Is it in appropriate/inappropriate for western men to wear a thoub and shumagg?
Riiiiight, so I'm stealing this question from someone that's already posted it. There were no real clear answers in the last thread so hoping a new fresh question will educate me :)
I'm a white/western guy living in Qatar... Obviously when one lives in a new country you want to experience the culture as best you can so hence this question...
Personally i would love to wear the whole... er... "outfit" - but what do the locals think of it? I mean i seriously dont want to offend so if thats the case i wouldn't want to wear it...
...That being said; any locals care to add their comments?
Cheers!!!
Being here for thirty years, I know it is considered rude for non-arabs to wear the traditional arab clothes. The last time I had the urge to wear it, I threw a theme party - "Arabian Nights". :)
I think, people will appreciate it. One is wearing a local dress and generally locals appreciate it
No rules on this; however, it would not sit well with GCC Nationals for sure!!
My advise is just wear it at home ONLY.
Enjoy!!
Cheers..
I believe that a for anyone other than a gulf Arab to wear the "full outfit", (i.e., thobe/dish-dasha, gutra-the head scarf and agal-the rope around the head holding the gutra) would be considered rude. I don't think you would be breaking any laws (at least here in Qatar), but dressing up like Lawrence of Arabia would not be viewed as a sign of respect.
Western woman, however, can wear the Abaya if they choose and some do, to feel more conforsable and avoid men staring at them(especially some of the lower level workers who have apparently never been tough that it is impolite to stare at people. In fact if they travel to Saudi,they will be required wear an Abaya.
Certainly in Africa and many parts of Asia, Westerners can wear national dress and not offend, but that would clearly not be the case in the Gulf. Which is too bad, becasue the dish-dasha would seem a lot more comfortable to than wearing a business suit.
Nobody will care...
I bought one, but never had the balls to wear it. Maybe someday. I'm afraid of pissing someone off, you never know around this place.
Who cares wear it..! Its not like its Copy written.!!! lol