Why Saudi Arabia rolled out lavender carpet for Trump?

US President Donald J. Trump was greeted with a lavender carpet upon his arrival at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Riyadh on May 13, 2025, marking his first stop during his Middle East visit.

The use of lavender, a shift from the traditional red carpet, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation under its Vision 2030 initiative.

Introduced in 2021, the lavender carpet reflects the Kingdom’s natural and cultural heritage. The color is inspired by the wild lavender flowers that bloom across Saudi Arabia’s deserts each spring, symbolizing resilience, strength, and hospitality.

Lavender was officially adopted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Royal Protocol as the new color for ceremonial events, replacing the longstanding tradition of red carpets.

The use of the lavender carpet at the forum serves as a visual reminder of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to redefine its global image while highlighting its cultural values of hospitality and generosity.