President of the United States Donald Trump departed Qatar for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the final stage of his strategic tour of the Middle East yesterday.
He was welcomed with traditional hospitality and royal protocol; however, the appearance of women dancing with uncovered heads during the welcome ceremony has sparked a storm of criticism on social media.
Completely disregarding Islamic boundaries, the UAE organises a welcome for President Trump which included the “khaleegy” dance – which entails women and girls rhythmically swaying their hair. pic.twitter.com/Nm17j7dBl8
— 5Pillars (@5Pillarsuk) May 15, 2025
Upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi, President Trump was received by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. A special ceremony, traditional tea service, official meetings, and a lavish dinner were held in his honor at the presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan.
???????????????? — The UAE President welcomes Trump upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi.
Where is the Arab and Islamic dignity? Absolutely pathetic. A nation of bootlickers. pic.twitter.com/4ghIK9n5zi
— Monitor???? (@MonitorX99800) May 15, 2025
To many observers, the grandeur of the reception made it seem as though President Trump had not arrived to promote peace in the Middle East, but rather to inherit an ancient empire.
???????????????? — The #UAE President welcomes Trump upon his arrival in Abu Dhabi.
Signing arms deals and betraying Palestine is one thing, but making your own women shake their hair and dance for Trump?
Where is the Arab and Islamic dignity? Absolutely pathetic. A nation of bootlickers. pic.twitter.com/eBMwsR59uX
— Aurangzeb Khan (@aurangzeb_live) May 15, 2025
During the ceremony, Arab women performed a traditional dance known as Al-Ayala, which included a distinctive hair-shaking movement.
The #UAE United Arab Emirates beat Saudi Arabia and Qatar to Trump’s welcome. US President #Donald #Trump was welcomed by “Arab women” with open hair and waving his hands upon his arrival in the Emirates..!#ترامب#الامارات_ترحب_بالرييس_الامريكي pic.twitter.com/ku55rHRdm4
— ᴰᵃˢʳᵃᵗ ᴿᵃⁱ ᴹᵉᵍʰʷᵃʳ ???????? (@DasratRai) May 15, 2025
Videos of the performance quickly went viral, prompting a wave of surprise and intense backlash from social media users.
Trump has arrived in the UAE…
No girls are wearing hijabs and burqas to welcome him, but are happily waving their hair in the traditional way…????
Hopefully our converts from Darul Uloom will learn something… pic.twitter.com/ZTuwYiVptL— Sujan Sil (@SujanSil632101) May 15, 2025
