Latest news with #AlAyyala
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First Post
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- First Post
What is Al-Ayyala, the hair-flipping welcome that Donald Trump received in UAE?
When Donald Trump arrived at Abu Dhabi's presidential palace, he was greeted by an eye-catching visual of girls in white robes flipping their hair side to side, while men beat rhythmic drums and chanted in sync. The Unesco-honoured dance form known as Al-ayyala blends music, poetry and is popular in the UAE and Oman read more Children perform a traditional Al Ayyala dance, on the day US President Donald Trump meets United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, at Qasr Al Watan, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Reuters When Donald Trump arrived at Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi , the US president was welcomed with a lively and eye-catching cultural show. Women in flowing white dresses lined the walkway, flipping their long hair from side to side in unison as the president walked alongside the UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Behind them, men added to the rhythm with beating drums and traditional chants, catching Trump's intrigue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The welcome ceremony in UAE continues! 🇺🇸🇦🇪 — Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) May 15, 2025 'What a beautiful city! I love it!' said the US president after taking in the cultural greeting at the presidential palace. The traditional performance that stole the spotlight is called Al-Ayyala, a well-known dance form across the Gulf that blends music, poetry and movement to symbolise pride, unity, and heritage. Here's everything we know about it. A dance form honoured by UNESCO Al-Ayyala is a traditional dance form popular in the UAE and parts of Oman. In 2014, it was recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. According to UNESCO, the performance includes poetry, drumming, and choreographed movements that symbolise a battle scene. In a typical Al-Ayyala, girls in traditional dresses stand at the front, swaying their long hair from side to side. Behind them, two rows of men face each other, holding thin bamboo sticks that represent spears or swords. The dance is a big part of official ceremonies and is performed at weddings, national celebrations, and cultural festivals in Oman and the UAE. Al Ayyala dance is a big part of official ceremonies and is performed at weddings, national celebrations, and cultural festivals in Oman and the UAE. AFP Unlike other countries in the West Asia, such as Iran, there are no laws in the UAE forcing women to cover their hair, hence they can participate in the dance form. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Further, what makes Al-Ayyala unique is how inclusive it is. People of all ages and backgrounds can take part. The lead performer is usually someone who has inherited the role and is responsible for training others and and ensuring the transmission of this cultural heritage to future generations. Trump's grand West Asia tour The UAE was the final stop in Donald Trump's West Asia tour, after earlier visits to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. In each of these Gulf nations, he was welcomed with grand displays of fanfare. In Saudi Arabia, Trump's arrival was marked by a six-fighter jet escort as Air Force One landed on Tuesday morning. In Qatar, his plane was again flanked by fighter jets, and his cybertruck motorcade was greeted by a camel parade. In Qatar, Trump's plane was flanked by fighter jets, and his cybertruck motorcade was greeted by a camel parade. AFP He was also gifted a $400 million luxury jet by a Qatari royals, a move that drew a lot of attention. In the UAE, authorities closed the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi to the public for the first time to welcome Trump. The Burj Khalifa was lit up in red, white, and blue — the colours of the US flag — in his honour. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A glowing close to a historic day. 🇺🇸🇦🇪 As midnight falls over the UAE, @BurjKhalifa shines with the U.S. flag—a powerful symbol of the respect, friendship, and growing partnership between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. — US Mission to UAE (@USAinUAE) May 15, 2025 According to Al Jazeera, Trump claimed that the deals signed during his three-nation tour, spanning tech, defence, and business, were worth $10 trillion. 'Coming to Saudi Arabia, Qatar was very important to me because of personal relationships that I had, maybe more than anything else. So it's been an amazing period of time,' he said. 'We're developing a lot of fans.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'People have said they've never seen anything like taking place over the last four days, in terms of investment,' Trump added. 'In terms of the kind of money coming back into the United States. And all that money, the money is a nice word, but it's really jobs. We have jobs that are at a level that we very soon will not be able to—nobody can duplicate it.' With input from agencies
Al Etihad
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Eid Al Fitr in Abu Dhabi: 10 ways to celebrate, from festive feasts to live entertainment
29 Mar 2025 01:28 Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)Following the holy month of Ramadan, Abu Dhabi will celebrate tradition and togetherness this Eid Al Fitr. With its warm hospitality and popular attractions, the capital offers something for everyone to see, do and discover this holiday, whether you're looking for a traditional meal or a relaxing are some of the top Eid experiences in Abu Dhabi in 2025: Discover local crafts at the Ramadan & Eid Souqs in Al Dhafra Fort:Experience authentic Emirati culture at the Eid Preparations Souq, taking place daily at Al Dhafra Fort. The pop-up brings together local artisans offering handmade crafts, from pottery and textiles to jewellery and Ramadan-themed items like lanterns and prayer rugs. Complete with culinary experiences featuring gahwa, spices, and dates, this vibrant marketplace is the perfect spot to pick up Eid gifts and soak in the festive atmosphere. Qasr Al Hosn Qasr Al Hosn comes alive this Eid with 'Fwalat Al Eid', a special afternoon gathering held in collaboration with the House of Artisans from the first to the third day of Eid. Visitors can explore traditional Emirati culinary experiences, enjoy live Al Ayyala performances, and immerse themselves in an Emirati majlis. House of Artisans To mark Eid, the House of Artisans is cooking up a special celebration, inviting renowned caterers to serve traditional, time-honoured dishes. With guided storytelling, recipe-sharing and interactive moments, guests can embark on a culinary journey rooted in culture and tradition. Shfaya Al Eid in Al AinOver the first two days of Eid, Al Ain Region's cultural landmarks such as Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Oasis will host Shfaya Al Eid, a celebration of innovative hospitality. Guests can enjoy creative eidiya giveaways and storytelling experiences inspired by the history of these heritage sites, making for a one-of-a-kind experience. Razfat Al Eid Step into Eid with the rhythm of Razfat Al Eid, a series of captivating performances taking place at some of Al Ain Region's most treasured heritage sites. Held at venues including Al Ain Oasis, Bait Mohamed Bin Khalifa and Qasr Al Muwaiji, the celebrations will feature traditional Emirati performances, offering visitors a vibrant experience complete with music, dance and cultural pride. Eid at Ghaitah Al Ain 2025 Kicking off at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre Al Ain, Ghaitah Al Ain 2025 celebrates five days of Eid festivities with live performances, interactive games and cultural showcases. The festival will highlight Al Ain Region's vibrant spirit through sensory zones, art collections, and high-energy attractions like a zip line and inflatable diverse food options and family-friendly fun, this gathering will bring residents and visitors together for a memorable Eid celebration. Arabian Night at Park Hyatt Celebrate the first day of Eid al-Fitr under the stars at the Oasis Tent at Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, inspired by traditional Bedouin gatherings. This dining experience offers an Arabian Night-themed dinner featuring tasteful flavours and warm hospitality. Surrounded by the calm of the night and the gentle desert breeze, it's the perfect setting for a memorable evening with loved ones. Sheraton Abu Dhabi, Corniche Enjoy a fun-filled dining experience at Sheraton Abu Dhabi with themed celebrations from the first to the third day of Eid. From vibrant brunches at Flavours to sizzling BBQ nights at B-Lounge and gourmet platters at Le Bistrot, guests will be spoilt for choice. Live Oud performances and a Cuban musical duo also add to the celebratory atmosphere. InterContinental Abu Dhabi Experience a grand Eid celebration from March 17 to April 3 with brunch at Byblos Sur Mer, featuring a buffet, cooking stations, and live entertainment. Guests can also indulge in an international spread at Selections and treat themselves with signature Arabic desserts to round out the celebratory meal. Royal M Hotel by Gewan Abu Dhabi Make the most out of the Eid break with an extended stay at Royal M Hotel, where guests can enjoy an exclusive stay for five, pay for four offers to enjoy five nights of family fun. For those looking to opt for a shorter retreat, guests can book two nights and receive a 50% discount on the third night.
Sharjah 24
13-02-2025
- General
- Sharjah 24
SIH launches 'Al Ayyala' Art Monument
Dhikrayat Moatouq, Director of Exhibitions Department at SIH, announced, on Thursday, the launch of Al Ayyala Art Monument, at the Institute's headquarters, in the presence of His Excellency Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, President of SIH. Community cohesion The monument embodies the importance of Al Ayyala art as a symbol of community cohesion and cultural heritage that reflects the spirit of cooperation and harmony among the people of the Emirates. Dhikrayat Moatouq stated that SIH launched Al Ayyala Art Monument at its headquarters, in celebration of this authentic folk art that expresses the collective spirit and national cohesion. The monument is a symbolic embodiment of national unity and the connection between the seven emirates, as its design was inspired by a similar monument built by SIH on Nami Island in the Republic of South Korea, to serve as a cultural message linking the Emirati heritage to the global civilisational dialogue. Connection between the 7 emirates Speaking exclusively to Sharjah 24, Dhikrayat Moatouq said that the monument is distinguished by its design, which consists of 7 columns connected by a single base, symbolisng the connection between the seven emirates, as the names of the emirates were added to each of these columns in both Arabic and English, expressing the unity of the nation and its shared history. The Director of the Exhibitions Department added that in the middle of the monument, a metal plate was added bearing the name of the United Arab Emirates engraved in Arabic and English, followed by SIH logo. The monument was also equipped with a QR Code, which provides visitors with visual content including introductory videos about Al Ayyala art, giving the audience an interactive cultural experience.
CairoScene
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Sharjah Heritage Days 2025 Celebrates Emirati Culture Through February
Events and activities will span seven cities, including Sharjah City, Khorfakkan and Kalba. Jan 30, 2025 The 22nd edition of Sharjah Heritage Days is set to take place from February 12th to 23, 2025, under the theme 'Roots'. Organised by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, the festival will celebrate Emirati heritage while fostering cultural exchange. Events and activities will span seven cities, including Sharjah City, Khorfakkan and Kalba. This year's edition introduces new cultural venues and events, including the 'Book Market', bringing together 12 libraries and six publishing houses, and the 'Library Centennial Celebration', commemorating the 100th anniversary of Sharjah's first library with an exhibition dedicated to its literary legacy. The 'Roots' exhibit will explore Sharjah's historical milestones, while 'Scents Through the Ages' traces the evolution of perfumery. Sharjah Heritage Days has grown into an international platform, with participation from over 26 countries, including Morocco, China, Germany and the Netherlands. More than 30 governmental and cultural institutions, including UNESCO and ICCROM-Sharjah, will take part. Folk performances will feature prominently, with the largest-ever Al Ayyala show involving 300 artists. The artistic program includes the 'Palm Symphony' operetta, the play 'Mawa'id Arqoub' and the children's theater production 'Island of Wishes'. Live demonstrations by 150 artisans from around the world will also showcase traditional crafts. The festival will also host the 8th GCC Dama Championship, a competition centered around the traditional strategy board game.
