Are Thobes Different in the Gulf Countries?

You already know that a thawb (thobe or tobe) is known by multiple names in several countries - even its spellings and pronunciations may also differ. So, are thobes different in the Gulf countries?

Traditional Arab robes are different in appearance, suitability, and many other aspects in each Gulf country. This variation is due to numerous factors related to:

• Ethnicism

• Fluctuating weather conditions

• Regional customs

This is how your thobe can add uniqueness and a sense of individuality to your overall personality. Add a Yemeni shemagh to boost your Arab look!

Thobe Styles By Country

The traditional ankle-length ‘robe’ is commonly called a thawb in:

• Saudi Arabia

• Qatar

However, the same thawb is called ‘dishdasha’ in:

• Bahrain

• Kuwait

• Oman

• Qatar

Thawb is commonly known as ‘kandura’ in:

• Oman

• United Arab Emirates

Read: What is the difference between a keffiyeh and shemagh?

Saudi Thobe Styles

Saudi Arabian thawb usually has a:

• Stiff collar - either rounded or flipped

• Two or three buttons

• Pockets on the chest (or on) sides

This thobe generally has a tailored fit. The weather of Saudi Arabia is almost summer; winter is not always intensely frigid. Therefore, men prefer this outfit in classic white colour and stitched of airy fabric to stay comfortable throughout the year.

Kandura vs Dishdasha

Tobes in the UAE (kandura) and Oman (dishdasha and kandura) do not have collars. The beautiful tassel is what makes it stand out. It hangs from the middle in Emirati style or on the sides in Omani style. This tassel gives it a streamlined look - but these tobes usually have no front pockets.

South Asian Thobe

When people in South Asia say ‘thobe,’ they usually mean a jubbah, kurta, or qamis.

Kameez (or kurta) is a long shirt commonly worn in South Asian countries. It is very different from the Saudi-style robe. It is usually made with fabrics having:

• Brilliant, dark colours

• Detailed designs

• Knee lengths with side slits

North African Thawb

North African thobe, especially in Morocco is called ‘djellaba’. You can also get Moroccan thobe with hood, particularly for teens and young adults.

Thobe vs. Dishdasha

Tobes in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar are frequently like the Saudi design. However, they are called ‘dishdasha’. Their collars are simpler, with either one button or none at all. Qatari variants may also use shimmering polyester materials.

Are Thobes Different in the Gulf Countries?

Yes, as explained above  - each Gulf country has its own name and designing style for thawbs. Each variant is not only for looks. It also shows:

• Cultural legacy

• Regional identity

• Weather friendliness

Thawb fashions are extremely interchangeable. They let people represent their culture while highlighting specific features - speaking volumes  for themselves.

Buy shemagh scarves now!

Summary of Thobe Names in Different Countries

The Bottom Line

So, are thobes different in the Gulf countries? Yes!

The thobe is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all men. Each Gulf country has its own style of thobe. These differences make cultures richer. They provide men with more alternatives for what to wear on different occasions, whether it is for everyday use or special events.

Al-Haq Thobes offers authentic thawb variants of different Gulf countries for men of all ages, and butterfly abaya for women. Shop now!