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During US President Donald Trump’s recent visit to the United Arab Emirates, a grand reception was held in his honor at Qasr Al Watan, the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. The event featured a striking showcase of Emirati culture, including camel parades, mounted honor guards, and traditional music and dance performances.

Among the cultural displays, the traditional Al-Ayyala dance—widely recognized as a symbol of Gulf heritage—garnered significant attention. Often referred to as the “Gulf dance,” Al-Ayyala represents a deep-rooted tradition within the Arab world, particularly in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman.

The Essence of Al-Ayyala

Al-Ayyala is performed by both men and women in distinct styles. The female version is particularly noted for its mesmerizing display of long, perfumed black hair being rhythmically swayed and twirled in harmony with the music. Dancers wear the traditional Thobe Nashal—a long, embroidered robe that flows gracefully with each movement—adding to the visual allure of the performance.

The dance emphasizes upper body movements, especially of the head, shoulders, and neck, setting it apart from other Middle Eastern dances like belly dance, which focus on the hips and lower body. Typically performed in groups, the dancers form a circle and move in unison, celebrating beauty, confidence, and femininity.

Long hair is traditionally regarded as a symbol of womanhood in Arab culture, and Al-Ayyala serves as an artistic expression of this ideal.

Male Al-Ayyala: A tribute to Warrior Heritage

The male version of Al-Ayyala involves participants forming rows while holding sticks or swords, performing synchronized steps that reflect the unity and discipline of traditional tribal warriors. The performance is accompanied by drummers and percussionists playing instruments like the daff and tabl, evoking a martial atmosphere reminiscent of ancient battle celebrations.

Historically, the dance was performed by Arab tribes to mark victory in battle, showcasing bravery, solidarity, and tribal pride.

In 2014, UNESCO inscribed Al-Ayyala on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Since then, it has continued to be an integral part of national celebrations, weddings, and cultural festivals across the Gulf.

By including Al-Ayyala in high-profile diplomatic events such as Trump’s visit, the UAE underscores its commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage—ensuring that future generations remain connected to their roots.

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