THE SAUDI SHUFFLE
Donald Trump and his team awkwardly dance with traditional Saudi swords on first night of international tour
Melania and Ivanka Trump watched on as the president and other officials bounced along to ceremonial drum beats
PRESIDENT Trump and his team last night hit the dance floor in the Middle East, showing off their Saudi shuffle at the start of their international tour.
Wielding a massive traditional sword, Trump was filmed awkwardly swaying and jiving with Saudi statesmen for the ceremonial male-only dance.
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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross also got stuck in as they linked arms with the men next to them and bounced to drum beats with their curved weapons.
First Lady Melania Trump, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner and daughter Ivanka watched on outside the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre as the dance continued.
The President's Chief of State Reince Priebus and Chief Strategist Steve Bannon also made a brief appearance but did not take part.
The sabres held by the US officials are believed to be Scimitars, traditional types of swords used Saudi Arabia and the Middle East in warfare and even for executions.
Trump was treated by the Saudi king and other senior royals to a dinner in his honour after the dancing finished.
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On the menu was steak and ketchup with portions of lamb and rice.
All the meat will have been butchered in a halal manner as per Islamic custom in Saudi Arabia, one of the most religiously conservative – and wealthy – nations in the region.
Air Force One touched down in the capital, Riyadh, Saturday morning and were greeted by the Saudi king on a red carpet.
The trip marks the president's first overseas visit in office, and his choice of destination makes him the only Commander in Chief to make Saudi Arabia - or any Muslim country - his first stop abroad.
Trump was later presented with the kingdom's highest civilian honour, the solid gold King Abdulaziz medal, at the royal court.
The Saudis have so far spared no expense, projecting Trump's face on the hotel he is staying at, lining the streets with US flags and performing a 90-person Air Force salute rifle drill.
A seven-jet flyover was also deployed, trailing red, white and blue smoke. Deafening ceremonial cannon fire followed and did not stop until Trump and the king were safely inside.
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