From Trump dancing to red cybertrucks: 6 viral moments from US leader's historic Gulf trip
US President Donald Trump is set to soon wrap up his Gulf tour which included sealing billions of dollars in deals, lifting sanctions on Syria and meeting for the first time with Syrian President Ahmed Al Sharaa—but beyond business deals and politics, the visit included moments that will linger in memory.
From a friendly encounter with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Emirati girls greeting Trump with a traditional Khaleeji dance, here are six major highlights from the high profile visit:
1. Lavender carpet
As soon as Trump touched down in Riyadh on May 13 for his first stop on his Middle East tour, Saudi Arabia rolled out not a red but a lavender carpet for the US President.
It almost immediately caught the world's attention. As is regular convention, the red carpet is rolled out for visiting heads of state, ministers, the world over. But unlike other countries, Saudi Arabia has lavender as the official colour to welcome state guests.
Click here to know why Saudi officials adopted the colour for carpets used in welcoming state guests.
#Ù�Ù�دÙ�Ù� | Ù�خاÙ�Ø© رئÙ�س اÙ�Ù�Ù�اÙ�اذ اÙ�Ù�Ø°Øدة اÙ�Ø£Ù�رÙ�Ù�Ù�Ø© Ù�صÙ� اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© Ù�Ù� زÙ�ارة دÙ�Ù�Ø©Ø� Ù�سÙ�Ù� #Ù�Ù�Ù�_اÙ�عÙ�د Ù�Ù� Ù�Ù�دÙ�Ø© Ù�سذÙ�بÙ�Ù�Ù�. #اÙ�رئÙ�س_اÙ�Ø£Ù�رÙ�Ù�Ù�_Ù�Ù�_اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© #٩٢_عاÙ�Ù�ا_Ù�Ù�_اÙ�شراÙ�Ø©_Ù�اÙ�ازدÙ�ار #TrumpInKSA #Ù�اس pic.twitter.com/HahArABbLK
— Ù�اس اÙ�أخبار اÙ�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ù�Ø© (@spagov) May 13, 2025
2. Do you sleep at night?
During the Saudi-US investment forum in Riyadh, Trump lauded efforts by Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman to modernise the kingdom and wondered if he ever finds time to sleep at night. He said: "Mohamed, do you sleep at night!?". The Crown Prince, who was sitting in the audience, then laughs and is seen saying "I try". Watch the full clip here:
#VIDEO: Trump jokes with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman: Do you sleep at night? How do you sleep while getting all this done? pic.twitter.com/QBLq33Mc6U
— Saudi Gazette (@Saudi_Gazette) May 13, 2025
3. Cybertrucks escorting convoy
When Trump arrived in Qatar, the second leg of his tour, his convoy was flanked by red Tesla cybertrucks while he was on rout to the royal palace in Doha.
Elon Musk will be very pleased! Trump�s convoy, flanked by Tesla Cybertrucks in Doha, is en route to the royal palace during his four-day visit to the Middle East.
Trump and Musk were welcomed by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, along with other senior� pic.twitter.com/VKH1jHLy8H
— Viory Video (@vioryvideo) May 14, 2025
4. Dancing during visit to troops
In Qatar, Trump paid US troops based in Al Udeid air base a visit, during which he swayed to the tunes of God Bless the USA. Take a look:
5. Khaleeji dance by Emirati girls
Upon arrival in the UAE and as a gesture that shows pride in tradition and culture, Trump was welcomed by young Emirati girls performing Khaleeji dance.
Videos of the girls lining up and swaying their hair to greet the visiting US leader soon went viral on social media. Take a look:
The welcome ceremony in UAE continues! ����
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 15, 2025
6. UAE girl holding white bouquet
As the UAE was preparing to host Trump for the final leg of his Gulf tour, a young Emirati girl was waiting with a welcoming bouquet of white flowers.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan could be seen in a viral video walking up to the young girl and enteracting with her. At one point, he was seen putting an arm around her as she smiled and placing a kiss on her forehead.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
What's On
2 hours ago
- What's On
11 homegrown jewellery brands to shop from to deck yourself out
Bling bling baby… For many, jewellery isn't just a piece of metal or an adornment – it's a way to express oneself, create a distinct identity and sense of style. As part of fashion, it your personality on display, a unique marker of who you are. A ccessorising can jazz up any boring, bland, beige outfit – if you're looking to expand your collection of bling, here are some amazing homegrown labels to shop from. Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery Founded by Her Highness Sheikha Sana Al Maktoum, Sana Al Maktoum Fine Jewellery is for the real lovers of luxury. Collections aimed at empowering women with stunning creations, they're inspired by her grandmother, a woman with remarkable strength, an entrepreneur and a visionary. The collection is made with white, rose and yellow gold, with ethically sourced diamonds and gems. @sanaalmaktoumofficial Lana Al Kamal Jewelry Founded in 2017, this female-owned-and-run jewellery brand draws from art, culture and architecture. The eponymous label stocks a variety of options, from modern takes on a traditional fine jewellery motif to chic everyday designs. They are made in 18-karat gold, diamonds and bold gemstones. @lanaalkamaljewelry Oria At Oria, you can find beautiful, affordable and entirely homegrown jewellery pieces, handcrafted by Middle Eastern artisans – each piece is one-of-a-kind and i t's almost impossible to go wrong choosing from their range of layerable, sophisticated wearable art. They have a variety of options, from dainty and fine to colourful with gems. @ Bymystique It's all about the celestial realm – Bymystique's jewellery is handcrafted in the UAE and draws inspiration from the sun, the moon, the stars and all that be in the celestial realm. The brand uses 18-karat recycled gold, and adorns the designs with glittering pavé diamonds, mother of pearl and miniature coloured gems. @bymystiqueofficial Enso Design Lab Based in Dubai, Enso Design Lab taps into that minimalist trend, with the brand's designs focusing on sustainability, craftsmanship, simplicity, functionality, and high-quality materials. They really pull together that chic-abstract-clean-girl aesthetic and if you're looking for long wear and use, this is it for you. Explore their collection of women's and men's jewellery pieces as well as sunglasses, haircombs, and more. @ Gafla Created by Hamad Bin Shaiban and Abdulla Beljafla, this is a brand deeply infused with Emirati heritage and beauty. The brand reinvents the traditional stories and symbols of Arabic culture and brings it to life in a contemporary, fine jewellery look. They have numerous collections to choose from – take your pick. @gafla Helya Jewelry A female-run home-grown brand in Dubai, this jewellery outlet is the answer to all your accessories worries. Helya is founded by two Emirati sisters who combined their passion for Emirati culture, architecture and design. Their simple and beautiful designs encapsulate the native flora and heritage of the Middle Eastern. Order online at @helya.a Donna Hourani This is something a little outside the box – Donna Hourani is all about gemstones, and offers designs that bring out the best of their beauty. The pieces are bold and bright, with asymmetric silhouettes, and wavy and molten settings, with bright stones taking centre stage – designed to be family heirlooms for life. @donnahouranijewelry The PiercingSpot Inspired by the lack of stylish jewellery on the market, founder Aya took matters into her own hands by creating the PiercingSpot. This is an independent female piercer offering gorgeous jewellery, and safe and amazing piercing procedures for all women. She has a shop and piercing parlour in Health Care city where you can visit for all your piercing needs. The Piercing Spot, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, Mon to Sat 10am to 7pm, Sun closed, Tel: (0)4 878 1697, Toktam Jewelry Pieces by Toktam Jewelry tell a story – the collections follow themes and blends of the founder's Persian heritage with Arabic influences. Bold, eclectic and colourful designs are the marker of Toktam, and pieces are unmissable. If you're big on strong self expression, these are the pieces for you. @ Diamind Diamind is bringing the lab-grown diamond market and pioneering sustainability in the region, while still creating beautiful, timeless designs that can be worn for life. The idea behind lab-grown diamonds is the ethical question, taking into account the long and bloody history of mined diamonds in some of the biggest reserves in the world. @diamindofficial Images: Socials
FACT
3 hours ago
- FACT
Lazy Cat expands in Riyadh with a second outpost
The new branch will be located at 1364 in the Diplomatic Quarter. Riyadh's café culture is having a moment, and one feline-inspired favourite is leading the charge. After winning over the city's foodies with its charming aesthetic and indulgent menu in Laysen Valley, Lazy Cat is expanding with a second Riyadh location opening soon in the Diplomatic Quarter. The new outpost will be situated in the stylish 1364 complex, a destination renowned for its upscale culinary scene and home to renowned chefs such as Akira Back and The Lighthouse. Soon, it will also welcome Cipriani Dolci, and Lazy Cat's arrival adds to the area's growing appeal. Having made its Saudi debut in Laysen Valley, Lazy Cat quickly carved out a niche with its creative menu and cosy ambience. Whether you're in for a leisurely breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a sweet escape, signature dishes include the Avocado Folded Bread, Burrata Caprese Folded Bread, and the indulgent Truffle and Spicy Honey Calzone. Craving something heartier? Try the Pastrami Sandwich or the fan-favourite Lazy Burger. For the sweet-toothed, the café offers a lineup of desserts that could double as viral content. Think Cinnamon Roll Pancakes, Crème Brûlée Japanese Pancakes, and the cult-favourite Ahmed Al Zamel Cake that's all over your feed. Drinks are equally imaginative, with standout sips like the Tiramisu Latte and Blue Matcha. Founded in Kuwait and now with locations across the Gulf, Lazy Cat has built a loyal following thanks to its playful branding, consistently delicious menu, Instagrammable vibes and generous pricing. Opening details for the new Lazy Cat in Riyadh are still under wraps, but one thing's for sure—Lazy Cat's second home in Riyadh is set to become another hotspot. GO: Follow @eatlazycat on Instagram for more information.
Khaleej Times
6 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
White House Chief of Staff's phone hacked; US opens probe
US federal authorities are investigating an effort to impersonate White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The report said Wiles had told associates that some of her cellphone contacts had been hacked, allowing the impersonator to access private phone numbers. The incident affected her personal phone, not her government phone, the report said. The Journal reported that in recent weeks, senators, governors, top US business executives and other figures received messages and calls from a person who claimed to be Wiles, citing the people familiar with the messages. The White House has struggled with information security. A hacker who breached the communications service used by former Trump national security adviser Mike Waltz earlier this month intercepted messages from a broad swathe of American officials, Reuters reported recently. And late last year, a White House official said the US believed that an alleged sweeping Chinese cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon targeted and recorded telephone calls of "very senior" American political figures. As Wiles is a key Trump lieutenant and a lynchpin of the White House's operation, the content of her personal phone would be of extraordinary interest to a range of foreign intelligence agencies and other hostile actors. Wiles has reportedly been targeted by hackers at least once before, in the final months of Trump's 2024 presidential campaign. At the time, hackers alleged by US authorities to be acting on behalf of Iran approached journalists and a political operative with a variety of messages sent to and from Wiles, some of which were eventually published.
