Robots dressed in traditional Saudi clothing, holding swords and performing a centuries-old dance in sync with drums. It sounds like a scene from a futuristic film, but it actually happened in Riyadh.Chinese humanoid robots recently joined a performance of Saudi Arabia’s traditional Alardah Alnajdiyah, creating an unusual mix of technology and culture that quickly caught attention online.The performance took place during a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Riyadh on September 28 to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. More than 600 guests attended the event, including Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf and Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua.
Robots in thobes and ghutras
The humanoid robots appeared in traditional Saudi attire, including thobes and ghutras, before taking their place for the dance.As drums played, the robots moved together in formation, raising and lowering ceremonial swords while following the rhythm. They turned, bowed and moved from side to side, attempting the coordinated movements associated with the traditional performance.The footage was shared by Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua on social media and quickly drew attention because of the unlikely combination: Saudi cultural tradition performed by Chinese-made humanoid robots.China’s embassy described the robots as an example of the country’s technological development. In his speech at the reception, Ambassador Chang said the humanoid robots were a “vivid illustration” of China’s new-quality productive forces.
What is Saudi Ardah?
Alardah Alnajdiyah is a traditional Saudi performance that combines dance, drumming and poetry chanting. Performers move together while carrying swords and following the rhythm of drums.The dance is performed at important occasions, including weddings, religious celebrations and national or local events. UNESCO added Alardah Alnajdiyah to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2015.So, while the robots’ version may look futuristic, the performance itself comes from a deeply rooted Saudi cultural tradition.
Internet reacts to the unusual performance
The sight of humanoid robots performing the sword dance left social media users fascinated.Some praised the combination of Chinese technology and Saudi culture, with one user calling it a striking example of technological creativity.Another described the performance as a reflection of the friendship between Saudi Arabia and China.Others simply couldn’t get over the unusual sight of robots dressed in thobes and ghutras, moving in formation with swords in hand.It was an unusual performance, to say the least. But it also offered a rather memorable meeting point between an old Saudi tradition and some very new technology.