In Qatar, a dress code in black and white – Liberation

For the 2022 World Cup, our special correspondents tell the sidelines of this controversial competition. Today, the loose and monochromatic traditional outfits, and the search for distinctive trappings for the Qataris.

Democratic constant in a country with glaring inequalities: nothing distinguishes Qatari citizens from each other in clothing. Everyone goes out covered from head to toe in loose, monochromatic traditional clothing, generally white for men and black for women. You shouldn’t confuse everything.

From the emir to the minor customs officer at the airport, at work and on the street, all adult men wear the thobe, long straight white poplin shirt that hugs the neck and goes down to the ankles. Perfectly starched and ironed, above all it remains surprisingly immaculate in all circumstances. Same for the Ghutra on the head, a large veil folded in two and enclosed on the skull by the double circle of the no matter black. A detail of this cord differentiates Qataris from other Gulf Arabs or Bedouins. It is extended by four cords with a pompom at the end which fall to the lower back. A very apparent distinction on the mascot of the 2022 World Cup.

Unlike men who have only their underwear under their dress, Qatari women wear the black abaya over their clothes to go out. The soft fabric cape that falls to the ground serves as an overcoat and can hide jeans, a miniskirt, an evening dress or pajamas. Many details are visible if we look more closely at the dark silhouettes with scarves wrapped around their heads, sometimes veils covering their faces or television set makeup.

High heels and Rolex

The women who often stroll in pairs, threes or more along the concrete promenades of Doha’s ledges let off steam against their sinister uniforms with accessories. Primordial, the handbag with a long golden chain braided with leather, often from a French luxury brand, is worn over the shoulder or over the shoulder. High-heeled black patent shoes, sandals showing red nail polish or trendy sneakers mark preferences. And even the black of the abaya and the headscarf can be broken up or stylized by a lace border, a satin band or beaded embroidery.

The search for personalized trappings is also evident among Qatari men. Observing their wrists makes it possible to locate their degree of wealth. Primordial, the watch is an essential indicator. Here, the youngest do not have to wait until they are 50 to buy a Rolex whose price varies between 35,000 euros and 75,000 euros. Older people often prefer less sporty Swiss watch brands. And the less fortunate fall back on the smart watchs. Still on the wrist, the cufflinks with which the Qataris adorn their traditional dress are jewels in gold or precious stones set with diamonds, the work of great jewellers.

For the opening match of the World Cup, some of the Qatari fans had swapped their traditional outfit for the occasion for the burgundy jersey of their team. We know it didn’t bring them luck. Their team lost to Ecuador (0-2).