UAE | General
The Arab dress code: A symbol of identity
The Sifrah Glider, written by Ahmad Al Reda, tells children the significance of the traditional Arab dress.
- By Faisal Masudi, Staff Reporter
- Published: 11:55 September 25, 2008
- Image Credit: XPRESS/Zarina Fernandes
- Ahmad Al Reda, 25, dissects the various aspects of this cultural attire in The Sifrah Glider.
For those who have wondered why Emirati and Arab men wear long white gowns and head-dresses, a new children's picture book written by an Emirati may help illustrate the significance of the traditional Arab dress.
Ahmad Al Reda, 25, dissects the various aspects of this cultural attire in The Sifrah Glider.
A sifrah is a piece of white cloth draped evenly over the head and shoulders by Emirati and Arab men here. Sifrah Glider, as the name suggests, is the star of the namesake book, who uses his headgear to float in the air.
In the book he drops by a class comprising Western children who keep asking him about his clothes. "‘What's that on your head?' asks Wendy. ‘My black agaal!' replies the guest. ‘It helps me keep my headdress so steady!'"
"There is so much culture in these clothes we wear daily," said Al Reda, an IT graduate. "They are white and loose because they keep us cool in the hot climate here. Also, they are a part of our identity." Al Reda decided to use his passion for writing to clear up "false theories about Arabs and the Middle East".
"Our dress holds a visible symbol. We can integrate with different cultures and maintain a balance with the past."
Using clothes to introduce the hero's culture works well because there are many items and styles, each with a story to tell, he said.
"When you target kids, you make it fun as well. Besides, you can reach parents through them."
Al Reda said he will publish a children's book on UAE values.
What Emirati men wear
- Kandoura: A single-piece, full-body outer garment that looks like a long shirt or gown. It is almost exclusively white in colour
- kafiah: A skullcap that forms a cushion for the headgear
- Sifrah: A straight-cut cloth that is placed evenly over the head and shoulders. Also known as a gotra
- Agaal: Black rings made from cloth that are put on the forehead to keep the sifrah in place
- Bisht: A long dark robe that goes over the kandoura; worn on special occasions such as weddings and festivals
- Asaa: A slim wooden cane that is an accessory during traditional events such as folk songs
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