Keeping with tradition

The subject of traditional dress has caught the attention of the Federal National Council. As The National reported yesterday, Ras Al Khaimah representative Ahmed Al Amashis has expressed concern that national identity is being eroded as Emirati children increasingly wear western-style clothes chosen by maids of other nationalities. However, as Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, the Minister of Culture, told the FNC, there really is no reason for concern.
While it may be true that many children do not wear traditional dress, it's also true that a kandura is not especially practical for the rough and tumble playground antics of a young child. Just as boys in the west graduate from shorts and T-shirts to business attire, Emiratis move towards national dress as they grow older and enter the workforce.
Of course, dress codes do change over the years, often dictated by practicality. As Sheikh Nahyan noted, there are awards for modern designers who work within traditional boundaries.
The traditional dress worn by the founders of the UAE are symbolic of this nation; a sign of pride in Emirati identity and achievements. And that is something that will never go out of fashion.