Melania Trump arrived in Saudi Arabia without a headscarf, two years after her husband criticised then-first lady Michelle Obama for not wearing one in the conservative kingdom.

In January 2015, Barack Obama travelled to Saudi Arabia for King Abdullah's funeral and Michelle Obama appeared at a number of events without her head covered.

At the time when Washington's relationship with Riyadh was strained as the US sought to reach a nuclear deal with the kingdom's rival Iran.

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

Donald Trump was among those who suggested Mrs Obama risked deepening the rift with the Saudis.

"Many people are saying it was wonderful that Mrs Obama refused to wear a scarf in Saudi Arabia, but they were insulted," he wrote on Twitter.


"We have enuf (sic) enemies."

But fast-forward two years and four months and Mr Trump is President and his wife has eschewed the customary head covering, as many female world leaders now do on their visits.

The first lady dressed conservatively in a black pantsuit with a golden belt as the pair left Air Force One and were greeted by King Salman.

Prime Minister Theresa May visited Saudi Arabia in April, but chose not to wear a headscarf. And German Chancellor Angela Merkel also opts not to cover her head when she meets the Saudi royal family.