepts. When dancers know where their art comes from, their expression becomes more meaningful.' Beyond Classical Dance The Natya Shastra is not confined to classical traditions. As Arshiya Sethi insightfully notes, it also resonates with Indian cinema, today's most powerful form of drama. 'If one limits Bharata's work to classical forms alone, one misses its essence. The Natya Shastra is about dramaturgy, and Indian cinema—with its songs, dances, and stories—is the modern continuation of that tradition. The text is ever open to reinterpretation and application.' This observation widens the horizon: far from being a relic of the past, the Natya Shastra remains a living, evolving body of knowledge that shapes both heritage and contemporary popular culture. Looking Ahead The UNESCO honour ensures greater global recognition for India's performing arts. It will likely inspire more seminars, workshops, and academic courses both in India and abroad. Yet, as many artistes emphasise, the deeper responsibility lies within India itself—to popularise, teach, and engage with the Natya Shastra at all levels. For now, however, celebration is in order. The Natya Shastra has finally received the recognition it has long deserved. Its inscription on the Memory of the World Register is not just a validation of India's past but also a beacon for its future—reminding us that the aesthetics, wisdom, and creativity encoded in Bharata's text are as relevant today as they were centuries ago.
News18
a day ago
- News18
Home Alone Reboot Would Be A 'Mistake', Says Director Chris Columbus
Last Updated: Home Alone director Chris Columbus thinks it would be a "mistake" to reboot the franchise, and that it should be left alone. Chris Columbus thinks it would be a 'mistake" to reboot Home Alone. The 66-year-old filmmaker directed the 1990 Christmas classic and its 1992 sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York – which were both written by John Hughes and starred Macaulay Culkin – and he believes it would be impossible to capture the magic of the films so far into the future. He told Entertainment Tonight: 'I think Home Alone really exists as, not at this timepiece, but it was this very special moment, and you can't really recapture that. I think it's a mistake to try to go back and recapture something we did 35 years ago. 'I think it should be left alone." His comment came after Macaulay recently teased potentially reprising his role as Kevin McCallister if the salary was right. But he said during a screening of the film and a Q+A session: 'I have ideas, but I don't have time to write anything with my two children." Following the first two movies, the Home Alone franchise continued with Home Alone 3 (1997), Home Alone 4 (2002), Home Alone: The Holiday Heist (2012) and Home Sweet Home Alone (2021), but with other child actors at the forefront. And in 2018, Ryan Reynolds was attached to produce an R-rated reboot for Fox titled Stoned Alone, but the project has not progressed. Meanwhile, Chris previously admitted he wished he could erase US President Donald Trump's cameo from Home Alone 2: Lose in New York, branding his appearance a 'curse". In an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle, he declared: 'I just wish it was gone. 'If I cut it, I'll probably be sent out of the country. I'll be considered sort of not fit to live in the United States, so I'll have to go back to Italy or something." The seven-second appearance by Trump came when Macaulay's character checked into the Plaza Hotel and asked a man in the lobby for directions, seemingly oblivious to the fact it was the then-owner of the facility. Trump gave a simple reply and walked off screen. In a 2020 interview with Business Insider, Chris said the future president 'bullied his way into the movie" after only allowing filming to take place at the hotel if he could have a cameo role. He said: 'We paid the fee, but he also said, 'The only way you can use the Plaza is if I'm in the movie'." However, Trump later claimed Chris had 'begged" him to be in the movie. He wrote on his Truth Social platform: 'I was very busy, and didn't want to do it. He added: 'They were very nice, but above all, persistent. I agreed, and the rest is history! That little cameo took off like a rocket… now, however, 30 years later, Columbus (what was his real name?) put out a statement that I bullied myself into the movie. Nothing could be further from the truth." First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
a day ago
- Mint
After Trump-Putin meeting, netizens say US President 'deserves Nobel Peace Prize' if…: How social media reacted
US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska on Friday for a high-profile meeting, attracting global attention. The meeting began with the two leaders shaking hands on the tarmac, followed by a shared ride in the presidential limousine, known as 'the Beast' to the venue. Both leaders arrived on separate planes, walking along red carpets that met in the middle. During their handshake, Trump was seen patting Putin's hand, signalling a cordial start to the talks. The summit included a three-on-three discussion with top aides from both countries and was held against the backdrop of American F-22 fighter jets and B-2 bombers. While the precise agenda was not fully disclosed, the meeting offered both sides an opportunity for private conversation before formal discussions began. The summit quickly went viral on social media. AI-generated videos, edited images, and memes depicting the leaders in humorous or exaggerated scenarios were widely shared. User @emma6USA posted an AI video of the meeting, which received over 328,000 views. Other posts showed Trump in kneepads or imagined virtual game battles with Putin, generating thousands of reactions. Some social media users poked fun at Trump's appearance and behaviour, while others speculated on the outcomes of the summit. One user joked: 'Trump couldn't even walk in a straight line to greet Putin… looking like a malfunctioning Roomba.' Another commented: 'If Donald Trump negotiates an end to Putin's war on Ukraine without Ukraine having to cede territory, I'll nominate him for a Nobel Peace Prize myself.' Another wrote: 'President Trump and President Putin are currently riding together in The Beast. What a historic photo. What a historic moment.' Trump was unable to secure an agreement from Putin to end Russia's war in Ukraine, marking a setback in what had been billed as his most significant diplomatic effort. The two leaders had been expected to hold a joint news conference after their talks, but they took no questions from journalists and shared only limited information. Putin said the discussions produced an 'understanding' on Ukraine, while cautioning Europe not to 'torpedo the nascent progress.' Trump, for his part, described the meeting as having made 'great progress,' though he acknowledged that several sticking points remained.
