Job Discussion Forums

[ibnAdam]

Would it be possible as a Westerner to wear Islamic clothes to work in the UAE, such as what is worn by Emiratees themselves. Or would I be expected by most employers to be in a suit and tie? In addition, would anyone happen to know the demand for Special Education or Mathematic teachers at the Elementary or Secondary level? Thank you kindly for your advice.

[Cleopatra]

If by "Islamic clothing" you mean the gear worn by Gulf men, then I would say that it is NOT Ok for you to wear it in class. However, I have never worked in the UAE - hopefully someone more qualified will be along to enlighten us - but I am basing my opinion on my time in SAudi Arabia, where non Gulf men would be frowned upon for wearing the thobe and ghuthra. (Not that many of them are tempted, mind you!) It would be seen as mocking local customs and also, because the national dress is just that - national dress, which serves to distinguish local men from ex-pats - it would also be taken as an affront to Saudi nationals. Wearing the thobe would be OK - many non Gulf men do so - but the headdress is another matter.

But maybe things are different in the UAE.

[Hector_Lector]

What are Islamic clothes?

[ibnAdam]

Yes Ma'am, by Islamic clothes I meant the thowb and the white cap, not the gudtra. As a Western Muslim, I actually dressed this way for work in my own country for religious reasons. I have no problem with Western dress but I feel more comfortable in Islamic wear. That would be my first preference, as I have been dressing that way for years. I never had any problems previously, as I held a reputation of professionalism and dedication at my former school. While teaching in Muslim countries outside the Gulf, I wore a thowb to work, and there seemed to be no problem. Looking at my features, most people assumed I was an Arab or North African. I'm asking particularly about Westerners who have positions of management at educational institutions. I want to know if they would have a problem with such dress. Thank you in advance for your reply.

Sincerely,

ibn Adam

[Bindair Dundat]

[mli_vet]

I know of a Sudani who was working at a government institution in the UAE. During the day he wore the required sport coat and tie, but he was called back one evening to work on a project after hours. He came back wearing Sudani dress--including that white head wrap thing--and the Emirati blew his top, asked him to return home and change into more appropriate work attire. The Sudani refused, the Emirati Director got angrier, and the Sudani's visa was cancelled PDQ and he was on a plane home a few days later.

Had a Western friend a few years back who liked to go out evenings in the local garb. He seemed to enjoy it, and as he spoke quite proficient Arabic, the locals actually didn't seem to mind. He got to practice his Arabic and interact with the locals more than a lot of us ever get to. I wouldn't recommend this for any professional environments though.

MLI Vet
Over and Out

[veiledsentiments]

I do know of one western expat convert who wore, and I believe still does, a dishdasha in Oman. No one seemed to be bothered about it. The other westerners consider him eccentric, and perhaps the Omanis do too, but he has been doing it for years with no problem.

I suggest that you discuss it with any new employer. Practically speaking it is certainly more sensible and comfortable in the climate.

VS

[High Plains Drifter]

In my opinion, this would be a huge mistake. Your colleagues will consider you a collaborator and a colossal oddball. They will shun you and ridicule you relentlessly behind your back, and management will view you as potential trouble and wonder if they made a big mistake in hiring you. This seriously about this and then forget you ever had such a wacky idea.