Donald Trump’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been much talked about. Among all the deals and discussions that took place, one thing that caught the attention of many was the welcome the US President received when he arrived at Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, to meet President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
All around the walkway, several women stood in white dresses and flipped their hair from side to side to the sound of traditional chants and the beat of drums. This hair-flipping ritual intrigued many, raising curiosity not just in what it’s called but also in its significance. This ritual is actually an art form called the Al-Ayyala, native to the UAE.
What Is Al-Ayyala?
Al-Ayyala is a popular dance form from north-western Oman and the United Arab Emirates, meant to signify pride, heritage, and unity by mixing various elements of music, poetry, and movement. The performance takes place with a certain number of men standing in two parallel lines and moving to a rhythm created from drums and poetry.
They also hold sticks or swords in their hands during the performance. The addition of women who flip their hair from side to side is also significant in enhancing the beauty of the performance.
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As per UNESCO, the ritual is one where “men stand in two rows facing each other while carrying swords or bamboo sticks to simulate a battle scene. They move their heads and swords to the beats of the music.” UNESCO recognised the traditional art form as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014.
The significance of this art form, especially the inclusion of women, is also meant to show freedom since the UAE does not require women to cover their hair under its law, a change from other Middle Eastern countries. Women taking part in this art form also challenge traditional roles and reflect the changing times.
The dance is not just some ‘weird’ or ‘exotic’ thing, but something that holds cultural importance, being performed at various events, including weddings, national holidays, and cultural events.
According to reports, “Al-Ayyala is inclusive of all ages, genders, and social classes.” Furthermore, it is also said that the lead performer in Al-Ayyala inherits their role and is even in charge of training the other performers, ensuring that they pass on the cultural heritage to the next generations.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Moneycontrol, Hindustan Times, Livemint
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This post is tagged under: Donald Trump, Donald Trump visit, Donald Trump UAE, UAE, UAE culture, cultural practice, Donald Trump UAE 2025, hair-flipping, donald trump hair flipping, donald trump hair flipping uae, Al-Ayyala, Al-Ayyala art form, Al-Ayyala meaning, Al-Ayyala donald trump
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