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What do the colors in the UAE Flag mean?
The flag of the United Arab Emirates (Arabic: علم الإمارات العربية المتحدة) was adopted on December 2, 1971.
It contains the Pan-Arab Colors red, green, white and black, which symbolize Arabian unity.
In addition the individual colours have the following meanings:
- Green: Fertility
- White: Neutrality
- Black: Oil Wealth
- Red: Unity
What is the UAE National Dress for Men?
Here in the UAE, men where a traditional dress or robe called the Kandura. It is usually white or sandy color although in recent years you can see especially on the youth, shade of blue, and yellow. It may be worn with the traditional head covering, called the Ghutra. This head covering can be white, or a check red and white fabric, or really any color they like. The check fabric use to indicate the army. Frequently you will see H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum wear the same color Ghutra and Kandura. It is usually accompanied with the Igal which is a woven, black, ropelike hoop that is placed on the head to hold down the Ghutra. The Igal is actually used in a figure 8 shape to tie the camel’s front legs, so it will not run away from its owner. Over the years it was conveniently placed on the head to hold down the Ghutra, and ultimately became a part of men’s fashion.
What is the UAE National Dress for Women?
Women can be seen wearing something called an Abaya, a long black flowing robe used for going out. It is generally worn over their house clothes. These undergarments can be a traditional ladies Kandora, usually ornate and colorful or more western styles like jeans and a tee shirt. Whatever the style the undergarments and Abaya are ultimately fashion, as unique as every Emirati women. The Abaya is usually accompanied by the Sheyla, which is generally black in color, although it is not unusual to see different colored Sheyla. Ladies may tie up their hair in the back and fasten it with a large clip. This helps for the Sheyla to stay secure without having to fasten it with a pin. Others do just that, wrap it making sure that their hair is covered completely, and secure it with a straight pin. The Abaya is also not unique to Emirates. These types of outer cloaks can be seen being worm by women throughout the middle east because of their practicality, opacity and the fact that it reflects a modest decorum when venturing out. There are also some additional items such as the Niqab, which is a black curtain worn across the face, with just the eyes showing, the Ghushwa, which is a sheer black Sheyla pulled down over the face, and the tradition Burgha which is a leather shield sown with metallic thread, which covers the bridge of the nose and mouth allowing an open space for the eyes. All of the traditional face coverings can be seen in the Emirates and are indicative of both cultural norms and modesty.
Can a non-arab wear igal.???
Yes, one may. In fact many westerners don the traditional arab dress in this region as it is easy to wear and practical in a desert environment. A word of caution, its important to recognize that the kadura, khutra and igal are symbol, and the national dress of the Emirates. It should be worn respectfully, and one shouldn’t do something offensive whilst wearing it.