UAE National Costumes

Today, let us take a look at the traditional costumes of the Emiratis (and most of the Arabs)

Male

Kandura - Also called a dishdasha, this white long cloak that the Emiratis wear always look elegant and crease-free (not on me though!) They never look dirty and gives a sense of authority on the Arabs. I felt they looked great on them.

Guthra - This is the headscarf that the males wear. It is usually either white or in red/white checks. I find them quite useful to shield yourself from the heat and to protect your face during a sandstorm.

Egal - This is the black rope that is used to secure the guthra on the head. Apparently in the olden days, the Bedouins will also use the egal to tie the camel's feet down at night when they travel!

Kerkusha - This is a little string flowing from the neck like a tie. You can see Emiratis sitting at Starbucks and swinging this around as they chat!

Female

Abaya - This is the long flowing black gown that ladies wear to cover up the elegant and colorful clothing beneath!

Niqab - The face veil that ladies wear to cover up their face as part of the hijab.

Gishwa - Some ladies wear this too. This is basically a piece of cloth used to cover the entire face (including the eyes). It is just dark enough so that you can't see through it and light enough that the lady can see through!

Burqa - Just remember the Taliban days and you'll remember the Burqa. This is seldom worn here in UAE. But there are some old ladies who wear a different form of burqa - a metallic object used to cover their face. But so far I've only seen this once in Dubai at the heritage village.