Consulate General of the United Arab Emirates in the HKSAR
Kandura (men’s thobe)
Emirati Kanduras are mostly white, though with other variations like brown, beige, grey, etc. Their styles vary from country to country. You can distinguish Emirati Kanduras from others because Emirati ones are collarless and have discreet embroidery on the sleeves. Another distinguishing factor is the long twisted piece of cloth with a tassel at the end. This ornament made of the same material as the Kandura, which dangles out of its neck, is called Al Farukhah.
Headdress: Gutra and Shemagh
Emirati men wear Gutra as the headdress. The Gutra, which is a square piece of scarf, protects their head and face from the scorching heat in the desert. They would also cover their faces with it when the dust is too high.
Agal (the black band) is used to hold the Gutra on the head. Besides the functional part of holding the Gutra in place, it is also an aesthetic element. Emirati agals have two cords (Tarbousha) hanging at the back or have two ropes that become one with a few tassels at the end. The number of cords differs between countries. Saudi agals usually do not have these cords, and Qatari agals have four. Perfuming the agals is also part of the custom.
There is another variation to Gutra called Shemagh. While Gutras are made of white cotton with a smooth finish, Shemaghs have red checks on the white. Originally from the central part of the Arabian Peninsula, it has also spread to other neighbouring regions.
There are similarities among the headdresses worn in countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc. Oman and Yemen have a completely different type of head covering, which looks more like turbans.
Abaya
The traditional outfit of Emirati women is Abaya, an elegant loose fitting flowing cloak. It is always worn on top of other clothes.
Traditional Abayas are plain black. Modern Abayas festooned with simple embroidery designs are in vogue nowadays apart from plain grey and brown shades. Although materials like cotton and linen are used to suit the hot desert climate, the most popular and comfortable material for Abayas is crepe.
Sometimes women also wear a Kaftan, otherwise called a Jalabiya. Kaftans are highly decorated with embroideries and come in a plethora of colours.