The UAE National Dress – A Symbol of Tradition and Identity

The UAE is a region where modernity meets traditions and culture. Moreover, the UAE national dress reflects the culture and rich heritage pride of the people. The clothing of traditional Emiratis is not limited to fashion statements but a representation of cultural, modest, and historical values. National attire usually includes a Kandura for men and an Abaya for women. Therefore, the Emirati dress code has value all around the globe. Different clothing style for men and women is given below.

Traditional Emirati Clothing:

Here’s an overview of traditional Emirati clothing.

1. Kandura for Men:

Kandura is famous as a thobe or Dishdasha in other Gulf regions and is an ankle-length, long white robe that Emirati men usually wear. Moreover, elegance and simplicity of this UAE National Dress is iconic in the Arabian world.

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 Features:

• Kandura is made of lightweight fabric, for instance, linen and cotton, to suit the hot climate of weather in Arab.
• White is a common color, while darker shades such as brown and beige are preferred during the winter season.
• Emirati men often like to wear tassels, which are also known as tarboosh, which are attached to their neckline and scented with perfume.

Symbolism:

Kandura represents pride, modesty, and unity in UAE’s culture, which can be seen in Gulf traditional clothing.

2. Abaya for Women:

Abaya is a beautiful flowing black or any other color cloak won by Arabian women and it symbolizes modesty and elegance.

Features:

• Made up of lightweight, soft fabric such as crepe or silk, Abaya is designed both for style and comfort.
• Moreover, various Abayas are adorned with lace, intricate embroidery, lace, or embellishments that reflect a mix of modern fashion and traditions.

Accompanied by the Shayla:

Women typically wear a long black scarf known as Shayla to cover their hair. Further, in several cases niqab is won to cover the face. Even others can admire UAE National Dress for fun.

Emirati Headgear:

1. For Men – Ghutra and Iqal:

UAE Men’s white robe complete their attire with a Ghutra, a square scarf secured by a black chord, which is commonly known as Iqal. Similarly, Ghutra is often checkered in red and white or maybe just simply white.

• The white ghutra symbolizes chastity and is won on different formal occasions.
• However, the red and white Ghutra is commonly preferred every day among Bedouin people.

Gahfia:

• Gahfia is a white cap and is won beneath the Ghutra to clutch it in one place.

2. For Women – Burqa:

Older Emirati women traditionally like this Emirati dress code and wear the Burqa, a metallic-looking fabric cloth that hides half the part of the face and symbolizes respect and heritage.

Emirati Dress Code:

This Arabian code emphasizes culture and modesty that aligns perfectly with the values of the island. However, visitors and residents don’t need to wear traditional Arab Culture dress, but they are encouraged to dress conservatively, particularly in different regions such as government buildings and mosques.

Kandura vs. Thobe:

Kandura and Thobe might be the same, but they have a few differences.

• Kandura: typically lacks collar and is worn in UAE and features tassels in place of collar near neckline in UAE National Dress.
• Thobe: common in Gulf regions and other Arabian countries, often combines cufflinks and collar.

Cultural Significance of UAE National Dress:

1. Identity: Emirati national dress reflects the shared culture and heritage values of the UAE.
2. Functionality: Lightweight designs and materials cater to the desert climate of the UAE.
3. Respect: Traditional Emirati Clothing embodies respect and modesty.

Traditional Clothing Across the Gulf:

The National attire of the UAE is a part of a broad category of traditional Gulf clothing, and it includes variations in different regions such as Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Styles differ a bit in the emphasis on elegance and modesty, which remains the same across different regions.

Modern Influence on Traditional Attire:

By that time, Emirati Kandura for men and Abaya for women, or simply Emirati Clothing, has evolved to combine contemporary fashion trends. Likewise, customized Kandura and designer abayas are famous and show a blend of modernity and tradition.

End Note:

UAE national dress includes different clothes for men and women and is a famous symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Emirates. Beyond its cultural and aesthetic appeal, Kandura for men represents values of national pride, respect, and modesty. Whether you’re in a swarmed city such as Dubai or the hottest desert, Traditional Emirati Clothing stands as a great reflection of the identity and culture of Arabs.