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Saying that there is a specific style or fashion inherent to the Middle East is a big generalization. Visitors to Lebanon and Cyprus, for example, will see young men and women in the latest European bathing suits tanning at the beaches. In the United Arab Emirates black bedecked abaya wearing women can be seen perusing the goods and wares available at the local supermarket next to Bermuda-shorts-wearing American teenagers and sari wrapped Indian ladies. There are, however, some generalizations that can be made overall. The Arabian Gulf countries, particularly Kuwait and Saudi Arabia are much more conservative than other countries in the region. White dishdashas and white head dresses are the traditional feature for the upper class men of Kuwait, Bahrain, and the UAE. The traditional dress of the women in these countries is the shiny black abaaya. However, depending on the age and the degree of Westernization that the person has been exposed to, the dress can range from the Bedouin woman in a face mask, head (hair) covering, veil, and robe, to the latest Prada fashions from New York worn by trend setting young women in Kuwaiti malls. The traditional headdress for men in Saudi Arabia is a red checkered one, and in Oman it is worn in a more of a turban style fashion (although different from the traditional Sikh type of turban). The Palestinian men wear a black and white checkered headdress, the most recognizable one undoubtedly being that of Yasser Arafat. Gold is the favored metal of choice for jewelry in the gulf. Many great deals can be found shopping in the extensive gold souks of Dubai. Watches, rings, earrings, and rimmed glasses can be seen clinking and shimmering on many an adorned body in the gulf region. Also, men of the area traditionally have preferences toward Western style colognes. Travelers to the gulf areas should be aware of the customs and dress of its inhabitants and dress accordingly. In Saudi Arabia, for example, it is generally not permitted for women to go about in public without a hair covering of some sort and long flowing dresses and coverings up to the wrist. The UAE and Bahrain are more relaxed in their attitudes toward foreign dress. It is common to see young Westerners in the latest fashions from their countries. Though it is generally a good idea to take precautions from unwelcome attention by not dressing too risqué while in the public eye. Kuwait is somewhere in between, having a history of conservative dress and yet dealing well with the large influx of foreign workers and their customs, though more of a precaution should be taken when in public. for inquiries and comments (non-commercial only please): go.mideast @ yahoo.comCopyright ©2003-2008 gomideast.com unless otherwise credited |
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