Hair-flipping dance creates a 'fever' to welcome the Korean President in the UAE

During his state visit to the UAE, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung was welcomed with the highest diplomatic ceremonies, highlighted by a hair dance by local girls.

UAE performs hair dance to welcome South Korean President The UAE performed the traditional Al-Ayyala dance with signature hair tosses to welcome South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, on November 18.

Chosun reported that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) welcomed South Korean President Lee Jae-myung with the most solemn state ceremonies.

As the ceremonial motorcade carrying Mr. Lee entered the UAE Presidential Palace on November 18 (local time), young women in traditional costumes danced their hair to the beat of drums, creating a unique welcome called Al-Ayyala.

This is a ritual to show respect and bestow “spiritual blessings” on special guests. Previously, this hair dance was also performed to welcome US President Donald Trump to the UAE in May last year.

The white Mercedes carrying President Lee entered the UAE Presidential Palace on November 18, and was welcomed by locals with a signature hair dance. Photo: Yonhap.

In addition, at the main gate area where the welcoming ceremony took place, camel teams and cavalry lined up to welcome President Lee. The UAE fired 21 gun salutes, the highest diplomatic protocol reserved for heads of state.

In the sky above the Presidential Palace, aerobatic planes fly in formation, releasing red and blue smoke, the two colors of the South Korean flag.

As Mr. Lee stepped out of the car, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally greeted him and shook his hand. The two leaders then entered the palace, surrounded by local girls in traditional white costumes, waving the national flags of both countries in welcome.

President Lee (left) is welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE Presidential Palace, on November 18. Photo: Yonhap.

According to the United Nations Educational , Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Al-Ayyala is a dance that simulates a battle scene. Two rows of male performers holding thin bamboo sticks representing swords or spears move rhythmically to the beat of drums and Nabati poetry praising bravery and chivalry.

Between the two rows of male performers are female performers, called na'ashat, dressed in traditional Al Mekhwar costumes, tossing their long hair from side to side to the beat of the drums, expressing their belief in the protection of male warriors.

Girls performing a traditional UAE dance welcome US President Donald Trump, May 15. Photo: Reuters.

The performance uses a group of traditional musical instruments, including large drums (kasir or rass), small drums (takhmir or rahmani), tambourine, cymbals and other brass instruments, giving the dance a vibrant and majestic sound.

Al-Ayyala is often performed at festivals and weddings in the UAE and Oman. Unlike some other countries in the Middle East such as Iran, the UAE does not have a law requiring women to cover their hair, allowing them to play a more prominent role in public cultural activities.

Source: https://znews.vn/man-mua-tung-toc-gay-sot-chao-don-tong-thong-han-quoc-tai-uae-post1604347.html