A spotless white robe and a headscarf. Behind this seemingly simple attire lies the silent declaration of power and identity in the Arab world.
In 18 November 2025, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited the United States and met with Donald Trump. In the official photos, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, often referred to as "MBS," was dressed in immaculate white robes, his distinctive red-and-white checkered headscarf particularly conspicuous amidst the crowd. This choice of headdress is far from accidental; it contains deep political and cultural codes.
The Geopolitical Language of the Arab Headscarf:
In the Arab world, clothing has never been merely about covering the body. The headscarf, in particular, is a silent declaration of identity. A closer look at the headscarves of Arab men reveals that while they appear similar overall, they each have unique details.
Qatari men usually wear pure white headscarves with pointed lapels, while Omanis prefer tribal tasseled collars with plain headscarves. Saudis, especially members of the royal family, more often opt for red-and-white checked headscarves. These differences are not accidental; like Scottish clan tartans, they convey information about the wearer's region, tribe, and even political leanings.
The practical origins of the headscarf are closely linked to the desert life of nomadic tribes. Early Arabs used headscarves to protect their heads from the scorching sun, securing them with a agal, a rope originally used to tether camels. As oil wealth flowed in, the functionality of the headscarf gradually diminished, while its symbolic significance grew. The former custom of wearing dark robes due to frequent sandstorms was gradually replaced by spotless white robes, which themselves became a symbol of wealth and status.
MBS's Headscarf Choice: A Silent Declaration of Change:
Born in 1985, Mohammed bin Salman is known among the new generation of the Saudi royal family for his determination to reform. Since becoming crown prince in 2017, he has introduced a series of policies aimed at reshaping Saudi Arabia's image.
In his choice of headscarf, Salman prefers the red-and-white checkered pattern, a style that holds a special status within the Saudi royal family. Compared to the general plain white headscarf, the checked one appears more modern and is easier to recognize visually.
The way the headscarf is worn also reflects the wearer's identity and attitude. Salman's headscarf is neat and tidy, showing subtle differences from how his father, King Salman, and the former Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, whom he replaced, wore theirs. These differences, while slight, are profoundly meaningful.
On the international stage, Salman consciously uses traditional attire like the headscarf to reinforce his image as a modern Arab leader—one who respects tradition while looking to the future.
Why is Salman's headscarf different from others?
In Saudi Arabia, the headscarf serves as a significant visual marker of social hierarchy. Members of the royal family, particularly high-ranking individuals, often wear headscarfs with distinctive colors and patterns, such as red-white, blue-white, or yellow-white checks, which symbolize authority and noble lineage. These are typically made from high-quality fabrics such as satin and silk, and may feature exquisite craftsmanship, highlighting their elevated status . In contrast, ordinary civilians usually wear plain or white headscarves made of cotton, reflecting the simplicity and practicality of daily life . This systematic distinction—observed in color, material, and symbolism—clearly mirrors the inherent hierarchical structure of Saudi society.
Headscarf Diplomacy: Salman's International Image Building:
Crown Prince Salman deeply understands the power of visual symbols in international politics. He shares a close relationship with other Arab leaders like the UAE's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, and the two are known as the "boldest political duo" in the Middle East.
In international settings, Salman consistently insists on appearing in traditional dress, a choice that complements his political strategy. On one hand, he promotes economic modernization through the "Vision 2030" plan, allowing women to drive and opening up entertainment activities, attempting to change Saudi Arabia's extremely conservative international image.
On the other hand, in the diplomatic arena, he uses traditional symbols like the headscarf to emphasize his Arab identity, balancing Western modernization with Arab tradition. This balance was particularly evident in his interactions with Donald Trump. In 2017, Salman was made crown prince partly due to his success in hosting Trump. The fact that Trump's female aides visited Saudi Arabia in 2025 without headscarves also reflects the loosening of social norms under Salman's rule.
In this meeting at the end of 2025, Salman's headscarf is not just traditional attire; it is a symbol of Saudi Arabia's era of change—connected to the desert past, yet tied to an uncertain future.
Conclusion:
In summary, the headdress of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) serves as a carefully curated symbol. It embodies both his personal authority and reformist agenda, while also signifying Saudi Arabia’s intricate negotiation between tradition and modernity during its national transformation. Through this piece of cloth, MBS presents a Saudi Arabia striving to carve a new path—one that honors its cultural roots while embracing change.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1.Can Anyone Wear a Keffiyeh?
2.What is the significance of wearing a Kiffiyeh Scarf?
3.How did the kerchief evolve into a military scarf?
4.What is the meaning of the pattern on keffiyeh?
