20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
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.
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— 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?
— 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�
— 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.
