Desert Dress Code

On my recent trip to UAE, a friend of mine complained about “why are those Arabic women dress up like that? Why are they so fanatic about their religion? Why are they willing to cover up?”

What she meant was “why are those women wear hijab?” (or in Indonesia we call it jilbab). Hijab is headscarf used by Moslem women to cover up their hair, in accordance to their religion.

Arabic women take a step further, they usually wear all-black loose dress plus a long headscarf to cover up their hair and neck; and for some, they even put a veil on their face.

Most people think they are fanatic. But personally, I have different opinion.

If you’ve been to the dessert, you’ll understand why they dress up that way. You would be so thankful to have such dress-code when a sandstorm is a regular occurrence.

I've only spent a few hours in the dessert, and trust me, hijab would be very useful. And I understand why they need to put veil on their face. Apart from saving you from the scorching sun;  the desert sands are so fine, as fine as dust, but still very annoying to have in on your hair, your eyes, folds of your shirts, inside your socks and shoes…  and guess what, sometimes they get into your mouth too. It’s horror!!!
Cos I saw some camel dump some dung and soon the sand blowed and transferred the feces-contaminated sands into your mouth (you can feel the grit in your mouth. Ugh!).  By that time, I would slip on the full-attire plus a burqa happily, seriously!

See??!! Now can you get the idea why they need to dress up that way? Even the Arabic guys wear loose clothing and cover up their hair too. (and guess what, the black rope on their head isn't just for decoration, in the past it was used to tied up their camel too)

As the religion spread, so does the fashion sense. Isn’t that what happening in the world naturally?

Dress code can look ridiculous sometimes; it depends on how you see it. Our fashion sense really depends and influenced by our culture and society.

Come to think of it…

• If Moslem was founded in Indonesia, they might have different costumes, maybe kebaya and beskap?
• Or if Buddha was born in Arabic country, monks nowadays would have different robes rather than the Indian-insipred wrap around?
• And if those  Pontifical Swiss Guard of Vatican City were in Indonesia, they’ll  be mocked for such an Joker costumes.

So, what’s so odd about one’s fashion sense? Absolutely nothing. Look from different point of view, then you’ll even understand why Superman need to wear his underwear outside.

PS: Though some people criticize, I always think I look good wearing a headscarf.