A ceremonial dance meant to celebrate diplomacy has stirred deep controversy across parts of the Arab world. The Al-Ayyala dance, performed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 15, 2025, has attracted both praise and sharp criticism, particularly on social media. While the UAE intended the performance to showcase its rich cultural heritage, critics—especially those from more conservative Islamic societies—see it as a symbol of double standards in religious and cultural enforcement.
What Is the Al-Ayyala Dance?
The Al-Ayyala is a centuries-old traditional performance widely practiced in the UAE and Oman. It involves rows of men chanting poetry and drumming in sync, while women, often dressed in long white gowns, perform rhythmic hair-flipping movements. The dance is recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage, symbolizing unity, hospitality, and tribal strength.
During Trump’s visit to Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, this dance was featured as part of a grand welcome ceremony. Footage of the event, including women flipping their uncovered hair in front of the former president, was widely circulated on social media by White House aides and local outlets.
Why the Backlash?
The performance received immediate backlash from conservative corners of the Arab world, particularly those aligned with Wahhabi-influenced interpretations of Islam, like Saudi Arabia and parts of Qatar. Critics pointed to what they see as hypocrisy and inconsistency in how Islamic and cultural norms are applied:
- Strict rules for the public, flexibility for the elite: Many governments in the region, especially those influenced by Wahhabism, enforce strict modesty laws on everyday citizens. In countries like Saudi Arabia, women are expected to cover their hair in public and avoid public performances.
- Cultural leniency for diplomacy: These same governments, however, appear to bend those rules when hosting foreign dignitaries. In this case, uncovered women performing in front of a male foreign leader was seen as contradictory to the religious values upheld domestically.
One viral post on X (formerly Twitter) described the performance as “a performance for the West, not for Islam.” Others called it “an embarrassment to Islamic values” or accused the UAE of “selling out tradition for political applause.”
The Wahhabi Context
Wahhabism, a strict interpretation of Sunni Islam originating in the 18th century, holds major influence in Saudi Arabia and, to a lesser extent, Qatar. It advocates for strict modesty, gender segregation, and public morality. Under such interpretations, public female performances—especially without hijab—are often viewed as religious violations.
In contrast, the UAE follows a more liberal interpretation of Islam, and it does not enforce hijab or restrict women’s public performances. However, the backlash stems not just from differences in theology, but from perceptions that Islamic values are applied unequally based on status, politics, or Western attention.
Trump’s Visit: A High-Stakes Diplomatic Stop
The context of Trump’s visit also added fuel to the controversy. The former U.S. President’s Middle East tour included major business deals—reportedly $100 billion in investments—and strategic discussions about Gulf security. His policies, especially toward Gaza and Iran, have drawn criticism from many in the region.
For critics, the UAE’s lavish welcome—including the Al-Ayyala dance—appeared to glorify a controversial Western figure while ignoring local sensitivities. Many questioned whether such a cultural performance would ever be allowed for the local public, especially if initiated by citizens rather than the state.
Cultural Heritage vs. Religious Norms
This event has reignited broader debates within Arab societies over the balance between cultural identity and religious conservatism.
- Cultural Diplomacy: For the UAE, the Al-Ayyala dance is a diplomatic tool—showcasing national pride, unity, and modern openness.
- Religious Integrity: For others, especially religious conservatives, such displays risk compromising Islamic values for the sake of political gain.
This divide is not new. Similar tensions arose during previous visits by Western leaders to Gulf countries, but Trump’s visit has become a flashpoint due to his polarizing global image and the scale of the performance.
Double Standards and Public Perception
Analysts point to a growing frustration across parts of the Arab world regarding double standards:
- Elite exemption: Political elites and state-led events often bypass religious restrictions imposed on the public.
- Selective enforcement: Cultural norms seem flexible when the global spotlight is on, but rigid in daily life.
This leads to public distrust and resentment, particularly among younger and more devout citizens who see a gap between official Islam and practical politics.
What Happens Next?
While the mainstream media in the region largely celebrated the event as a diplomatic success, online discourse suggests a widening generational and ideological rift. Whether the backlash leads to policy shifts or further cultural debates remains to be seen.
For now, the Al-Ayyala dance—meant to represent unity—has become a mirror reflecting the deep contradictions within Gulf societies as they navigate tradition, religion, diplomacy, and modernity.
Conclusion
The Al-Ayyala performance during Trump’s UAE visit was intended as a symbol of national pride and cultural hospitality. Instead, it has stirred a regional conversation on religious consistency, cultural authenticity, and political theatre. The criticism it sparked reveals that in many Arab societies today, how culture is performed—and for whom—matters as much as the culture itself.
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