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I find the embracement and body language of both #MBS of #SaudiArabia and #Tamim of #Qatar 
upon Tamim’s arrival in #AlUla to be fascinating, and deserves more attention. I am no expert on body language. But since it’s a language we all use, I will offer my thoughts
#GCCSummit41
upon Tamim’s arrival in #AlUla to be fascinating, and deserves more attention. I am no expert on body language. But since it’s a language we all use, I will offer my thoughts#GCCSummit41
In this picture, MBS is heard saying “ Oh Allah welcome him [Tamim] - oh Allah welcome him...you’ve brightened up the Kingdom”. Tamim replies with “[the brightness is] due to your presence”
*”You’ve brightened up” a place is a common welcoming phrase used in #Arabic culture
![In this picture, MBS is heard saying “ Oh Allah welcome him [Tamim] - oh Allah welcome him...you’ve brightened up the Kingdom”. Tamim replies with “[the brightness is] due to your presence”*”You’ve brightened up” a place is a common welcoming phrase used in #Arabic culture](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ErEuYhRXUAIGmjf.jpg "In this picture, MBS is heard saying “ Oh Allah welcome him [Tamim] - oh Allah welcome him...you’ve brightened up the Kingdom”. Tamim replies with “[the brightness is] due to your presence”*”You’ve brightened up” a place is a common welcoming phrase used in #Arabic culture")
*”You’ve brightened up” a place is a common welcoming phrase used in #Arabic culture
Tamim has his hand on heart as a suitable and #COVID19 friendly greeting. This also suggests that Tamim was slightly cautious about whether MBS will greet him frostily or not.
The distance between them is suitable for professionals, but not indicative of a personal relationship
The distance between them is suitable for professionals, but not indicative of a personal relationship
In this picture, MBS then extends his invitation to break away from the professional distance - opens his arms and invites Tamim to enter into a more friendly distance that can then facilitate an embracement.
Following on from MBS’ invitation, Tamim reciprocates - BOTH his hands open. YET, both his hands are not vey open, and communicates to MBS (via his body language) “ I’m happy to embrace only if are happy to”. Or, are you sure you are OK with embracing?”
MBS then replies with his arm even more open than his initial invitation (via his body language). THIS, is what then paved the way for a warm embracement that was only exclusive between the Saudi snd Qatari leaders.
The warm and exclusive greeting between MBS and Tamim lasted for approximately six seconds.
In my opinion, the spontaneous yet intentional body language aims at projecting to the world that Saudi-Qatari relations will re-normalise with more optimism, goodwill and genuine spirit.
In my opinion, the spontaneous yet intentional body language aims at projecting to the world that Saudi-Qatari relations will re-normalise with more optimism, goodwill and genuine spirit.
Moreover, I also believe the six-second hug suggests this embracement was long overdue and the existence of a certain personal warmth. A warmth that can be the cornerstone of good Saudi-Qatari relations, and, strong reaction if there is a suspicion of betrayal.
All in all, I welcome this reconciliation and hope the GCC house is harmonious snd fruitful.
