Know About UAE’s ‘Al-Razfa’: The Traditional Emirati Dance That Welcomed Donald Trump (image-X/MohamedBinZayed)
U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his three-day Gulf trip in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Thursday. He hailed the deepening ties between two countries, and announced a $1.4 trillion investment in artificial intelligence in the UAE over the next decade.
The world closely watched the events unfolded during Trump’s visit—from the grand reception to a series of diplomatic agreements. What stood out most was how each Arab nation, while upholding its traditions and culture, extended a warm and symbolic welcome to the U.S. President.
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On his final day of the tour, Trump received a grand reception at the United Arab Emirates. He was officially welcomed by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the presidential palace, Qasr Al Watan, Abu Dhabi.
He was escorted through a ceremonial walkway lined with flags and flanked by Emirati guards and dancers. However, what caught the attention of many was the iconic Al-Razfa dance— a traditional cultural performance featuring rhythmic chanting, poetry and synchronized movements.
Al Razfa, usually performed during joyful gatherings, involves two lines of dancers who face each other, using sticks to symbolise the reins of a horse, while head movements are meant to imitate a rider on the horse. This cultural dance was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015. This peculiar art form is believed to have originally stemmed from nomadic Bedouin tribes. It would be performed by a poet and his entourage to let all tribal members know it is time to move to a different spot in the desert.
Though initially it was sung during warfare, it was later adopted to be included in all joyous occasions, including weddings, homecomings or rain.
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By including the traditional dance form, the UAE has not only showcased its rich cultural identity but also sent a message of respect and high regard for the visiting head of state.
