When US President Donald Trump stepped onto the red carpet at Qasr Al Watan, the UAE’s presidential palace, on 15 May 2025, he was greeted not only by UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan but also by a vibrant display of Emirati heritage: the “raqs sha’ar” or “hair dance.”
This traditional performance, featuring young women rhythmically swaying their long, uncovered hair to the beat of drums and chants, captivated global audiences after a video shared by White House aide Margo Martin went viral.
But beyond its visual allure, the raqs sha’ar carries deep cultural significance, reflecting the UAE’s Bedouin roots and its evolving identity on the world stage.
A Dance Rooted in Bedouin Tradition
The raqs sha’ar, sometimes referred to as “al-rafassa” in certain Gulf regions, is a traditional practice performed primarily by women and young girls during significant cultural events such as weddings, festivals, and ceremonial welcomes.
Its origins lie in the Bedouin communities of the Arabian Peninsula, where long hair was a symbol of beauty, vitality, and social status. The rhythmic flipping of hair, often accompanied by the Al-Ayyala—a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage dance performed by men with bamboo sticks symbolizing spears—serves as an expression of joy, hospitality, and communal pride.
Historically, the dance was a way for women to participate in communal celebrations within the constraints of gender-segregated social structures.
Unlike the Al-Ayyala, which mimics battle movements, the raqs sha’ar is gentler, emphasizing grace and synchronicity. Elders in Emirati communities recount that the dance was traditionally performed by unmarried girls, whose flowing hair symbolized youth and fertility, to welcome distinguished guests or mark joyous occasions.
While its exact origins are undocumented, oral histories suggest it predates the formation of the UAE in 1971, rooted in the nomadic traditions of the region’s tribes.
A Symbol of Hospitality in Modern Diplomacy
Trump’s visit, the final leg of his Middle East tour following stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, underscores the UAE’s strategic use of cultural diplomacy.
The raqs sha’ar, performed as part of the welcoming ceremony, was not unique to Trump but is a standard honor for high-profile guests, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to showcasing its heritage.
The performance, set against the opulent backdrop of Qasr Al Watan, was accompanied by the Al-Ayyala, with men chanting and wielding sticks in a stylized battle scene, creating a multisensory spectacle that resonated online.
The viral nature of the event, highlights the dance’s visual appeal in the digital age. Analysts described it as “mesmerizing” and “a proud display of Emirati identity,” though some raised questions about its cultural context, noting the rarity of women performing with uncovered hair in public due to Islamic traditions of modesty. Experts clarify that the raqs sha’ar is an exception, where hair is deliberately showcased as part of the cultural ritual, often performed by younger girls under choreographed conditions.
Cultural Pride Amid Modernization
The UAE’s use of the raqs sha’ar during Trump’s visit reflects a broader effort to balance tradition with its ambitions as a global hub for technology, tourism, and diplomacy.
As the UAE invests heavily in artificial intelligence and diversifies its economy—evidenced by its $1.4 trillion investment plan over the next decade—the preservation of cultural practices like the raqs sha’ar serves to anchor its modern identity in its Bedouin heritage.
Dr. Aisha Al-Mansoori, a cultural historian at Zayed University, explains: “The hair dance is more than a performance; it’s a narrative of our past, where women’s roles in community celebrations were celebrated in their own right. Today, it’s a bridge between our tribal roots and our global aspirations, showing the world that the UAE honors its traditions while embracing the future.”
However, the dance’s prominence in high-profile events has sparked debate among some Emirati scholars. While it is celebrated as a symbol of national pride, critics argue that its formalization for state occasions risks commodifying a practice once reserved for intimate community gatherings. Others note that the involvement of young girls, often trained specifically for such events, raises questions about authenticity versus performance in a rapidly modernizing society.
For the UAE, the raqs sha’ar is a reminder that even as it forges ahead with futuristic goals, its cultural heritage remains a vital part of its global narrative.
For Trump, it was a fleeting but striking encounter with a tradition that has endured for generations, now shared with millions through the lens of social media.
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