• Elite Travel & Tourism
    Elite Travel & Tourism

 Oman_EliteTravelTourism_MuscatFestival.jpg

Dress in the Omani culture is a highly visible and prominent marker of ethnic identity. Although it shares elements that are influenced by other countries within the Arab region, there is a quality that is distinctly Omani found in their traditional dress.

 

Oman_EliteTravelTourism_OmaniDancers.jpgMen’s Dress

Disdasha: an ankle length collarless gown with long sleeves and tassels hanging down. Traditionally this tassel would be dipped in perfume. Usually, the Disdasha is white, although a few other colors such as brown, lilac, and black are sometimes worn.

Wazar: is a woven cloth wrapped around the waist made from cotton, white in color but pastel colors are also in use.

Headdress

Kuma: a hand-embroidered cap made to fit its owner. The Kuma originates in Zanzibar and is believed to be a direct result of Oman’s historical ties to Zanzibar.

Massar: is an embroidered woolen cloth worn similarly to a turban.  The massar can be tied on the head with or without a kuma beneath it.

 

Oman_EliteTravelTourism_NizwaSouk_OmaniBoys.JPGMen's Accessories

Nahl: these are the open shoes or sandals

The Assa: A cane or stick used mainly for formal occasions

The Khanjar: a ceremonial curved dagger that is only worn during formal occasions and often described as "an important symbol of male elegance".

 

 

Oman_EliteTravelTourism_NizwaMarkets_Omanis.JPGWomen’s Dress

When in public, like most women in the region “the Abaya” is the main garment worn. The Abaya is a modest black dress or cloak worn over the clothes, and is coupled with a hijab, the typical Muslim hair covering. Some women cover their faces and hands, but most do not. However, Omani women do have a traditional dress that is specific to their culture called “Omaniya”.

Disdasha: Similar to the men the women wear a Disdasha that extends to the knee if not longer. Unlike the men’s, the garment is made from colourful prints and is decorative in comparison.

Sarwal: These are loose fitting patterned pants that are worn with the Disdasha for modesty, comfort and mobility.

Lahaf: is another term for the headscarf. Traditionally, the lahaf was not wrapped around the head tightly but, instead, was draped over the top of the head, hanging down on both sides of her face and across her back

Oman_EliteTravelTourism_OmaniWoman.JPGOmaniya Accessories

Bangles: Once silver, today gold, depending on her tribe, she may have one or as many as a dozen slipped over both her wrists.

Nahl: these are the open shoes or sandals

Necklaces and ornamentations for the forehead are reserved for special occasions. 

Handbags are not part of the Omani woman’s traditional accessories.

 

 

Want to know more about the Omani people and their customs?

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or check out our Customs and Country Info pages for more information.