The colourful history of Emirati men’s distinctive headdresses
The query regarding the significance of different coloured headdresses worn by men in the UAE is not uncommon. It is important to understand that the shemagh, ghutra, sufra, or headdress in general, originated from a natural necessity. In a desert environment where the sun is intense, covering the head is crucial. The headgear was invented not only to protect the head but also to be useful during sandstorms.
The varying colours of the headgear and the preference of red-chequered shemagh by men in Saudi Arabia over a white one have cultural and historical roots. The word shemagh is believed to have originated from the Turkish word “yashmak,” meaning loose cloths. There is a historical anecdote dating back to the time when the British army arrived in the Arab region. A commander, wearing a red beret, trained the Jordanian army and police troops. Subsequently, the red-chequered shemagh was adopted by most army and police departments in the Arab region, becoming synonymous with the Arabian-style headdress.
However, in the UAE, the thick and warm material of the shemagh was not popular due to the hotter climate. Men preferred to wear a white ghutra, made of lighter material. This preference could also be attributed to the clean, shining, and angelic appearance it gives when worn with the white kandura, a traditional men’s dress. During winter, more men in the UAE opt for the white and red shemagh because of its thickness, which provides warmth.
The red-chequered shemagh is also commonly seen in the UAE. Due to the country's healthy relationship with other Arab states since its formation, many cultural elements have been adopted. It is not surprising that the police of that time wore the red-chequered shemagh similar to the one in Jordan. Even grey and orange-coloured shemagh are now featured during the great Qasr Al Hosn Festival.
Today, the colour of the shemagh is just one aspect of a man’s daily outfit selection. One cannot determine a man's nationality based solely on the colour of his shemagh. Instead, looking at the kandura, such as if it has a collar and is made of thin material, would be a more accurate indicator of his Saudi origin.