MELANIA and Ivanka Trump did not wear headscarves during president Donald Trump's foreign visit to Saudi Arabia - despite Trump blasting Michelle Obama for doing the same.

Trump had criticised the former first lady for not wearing the modest garment during a January 2015 visit to the majority Muslim nation with then-President Barack Obama.

17 The US President and the First Lady emerge from Air Force One following an overnight flight Credit: Reuters

17 Ivanka Trump and her huband Jared Kushner accompanied her father on the trip Credit: AP:Associated Press

17 Trump criticised Michelle Obama's refusal to wear a head scarf while visiting Saudi Arabia in 2015 Credit: AP:Associated Press

Trump said in a 2015 tweet that, while many people applauded Mrs Obama's decision, the people of Saudi Arabia "were insulted".

Trump, 70, is known to enjoy the comforts of home and his Arab hosts have made sure to serve him his favourite meal of steak and ketchup ahead of talks aimed at combating terrorism in the Middle East.

The businessman travelled to Riyadh on a 6,700-mile overnight flight from Washington DC – the first time he has spent a night away from the White House or one of his properties since taking the oath of office.

17 The Trumps stop for a coffee with Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud Credit: Getty Images

17 The US President listening to the King, who is a key ally in the Middle East Credit: Getty Images

17 The Trumps were received by Saudi Arabian soldiers in dress uniform ahead of talks Credit: Reuters

17 The US President, followed behind by his wife, is arriving for talks on tackling terrorism Credit: AP:Associated Press

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) January 29, 2015

The 45th president of the US will then travel to Israel and the Vatican before attending summits in Brussels and Sicily on a trip with his wife Melania Trump.

Alongside the First Lady, Trump will be joined by most of his senior staff from the White House who have planned the trip with Saudi Arabian officials.

MOST READ IN NEWS Latest ON THE BRINK England faces lockdown in days as cases double and Nightingale ward on standby LOCK UP With 13m already under local lockdowns & tough new rules we ask - where's next? Breaking NO ESCAPE Boris says second wave is ‘inevitable’ as country faces new lockdown & cases soar 'WORST NIGHTMARE' Newborn mauled to death by 'jealous' dog who escaped from pen, says uncle TRAGIC DEATH Man, 47, 'repeatedly run over' and killed in Iceland car park is pictured GRIM FIGURES Covid falls from top 10 to 24th biggest killer in England in August

It is understood that caterers feeding him in the Middle East are planning to offer the president steak and ketchup alongside more traditional dishes such as lamb and rice.

All the meat will have been butchered in a halal manner as per Islamic custom with Saudi Arabia one of the most religiously conservative – and wealthy – nations in the region.

The First Lady was pictured walking behind the US President as they were received by their Arab hosts with the former model wearing a black dress.

17 President Donald Trump holds a sword and sways with traditional dancers during a welcome ceremony at Murabba Palace Credit: AP:Associated Press

17 The US president seemed excited to be holding the sabre Credit: Getty Images

17 Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud (second from left) and US President Donald Trump Credit: Reuters

17 Donald Trump will be visiting Israel after holding talks with Saudi Arabia Credit: AP:Associated Press

17 The First Lady and President receiving bouquets of flowers during the reception Credit: Getty Images

17 The US President shaking hands with the Saudi King on arrival in Riyadh Credit: Reuters

Among the White House contingent on the nine-day, multi-country trip were the President's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner - a senior advisor to Mr Trump.

Both ladies' decision not to wear headscarves has drawn praise on social media.

SHOULD FOREIGN WOMEN COVER THEIR HAIR IN SAUDI ARABIA? The Foreign Office recommends that women should observe the strict Saudi dress code and wear conservative and loose-fitting clothes, including a full-length cloak (abaya). It also says women should keep a scarf with them in case they are asked to cover their head by the Muttawa, the religious police. Meanwhile, men should not wear shorts in public or go without a shirt.

Trump's visit is aimed at building stronger partnerships to combat terrorism in the region as well as diverting media attention away from controversies engulfing his administration back home.

The President found himself in hot water following two days of damaging news stories in which government sources claimed he had revealed highly sensitive intelligence to the Russians and interfered with an FBI investigation into his ties with the country.

17 The President is aiming to show respect to the region following his anti-Muslim rhetoric Credit: Getty Images

Great to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead. #POTUSAbroad pic.twitter.com/JJOra0KfyR — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 20, 2017

He's the only American president to make Saudi Arabia, or any majority Muslim country, his first stop overseas as president.

The scheduling choice is designed in part to show respect to the region after months of harsh anti-Muslim campaign rhetoric – particularly during the Presidential campaign.

He will have an audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican even though President Trump has said he’s not a Catholic.

In 2011, he said: “I am a Protestant. I am a Presbyterian within the Protestant group and I go to church as much as I can.”

17 The King awards Trump the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the Royal Court Palace Credit: AP:Associated Press

17 Bilateral talks between the two countries were aimed at countering terrorism in the region Credit: Reuters

17 The signing ceremony saw an arms deal worth nearly £85billion agreed to Credit: Getty Images

Tweeting ahead of the visit, the US President said: "Getting ready for my big foreign trip. Will be strongly protecting American interests - that's what I like to do!"

Upon arrival he said: "Great to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Looking forward to the afternoon and evening ahead."

Following the coffee ceremony with the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, Mr Trump is set to enjoy a welcome reception today at the royal court, followed by a luncheon banquet, an official bilateral meeting, a signing ceremony and a meeting with the Deputy Crown Prince.

Later in the evening he'll be attending a royal banquet at Murabba Palace and then go on a tour of the National Museum.

During the bilateral talks between the King and President Trump, the two countries agreed an arms deal worth almost £85billion, according to the White House.

The President was also awarded the Collar of Abdulaziz Al Saud Medal at the royal court - Saudi Arabia's highest civilian honour - which is made of gold.

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368.