An unusual protocol prepared by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for President Lee Jae-myung, who visited the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi, is drawing attention.
On the 18th (local time), the UAE stationed women in white traditional attire along the route as President Lee moved to the summit venue. They were shaking their heads from side to side as if "headbanging."
This is a traditional UAE ritual called "Al-Ayyala," which is inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Usually performed at weddings and festivals, the ritual is said to confer spiritual blessings on honored guests. In Al-Ayyala, women shake their hair, while men stand in two lines holding sticks or swords, beating drums and playing traditional music.
Meanwhile, on the day, President Lee and President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) held a summit at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi and adopted a joint statement. The statement reportedly includes cooperation plans by industry sector, such as nuclear power and artificial intelligence (AI).