Complete Guide to Traditional Arab Dress for Men in the UAE

UAE traditional Arab dressing is an eternal form of cultural pride, religious respect and good taste. Men of all ages wear them with pride and dignity and they are not just garments but also markers of identity, status and tradition.

Being a resident of the UAE, a tourist who wants to dive into the Emirati culture, or a person who is interested in the Middle Eastern heritage, you need to learn more about the peculiarities of the traditional Arabic clothing. In this comprehensive guide to dressing, we will look at the various aspects of dressing of Emirati men, what they mean, when they are worn and how to wear them without hesitation.

1. The Emirati Kandura: Foundation of Traditional Attire

The Kandura (also known as dishdasha or thobe in other Arab regions) is the central piece of a man's outfit in the UAE.

What Is a Kandura?

A Kandura is a long robe that is ankle length and is made of cotton or wool. Emirati men wear it everyday in formal and informal occasions. As opposed to the thobe worn in Saudi Arabia or Qatar, the Kandura of the Emirati is usually collarless, with a very unique tarboosh on the chest.

How to Wear a Kandura with Elegance

• Make sure it fits perfectly, neither loose nor tight.
• Press the clothing to have a sharp appearance.
• Match with sandals and head gear.

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2. The Ghutra and Shemagh: Regal Headwear of the Emirates

The Ghutra (white headscarf) & Shemagh (red and white checkered version) complement the picture of a typical Arab gentleman. They are not only an element of modesty and also a tradition and authority.

How to Wear:

• They are both folded into a triangle and worn over the head and fastened by an Agal, which is a black cord that ties the scarf.

Tip: Use a headband or inner cap for added grip and comfort.

3. The Bisht: The Robe of Prestige

The Bisht is a sign of power and beauty as it is worn over the Kandura on a wedding day, Eid or during a diplomatic event.

Materials and Styles

Bisht may be embroidered with gold or silver. They normally are black, brown or cream.

When to Wear a Bisht:

• Religious marriage and weddings
• National holidays
• Business events of high levels

At Baytalghutar, you’ll find hand-tailored Bishts that reflect authentic Arab craftsmanship and luxury.

4. The Wuzar and Faneela: Innerwear Essentials

Comfort and hygiene are very much involved in traditional dressing of the Arabs. And this is what the Wuzar (white cloth, which is wrapped around below and below the Kandura) and Faneela (undershirt) are about.

Why They Matter:

• Prevents sweat from staining the Kandura
• Adds layering in colder months
• Offers modesty and ease of movement

These garments are often overlooked but are essential for maintaining your Kandura in pristine condition.

5. Arab Footwear: The Traditional Sandals

The typical kind of footwear that Arab men wear with their attires is a pair of leather sandals that are open-toed called Na Al. They are quite special to be worn during hot weather and casually and formally.

Features to Look For:

• Soft genuine leather
• Padded sole for comfort
• Traditional or contemporary design

Baytalghutar offers handcrafted Emirati sandals that blend comfort, quality, and tradition.

6. Perfume & Personal Grooming: The Finishing Touch

Traditional Arab style is not complete without the magical smell of Oudh, Musk or Amber perfumes. The Arab culture is proud of grooming and usually includes:

• Beard trimming
• Using Miswak for oral hygiene
• Applying Attar (oil-based perfume)

At Baytalghutar, discover a wide range of Arabic perfumes curated for the modern Emirati man.

7. Occasions to Wear Traditional Arab Clothing

From daily wear to festive events, Emirati men dress according to the event’s tone and formality.

Common Occasions:

• Everyday wear: Light cotton Kanduras with Ghutra
• Friday prayers: Freshly ironed white Kandura and Ghutra
• Weddings or Eid: Elegant Bisht over Kandura

Understanding the etiquette of dressing according to occasion shows respect and cultural fluency.

8. Caring for Your Traditional Wear

• Clean Kanduras in cold water to save fabric.
• Wrinkle free presentation: Steam press or iron.
• Bishts should be kept in garment covers to prevent dust.
• The perfumes are supposed to be applied on inner clothes so that they do not stain the outer clothes.

Conclusion: Where Tradition Meets Elegance

The men of the UAE have their own taste in dress code and it is not just a fashion statement but a heritage, identity and style that cannot be forgotten. Regardless of whether you wear it to everyday life or on some special occasion, every piece of it has centuries of cultural meaning.

We respect this tradition and at Baytalghutar we provide only the best of the Arab dressing accessories, including hand-stitched Kanduras, iconic Ghutras, elegant Bishts and perfumes.Explore our collection today and dress with pride, purpose, and authenticity.

FAQs About Traditional Arab Dress in UAE

1: Is there a difference between Kandura and Thobe?

Yes, they are both long robes, but Kandura is unique to the UAE and does not have a collar and has a tarboosh, whereas the Thobe can have collars and other cuts in other countries.

2: Can non-Emiratis wear traditional Arab clothing?

Absolutely. Wearing traditional clothes is regarded as a sign of respect to the culture as long as it is done with respect.

3: What is the best fabric for a Kandura?

For summer: light cotton. For winter: blended or wool-based fabrics.

4: Where can I buy authentic Emirati dressing items?

Baytalghutar - providing high-quality Kanduras, Ghutras, Shemaghs, and others at fast shipping throughout the UAE.