Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Melania Trump debuted on the foreign stage on Saturday, stepping off Air Force One in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, without a head scarf or abaya, the traditional black gown the country requires for most women.
"Thank you for a beautiful welcome to Riyadh," she posted on Twitter with a photo of herself in a pantsuit.
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Trump, Tillerson, Ross sword dance in Saudi Arabia
US President Donald Trump and White House officials take part in a ceremonial sword dance in Saudi Arabia.
Few here were surprised that she chose to forgo a head scarf. Michelle Obama did the same during a January 2015 visit with President Barack Obama.
Donald Trump criticised Michelle Obama for her decision, saying at the time that the people of Saudi Arabia "were insulted."
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Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs. Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted.We have enuf enemies
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 29 January 2015
Laura Bush, wife of former President George W. Bush didn't wear a scarf to meet the Saudi royal family and neither have female heads of state, such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel and British Prime Minister Theresa May, who also appeared without abayas.
"We don't ask anyone to wear a scarf here unless you go into a place of prayer," said Muna Abu Sulayman, a Saudi television host who was covering the event here wearing a head scarf and abaya.
Melania Trump's outfit caused a stir on social media, in part because at first glance, her black pantsuit resembled an abaya. Abu Sulayman started receiving posts in her Whatsapp women's group as soon as the Trumps landed.
The president's daughter, Ivanka Trump – who is more widely known in the kingdom as a style icon and businesswoman – wore a calf-length black, white and maroon floral dress.
While most of the focus for the next nine days will be on Donald Trump as he makes his first foreign trip as president, there will be plenty of eyes on his wife.
"I am very excited for the upcoming trip," Melania Trump said in a statement released Friday.
"This will not just be an opportunity to support my husband as he works on important matters of national security and foreign relations, it will also be my honour to visit and speak with women and children from different countries, with different perspectives."
The trip, which includes stops in Israel, Rome, Brussels and Sicily, is likely to shine an unaccustomed spotlight on the president's wife, who hasn't moved into the White House or staffed an office there.
Her overseas schedule will be packed with events alongside her husband, but she is also expected to venture out on her own, aides said.
"She wants to take advantage of every moment and stop, and thus has a robust independent schedule planned," East Wing communications director Stephanie Grisham said on CNN.
The Los Angeles Times