Chinese-made humanoid robots have taken centre stage in Riyadh, performing the traditional Saudi Ardah sword dance at a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. The robots were dressed in traditional Saudi clothing, complete with thobes and ghutras, as they moved in synchronised formation and performed with swords in front of guests.
Chinese Robots Perform Saudi Ardah In Traditional Dress
أقامت سفارتنا مساء اليوم حفل استقبال للاحتفال بالذكرى السابعة والسبعين لتأسيس جمهورية الصين الشعبية. ونعرب عن شكرنا للأصدقاء على تشريفهم بحضورهم. وقدّمت الروبوتات المصنّعة في الصين عروضاً مبهرة تركت أثراً بالغاً في نفوس الحاضرين. pic.twitter.com/xleMfQaNG3
— Chang Hua (@AmbChangHua) September 28, 2026
The reception was hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Saudi Arabia at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter. The humanoid robots appeared dressed in the traditional attire commonly worn by men across the Arabian Gulf. Carrying swords, they performed the Ardah, a ceremonial dance closely associated with Saudi celebrations and national occasions.
The performance brought together two very different elements, pairing Saudi cultural heritage with China’s growing humanoid robotics technology.
Who Attended The Riyadh Reception?
Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf and Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Chang Hua were among the guests at the ceremony. The event marked the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, which was established on 1 October 1949.
The Chinese Ambassador Reacts
Chang Hua thanked guests for attending the embassy’s celebration and highlighted the response to the robot performance. The ambassador said the “stunning performances” by the Chinese-made robots left a deep impression on the audience.
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Saudi Tradition Meets Chinese Robotics
The Ardah is traditionally performed by groups moving in formation with swords. That made the robots’ coordinated routine an unusual take on a familiar Saudi tradition. The humanoid robots moved in sync while handling the swords. The performance brought together choreography and robotics technology.
Choosing the Ardah also gave the performance a clear Saudi connection. It suited the cultural setting of the diplomatic reception.
Humanoid robots are appearing more often at public events. Performances like this show how the technology is moving beyond demonstrations. They are now being used for entertainment, cultural showcases and audience experiences.
Cover Image Courtesy: Chang Hua/X
FAQs
What did the humanoid robots perform in Riyadh?
The Chinese-made robots performed the traditional Saudi Ardah sword dance.