Clothing takes on heightened significance in the UAE, where the majority of its countrymen wear national dress everyday:
Special outfits that are reserved for celebrations and occasions in many other countries are considered everyday wear, and for all age groups.
Emiratis also use their national dress as a way to differentiate themselves from other Arabs and from expatriates, and to express pride in their native culture.
Ghotra Styles
Ghotra also known as Keffiyeh, the square headscarf comes in variations of colours, textures and fabrics, and is often perforated or embroidered. The ghotra is always neatly pressed, and sometimes starched.
The ghotra is used to pretect the mouth and eyes from blowing dust and sandstorms, especially when travelling on a camel.
The teacher: A free flowing style with the ends left hanging behind the back. A white teacher style ghotra is most commomly associated with the UAE.
Kandora National Style: (UAE) Collar-less and occasionaly colourful, although mostly white,with a long loose tassle
The Cobra: Red checked ghotra that is starched into a hooded style to form a perfect peak in the centre of the forehead.
The ends are sometimes flipped over the agal, and to the back of the head, for further ophidian resemblance.
Saudi Arabia Kandora: Fitted to the body, with a two button collar and sleeves with cufflinks, typically worn with red and white checked ghotras.
Massar: The massar is an embroidered, wool turban made in Kashmir, India. The massar can be tied on the head with or without a Kuma (cap) beneath it.
Oman clothing : Colourful and colar-less, with a short and loose tassle that is off to the side, sometimes with a Khanjar (curved dagger) attached at the waist.
