Melania Trump creates stir in Saudi Arabia | Forgoes scarf

Trump criticised Michelle for not wearing a headscarf. During the Obamas' visit, Trump tweeted, "Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs Obama refusing to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted. We have enuf enemies.

Arnima Dwivedi
Published on: 20 May 2017 11:21 AM GMT
Melania Trump creates stir in Saudi Arabia | Forgoes scarf
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Melania Trump creates stir in Saudi Arabia | Forgoes scarf

Riyadh: First lady of United States Melania Trump created stir in Saudi Arabia the moment she stepped off Air Force One at King Khalid International Airport of the conservative Islamic country without a headscarf.

She is on an official trip to the country with her Husban and US President Donald Trump and her daughter Ivanka.

Melania, who tried to follow the example of her predecessor Michelle Obama, ignored the dress code that has been imposed on the women in the country. Women here, including visitors and foreign dignitaries, are expected to be fully covered in public, including their head and hair, as per the religious and legal code.

It could be recalled that the former US first lady Michelle Obama, during a visit to the country in 2015, too attended several public events without a headscarf.

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Apart from the lady Trump, senior adviser and President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, travelling as part of the presidential entourage, was also seen not wearing an abaya (traditional robe).

Michelle's flouting of the custom was seen by some as a sign of disrespect to her hosts. The White House at the time said she intended to make a statement in a country where women have few rights.

Trump criticised Michelle for not wearing a headscarf. During the Obamas' visit, Trump tweeted, "Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs Obama refusing to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted. We have enuf enemies."

The Trumps did seem to get a little political cover ahead of their visit from Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Adel bin Ahmen Al-Jubier, who told local media last week, "We welcome any style of clothing".

Al-Jubier said the government "usually doesn't demand", but makes "suggestions" to visiting female dignitaries.

In slides: Check pictures of the Trump's arrival....

Arnima Dwivedi

Arnima Dwivedi

A journalist, presently working as a sub-editor with newstrack.com. I love exploring new genres of humans and humanity.

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