What Is Al-Ayyala? Hair-flipping dance goes Viral on social media after women perform it to welcome Donald Trump
When President Donald Trump arrived at
Qasr Al Watan
, the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, he was greeted with a striking display of Emirati culture that quickly captivated the internet. Dressed in flowing white gowns, dozens of women lined the palace walkway, flipping their long hair rhythmically from side to side while men behind them beat drums and chanted. This dramatic and synchronized performance is known as Al-Ayyala, a traditional cultural dance of the United Arab Emirates. More than a welcome ceremony, Al-Ayyala is a vivid expression of
Gulf heritage
that combines poetry, percussion, and pride.
Al-Ayyala - A UNESCO intangible cultural heritage
Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Al-Ayyala is a traditional performing art popular across the United Arab Emirates and parts of Oman. It blends chanted poetry, drum music, and stylized movement to simulate a scene of unity, strength, and sometimes battle. Typically performed by men in two facing rows wielding sticks or swords, the dance often features women in front, flipping their hair to the rhythm and adding visual elegance to the percussive power of the performance.
A royal welcome for Trump
Trump's recent visit to the UAE as part of his Gulf tour was met with elaborate displays of hospitality, but the Al-Ayyala ceremony at Qasr Al Watan stood out. As Trump walked between the dancers, he remarked, 'What a beautiful city! I love it!' Cameras captured him inspecting the performance with keen interest as women continued their synchronized hair-flipping and men beat drums in the background.
Cultural significance and occasions
Al-Ayyala is not a performance reserved for state visits alone. It is deeply rooted in weddings, national celebrations, and cultural festivals, serving as a symbol of community identity. While traditionally male-dominated, women's participation, especially in public ceremonies, has grown more visible in recent years and showcases evolving gender roles within traditional arts.
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Why hair-flipping
In the UAE, unlike in some neighboring countries, there are no laws requiring women to cover their hair. This allows for expressive cultural elements like the hair-tossing in Al-Ayyala. The synchronized flipping of long hair is not just aesthetically dramatic. It adds movement, rhythm, and emotion to the dance, reflecting joy, pride, and unity.
A broader Gulf welcome
Trump's Middle East trip has been nothing short of theatrical. From a fighter jet escort in Saudi Arabia to a Cybertruck motorcade and camel parade in Qatar, each stop has been rich in symbolic gestures. In the UAE, Al-Ayyala served both as a traditional welcome and a soft power statement that highlights heritage, hospitality, and cultural pride.
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