Traditional Bahraini Clothing and Cultural Dress Codes
Bahraini traditional costumes is an important part of our identity and we have to pass it on to our up coming generations. The typical Bahraini woman dresses conservatively, usually the daffah, a long loose-fitting black gown, is worn. However, a Bahraini woman also wears traditional clothes like the thoob elnashil to tell a story about the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.
Traditional Attire for Men
Bahraini men usually wear the Thobe and the traditional headdress which includes the Keffiyeh, Ghutra and Agal. Regarding the specific components of this attire:
- Thobe: Also known as 'Dishdasha' in Kuwaiti, it is a loose, long-sleeved, ankle-length garment. Summer Thobes are white and made of cotton, while winter Thobes can be darker and made of wool.
- Ghutra: A square scarf, made of cotton, folded in a triangle and worn over the Keffiyeh. In Bahrain, it is usually red and white checked or all white.
- Keffiyeh: A white knitted skull cap worn under the Ghutra.
- Agal: A thick, double, black cord that is worn on the top of the Ghutra to hold it in place.
- Bisht: In some occasions, Bahrainis wear a Bisht, which is a cloak made of wool, over the thobe. It is usually black, brown, or grey.
Dress Code for Visitors and Tourists
There is no formal dress code in Bahrain, and foreigners as well as local women are seen wearing modern outfits as well. If you’ve ever been to Abu Dhabi or Dubai then a very similar principle applies to visitors of Bahrain: dress conservatively. Tourists are not expected to follow the traditional Muslim dress code which includes long robes and head coverings, but you need to be respectful of it.
For women, that means avoiding wearing anything that’s too revealing. You can wear skirts and dresses and have your legs and arms exposed, but don’t go for anything too short, skimpy or revealing. For men, short sleeve shirts and t-shirts are acceptable, and ideally, shorts would be around knee length.
Special Occasions and Events
Ramadan Guidelines
During the holy month of Ramadan, the dress code becomes more strict. Women must at least wear short sleeve shirts if not long sleeve, and must wear pants or skirts that reach the ankle. Cleavage and tight clothing are never acceptable during this time.
Bahrain Grand Prix Style Guide
For people with grandstand tickets, there is no formal dress code imposed by the Bahrain circuit. However, you should be mindful of the Bahraini culture and think about dressing appropriately. If you have VIP or hospitality tickets, such as in the Paddock Club, you need to follow a smart casual dress code.
| Item | Description and Materials |
|---|---|
| Thobe (Dishdasha) | Loose, ankle-length garment; cotton (summer) or wool (winter). |
| Ghutra | Square cotton scarf; usually red/white checked or all white. |
| Agal | Thick, double, black cord used to hold the headdress. |
| Bisht | Soft wool cloak; worn over the thobe in black, brown, or grey. |
Weather and Seasonal Considerations
The Bahrain Grand Prix is held at the end of February or start of March, which is one of the coolest parts of the year. It can get a little chilly in the evenings once the sun’s set, so bring warmer layers. Average temperatures during these months are:
- February: High 22°C / Low 15°C
- March: High 25°C / Low 18°C
Wearing loose, lightweight clothing like linen is better for air flow and cooling during the warm day.