Why Saudi Arabia used a lavender carpet to welcome Trump

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia laid out its signature lavender carpet to welcome US President Donald Trump as he arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday morning, marking the start of a three-day tour through the Gulf region.

This is Trump’s first foreign trip since taking office, aside from a brief visit to Rome for the funeral of Pope Francis.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally greeted Trump, who stepped off Air Force One onto the luxurious purple carpet — an element of Saudi ceremonial tradition introduced in 2021, according to Al Arabia.

Interestingly, the iconic presidential aircraft may soon be replaced by a controversial $400 million jet reportedly gifted by Qatar.

Saudi Arabia adopted lavender-coloured carpets for official state receptions and high-profile visits to reflect the hues of the Kingdom’s deserts in spring, when lavender flowers and native plants like Desert Germander and basil paint the landscape in soft purples.

The carpets also incorporate Sadu weaving, a traditional Bedouin textile art inscribed on Unesco’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020.

Sadu weaving, typically done by Bedouin women using natural fibers and ground looms, is known for its durable, warp-faced textiles and geometric patterns.

The borders of the ceremonial carpets are adorned with this intricate craft, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s deep-rooted heritage.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the lavender carpets symbolise a “state of renewal, growth, and renaissance” in line with the country’s Vision 2030 agenda.

The initiative, led by the Ministry of Culture and the Royal Protocol, is one of many efforts aimed at promoting national identity and celebrating cultural elements unique to the Kingdom.