In the Arabian Gulf people still wear traditional dresses as identification for their culture and pride. These clothes are not only considered part of the region’s heritage, but their design also engenders a lot of practicality and comfort, being perfectly suited to the climatic and lifestyle elements of the Gulf.
- For Men
Thobe/Dishdasha/Kandura: A flowing, long robe that men of most Gulf countries wear. This usually comes in white color, though in the relatively cooler months, the brown or gray shades are common, too. The name somewhat differs in each region: “Thobe” in Saudi Arabia, “Dishdasha” in Kuwait, and “Kandura” in the UAE.
Ghutra/Shemagh: Those are traditional headscarves, which are worn by men. Usually, the “Ghutra” is white, while “Shemagh” is checkered, often red and white or black and white. Those scarves protect against the sun and dust, usually held on the head by Agal – a black cord.
- For Women:
Abaya: The most iconic piece of women’s attire in the Gulf is Abaya. This is a long black cloak put on the body. They wear it outside the household over normal clothes. It is loose and flowing attire for comfort and modesty.
Shayla: This is a long scarf that women use to cover their heads. Usually, it goes loose around the head and shoulder, covering yet not making much hassle to wear.
Why Do People Still Wear Them?
The following reasons are responsible for Hellspin people still wearing their traditional attires in the Arabian Gulf:
Cultural Identity: Dressing up in traditional clothes serves as a direct linkage with history and the cultural root of Gulf Arabs. Pride in heritage, it is also widely taken as a representation of who they are in the face of an increasingly globalized world.
Religious Significance: The dominant religious affiliation within the Arabian Gulf is Islam, a religion that is deeply attached to modesty. The Abaya, Kandura, and Ghutra are some of the traditional clothes in Islam that best display Islamic recommendations on modesty. These kinds of clothing enable men and women to dress up modestly yet stylishly.
Social Expectations: Most of the gulf countries were not only encouraging their traditional clothes but also expecting them in certain social circles. For instance, government officials, business heads, and even students wear their traditional clothes to show professionalism and respect in formal situations.
Each Gulf citizen takes pride in their national attires by wearing them to every national holiday, wedding occasion, or festivals to reveal their country’s culture. In the UAE, for instance, on National Day, both male and female citizens wear smartly tailored national outfits decorated with colors of the national flag.
Traditional Clothes: Are They Comfortable?
Aeration: Traditional attire consists of loose and airy fabrics such as cotton or silk. The loose-fitting design allows for air flow that keeps the wearer cool, even in extremely high temperatures.
Protection from the Sun: This outfit in its flowing nature provides insulation against the sun, particularly during summer when the temperatures soar over 45°C. The head attire, such as the Ghutra and Shayla, insulate the head and neck from the direct sun.
Adaptability: The Gulf traditional dress can easily adapt to different occasions. Whereas a plain white Kandura could be worn daily, more elaborately decorated versions in finer fabrics were employed in formal situations. Equally varied are women’s Abayas, which range from basic designs for everyday wear to highly decorated pieces reserved for special occasions.
Traditional attire also gives freedom of movement, highly essential in the traditional way of life that occupied people historically with activities like riding a camel, fishing, or even walking over a long distance in the desert. These days, too, this practicality is valued in everyday life.