Chinese Humanoid Robots Perform Saudi Ardah Sword Dance at Chinese Embassy Event in Riyadh

Chinese humanoid robots dressed in traditional Saudi clothing performed the Ardah sword dance at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Riyadh, drawing attention from guests and social media users. The performance was held as part of an event marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, with the robots carrying ceremonial swords and performing coordinated movements to traditional music.

The robots appeared in thobes and ghutras as they moved together in formation, turned and bowed while traditional drums played in the background. Their synchronised movements and ability to maintain balance while carrying out the dance sequence became a major talking point among those attending the reception.

Among the guests present were Riyadh Region Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf Al-Muqrin and Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua. The ambassador later shared a video of the performance on X, thanking guests for attending the reception and describing the performance by Chinese-manufactured robots as an impressive display.

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The Ardah is an important part of Saudi cultural heritage and is traditionally performed by groups of men carrying swords while moving in coordinated steps to the rhythm of drums and poetry. It is commonly associated with celebrations and special occasions, making the robots' attempt to reproduce the performance an unusual combination of traditional culture and modern robotics.

Videos of the event quickly attracted reactions online, with many users expressing surprise at the robots' smooth and synchronised movements. Some praised the display as an example of China's advances in humanoid robotics and artificial intelligence, while others questioned whether robotic performances could reproduce the cultural meaning and spirit associated with the traditional dance.

The performance also became a source of humour on social media, with users comparing the robots' coordinated movements to people dancing at weddings. The event comes amid growing efforts by Chinese technology companies to demonstrate humanoid robots in public settings, including through dance, sports and other coordinated activities designed to showcase advances in robotics and artificial intelligence.

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