GENERAL information
LOCAL
Despite becoming one
of the most modern
cities in the world, the
local population of Dubai
remain conscious of
their heritage, legacy and
culture. The late President
of the UAE, H.H. Sheikh
Zayed bin Sultan Al
Nahyan, famously said, ‘A
country that knows not its
past has neither present
nor future’ a phrase which
adequately describes the
Emirates of today.
culture
Many people come to Dubai holding misconceptions about the local culture, so in
order to put everyone's mind at ease, Discover Dubai asked Mr Nasif Kayed, General
Manager of the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU), to
answer some of those frequently asked questions.
Q. What is the “dress code” in Dubai?
A. Most expect business casual as the official dress code, as well as the underlying values of
modesty. Generally modesty in this country means no need to show-off. While we do see a bit
of that, beachwear is for the beach, evening wear for the nightclubs and family friendly for the
malls and public places. Just like company dress code rules, it’s best that a family-friendly attire
is worn when out, if your shoulders and knees are covered you’re sure not to offend anyone.
Q. Can you please explain the local dress?
A. In the past almost everyone wore some type of robe because of its simplicity and modesty,
from religious figures to everyday people. Light, airy clothes also keep you cool in the desert,
which is why they are still popular in this region. In the UAE, the national dress for men is the
spotlessly clean and crisp white ‘dishdasha’ or ‘kandoura’ and is worn with a headdress known as
a ‘ghuttra’ (normally white for Emirati nationals). The ghuttra is secured around the head with a
black cord or ‘agal’ which is still used to tether the camel’s feet together to stop them wandering
off in the desert.
Local Emirati women wear a traditional black weightless cloak called an ‘abaya’ together
with a headscarf called a ‘sheyla’ sometimes decorated with traditional embroidery or sequins.
The black abaya has evolved over the years and has crossed the cultural line to become a more
universal garment worn all over the world and is an iconic part of fashion in the region. Some
women will also wear a leather mask called a ‘burgaa’ or use a very light veil ‘niqab’ to cover their
face. Tradition, culture and religious modesty all influence the local dress for both men and
women, and simplicity is the rule.
10 | JULY Discover Dubai