New Delhi, May 16 -- When President Donald Trump arrived at Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace in Abu Dhabi, he was welcomed with a lively and eye-catching cultural show. Women in white dresses stood along the walkway, flipping their long hair from side to side in rhythm, while men behind them beat drums and sang traditional chants. This performance is called Al-Ayyala, a famous dance in the United Arab Emirates that mixes music, poetry, and movement to show pride and unity.

Al-Ayyala is not just entertainment - it's a traditional art form that has been recognised by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It's usually performed by men standing in two lines, holding sticks or swords, moving in rhythm to drums and poetr...