Beyond the Fabric: The Deep Cultural Roots of the Emirati Kandura

Link to the Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OkXQMRbVGgQ

Welcome, dear followers! In the first episode of the Telal Majlis podcast, host Hussein welcomed the distinguished Emirati content creator, Mohammed bin Haroun. They had a heartfelt conversation about our identity, specifically the "Emirati Traditional Dress," and how we've managed to maintain its prestige and dignity amidst all the modern developments of today. I wanted to summarize the key points discussed in this wonderful gathering:

The Kandura is Not Just Fabric... It's History and Prestige!

Mohammed bin Haroun summarized the Emirati perspective on their attire with a profound statement: "When I wear the Kandura and Ghutra, I'm not just wearing a piece of cloth; I am wearing history, culture, and upbringing." The Emirati dress doesn't just reflect elegance; it reflects dignity, simplicity, and respect. While some might think all Gulf traditional clothing looks the same, the Emirati Kandura has its own unique story and details that set it apart in terms of tailoring, fit, and even the threads used.

Caps and Sneakers with the Kandura... Acceptable or Not?

One of the trends we notice today is some young men ditching the Ghutra (headscarf) and Agal (headband) in favor of a baseball cap, and wearing sneakers instead of traditional sandals. Mohammed’s opinion on this was very balanced:

• Casual Outings: There's no problem if you're heading to a coffee shop or going on a casual outing with close friends.

• The Majlis and Formal Events: Here lies the "disaster," as he calls it! You cannot enter a formal gathering or a Majlis (sitting room) filled with elders while wearing a cap.

• He used Dubai Mall on a weekend as an example; when you see most young men dressed sharply in their Ghutra and Agal, someone walking in with a cap feels entirely out of place. There is a time and place for everything, and at the very least, one should wrap their headscarf (the casual Hamdaniya style).

Beware of Extreme Tailoring!

They touched upon the trend of making the Kandura excessively tight (sometimes to show off muscles) or overly loose. The beauty of the Emirati dress lies in its modesty and neatness. It must be balanced and not tightly contour the body. Our modesty in dressing is what makes even tourists and foreigners ask to take pictures with us, out of sheer admiration and respect for the attire.

A Beautiful Conclusion and a Prayer for the Nation 🇦🇪

At the end of the episode, they made sure to send a heartfelt message of gratitude to the brave armed forces who work tirelessly to protect the security of "Zayed's Home" (the UAE). They thanked God for the blessing of safety and security we experience in our country under the leadership of our rulers, may God protect them.