here in the gulf many of the people view/wear it as more cultural than religious. whereas you go to other countries women wear it for religious reason. like the in the west for example when women convert to islam they wear for religious reason(obviously they are not wearing it for cultural reasons).
the hijab is part of islam. but unfortunately many muslims in muslims countries view it as a cultural thing.

i wear the hijab(including niqab) for religious reason. now i dont believe the niqab is a must. but wearing the niqab in islam can bring blessings in it.
and whenever i go back home (the states) i dress the same.