Snow

Learn about Omani traditional attire and culture

A unique opportunity to learn about a significant element of the culture of the Gulf nation of Oman - the traditional attire of its people.

Duration : 60 mins     Max Size : 500     Destination : Oman  

Category : Global Cultures     Recommended For : Schools

Subject :  

Overview

UNESCO recognised the need to improve the capability of culture to achieve prosperity, international peaceful coexistence and sustainable development. That's how World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development was established on 21st May, 2002. As part of a deep insight into the culture of an Arabian nation, we take you to Oman to see and learn about the traditional attire of its people.

The attire you wear is an extremely visible and obvious indication of ethnic identity in Omani culture. Although it contains aspects influenced by the other Arab countries, the traditional dresses have distinct Omani characteristics. Join us in this session as we visit a retail shop selling traditional Omani outfits for men, usually worn during celebrations, weddings and festivities.

Our friendly local host, dressed in the typical local outfit of a long tunic and a head cap, is an expert in Omani culture and is excited to show you around a popular retail store in his hometown of Sur, roughly 150km from the capital city of Muscat. The conservative nature of the Arab society as well as an extremely hot climate influenced the daily garb with both men and women preferring long, loose tunics made of cotton or other light materials, that covered them from the neck all the way to their feet and had long-sleeves. Their religion requires their hair to be covered, so head caps for men and scarves or hijabs for women, became commonplace. 

As we enter the shop, the host tells us that the long tunic for men, is called a ‘dishdasha’ and is usually white for any formal occasions, while other solid colours can be used as casualwear. Irrespective of formal or casual situation, the dishdasha is always accompanied by some form of head cap - a ‘kumma’ which can be described as a banded skull cap, or a ‘massar’, a turban that is tied in a particular manner around the kumma. Even in informal settings, if you turn up wearing a dishdasha minus the head cap, you are bound to get more than a few stares. 

Another essential element of the traditional Omani attire for men, is the ‘khanjar’ or the L-shaped dagger, adorned with a belt around the waist. Khanjars usually have intricate designs on their caskets, and sometimes around the head as well. These sharp knives were the only protection Omani men carried with them when they used to go hunting during their nomadic days. Today, it remains a symbol of masculinity and is always a part of the wedding dress for the groom. 

If you want to practise Arabic, then don’t feel shy to ask all your questions to the session host in Arabic, as he will be very happy to answer them for you in his native tongue. This session is apt to commemorate World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development and children will definitely love the experience of learning about the Arabic cultural dress from Oman.  

Your Presenter

  Charly Jacob

Charly is one of the Executive Producers at Globe from Home and brings more than two decades of experience in Tourism management into creating special travel experiences.

Charly has been involved in campaigns involving the conservation of environment and is an active team member in our Responsible Tourism projects. His other interests include listening to music and driving.

How it works

Contact us to book this experience. Once booked, we will send you a confirmation email with a link to join the session. Students can log in from their individual classes or congregate in one single class/hall and access the tour via the link provided.

What you need

You will need a stable internet connection and a mobile device (ideally a desktop or laptop) to stream the session.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel and obtain a full refund for this session until 5 days before the date of the first session.

Book this experience