Published On : Mon, May 22nd, 2017

Melania, Ivanka refuse to wear head scarves during Saudi visit

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First lady Melania Trump visits GE All women business process service center in Riyadh

Riyadh: United States First Lady Melania Trump and President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka Trump eschewed the strict Saudi Arabia dress code while attending different events in the country.

Melania and Ivanka, who are accompanying Trump on his first international trip as President, were seen without headscarves during Trump’s key speech in front of heads of state in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

Melania on Sunday visited the American International School in Riyadh and an all-women General Electric service center without a headscarf.

“Enjoyed talking to the incredible women working hard @GE_Saudi service center. Great strides being made towards the empowerment of women,” Melania tweeted.

“Had the honor of visiting 1st all-women process service center in #Riyadh, #SaudiArabia. Thanks to @GE_Saudi for the invite!” she said in another tweet.

Similarly, Ivanka Trump was also seen without a headscarf while attending a women’s empowerment roundtable at Tuwaiq Palace with civil society leaders, prominent businesswomen and female Saudi elected government officials, CNN reported.

“Today I met with Saudi Arabian women leaders and learned directly of their accomplishments, challenges & vision for the future. #POTUSAbroad,” Ivanka tweeted.

The two ladies had also arrived in Saudi Arabia on Saturday with their hair being uncovered.

Trump had previously slammed former first lady Michelle Obama for refusing to wear a head scarf in Saudi Arabia.

“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,” Trump said in a tweet on January 29, 2015.

However, Melania and Ivanka are not the only women, who did not cover their hair upon arrival in the conservative Islamic kingdom, as former U.S. state secretary Hillary Clinton, former first lady Laura Bush, British Prime Minister Theresa May and German Chancellor Angela Merkel had also not covered their hair in Saudi Arabia.