President Donald Trump's reception during his trip to the Middle East this week has been incredible. But the "hair dance" at the welcome ceremony for the president in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has left many wondering what they were watching. 

In case you missed it on Thursday, President Trump arrived at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, where UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan greeted him. The two leaders attended the ceremony, which included walking through rows of young ladies wearing traditional white gowns, who whipped their heads back and forth, shaking their long, uncovered hair as music played.

WHAT IS THIS? What you saw in the UAE with young girls shaking their long, uncovered hair in front of Donald Trump is actually part of a traditional Emirati and Gulf Arab welcoming ritual. It’s known as the "hair dance" or "al-rafassa" in some areas, and it often accompanies… pic.twitter.com/n8LjRPjDj7

— Israel Unplugged (@UnplugIsrael) May 15, 2025

It is difficult to describe. As you watched above, you really have to see it for yourself. 

The dance is part of a traditional Emirati and Gulf Arab welcoming ritual, which is known as the "hair dance" or "al-rafassa," as some describe it. The traditional performing art is accompanied by "al-ayyala or al-razfa performances," according to one social media account on X called Israel Unpugged.

The long hair symbolizes beauty, pride, and purity. The rhythmic tossing of hair while moving or dancing is a very old Bedouin custom, often done at weddings or for highly respected guests. It is meant to honor and welcome, expressing joy and high respect. Why it happens despite Islamic modesty rules? This is a cultural exception, not a religious practice. 

In the UAE and other Gulf states, traditions and Bedouin customs are often treated separately from formal Islamic rules. Emirati society is conservative, but also pragmatic in matters of diplomacy and hospitality. For visiting dignitaries, such displays are seen as showcasing Emirati heritage and pride. These girls are often minors, and some communities are more lenient about strict hijab rules for children in certain ceremonial contexts. 

"In normal life, Emirati women would be expected to wear abayas and cover their hair in public," the post continued. "However, state-sponsored performances for foreign leaders fall into a unique gray zone of 'national image and hospitality.' So, it's not Islamically sanctioned, but culturally accepted under special circumstances in the UAE and some other Gulf countries."

The ceremony is part of a larger performance called al-razfa. It includes "a group of young women wearing ornate traditional dresses … as they sway their hair from side-to-side in time to the music."

We weren't the only ones curious about what we saw on TV/online during Pres. Trump's trip.

"The incredible, deeply rooted cultural and historical tradition of the Khaliji dance (رقصة خليجية) — performed, with long hair twirling in the air, to honor President Trump's arrival in the Emirates as a sign of respect," one person wrote.

Another added, "For everyone asking what Trump is walking through: This is a hair dance native to the Gulf. Historically done privately in all-female environments, but more recently becoming used as a symbol of Gulf culture like in music videos and events."

“We’re setting records on this trip. We're bringing a lot of investment back into the USA. We'll be well over $10 trillion. I want to thank your Highness for helping with that number... It's going to be a great investment for you.” –President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/RliKyqRB7j

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 15, 2025

The Arab world has rolled out the red carpet for Trump's visit, RedState reported:

But in what may be a much greater honor, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi was actually closed so that President Trump could have a tour. This mosque has never been closed since its construction was complete.

And finally, the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, has bestowed on the President the Order of Zayed, the highest civilian award the Emirate has. President Trump is the first American - not the first American President, not the first American elected official, but the first American, ever, to receive this accolade.

Check out this cool video the WH released about the Middle East trip, with a voice-over from Trump:

“We’re setting records on this trip. We're bringing a lot of investment back into the USA. We'll be well over $10 trillion. I want to thank your Highness for helping with that number... It's going to be a great investment for you.” –President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸🇶🇦 pic.twitter.com/RliKyqRB7j

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 15, 2025