The male population of the Sultanate of Oman is particularly attentive to his style and good manners. Once is not customary: let's celebrate the beauty of the men of the world!
What elegance, what presence! Omanis cherish their traditional dress and wear it with pride
The dishdasha consists of a long straight tunic often white but not always. No bright colors but blue, gray, olive green, light yellow. When they are coloured, dishdashas are often coordinated with the kumma, the traditional headdress of Oman.
This colourful soft cap with changing patterns is the country’s emblematic headdress. They are rather jealous of it and do not appreciate that foreigners wear it.
The kummas are very important, they are sometimes transmitted from generation to generation. They are often the result of several weeks of work and can reach more than 100$.
Of course, they can be found on all markets at very low prices, in this case they come from India or China. But no matter, they are magnificent.
Omanis take great care of themselves. First of all they are clean. Hygiene is important here
So impeccable dishdasha, irreproachable kumma and the pompom, it is the case to say it, that we call here tarbouch or tarbusha which finishes the collar, always on the right side, is often perfumed.
Men have a particular elegance in Oman. The way they walk, dance and stand. It is not uncommon for them to add a line of kohl around their eyes, which nicely underlines their brown eyes.
Clean, well dressed (dishdasha is very elegant), perfumed, a hint of make-up, smiling and friendly, this is a very flattering portrait.
Yet it is neither exaggerated nor complacent, it is the pure truth.
Apart from their finery, Omani men are very welcoming and a meeting always begins with a smile
It is rare enough to be reported, when they see you from afar, it is not uncommon for them to come to greet and welcome you.
Whatever one may think or say, the Omanis I met were gallant towards the female population. No question of refusing their help to carry a suitcase or a bag, they will not only show you the way, they will accompany you.
A positive and smiling attitude on the part of female travellers will be well received. Just because they are considerate doesn’t mean they are sticky. On the other hand, it is not customary for men and women to hug or kiss each other, so it is important to respect distances.
The men of Oman are the guardians of a tradition of warriors
In Oman, especially among the Bedouin population, virility is displayed, expressed and demonstrated.
The desert and mountain Bedouins are very attached to masculine signs. It is usual to wear the dagger with a curved blade at the belt, the famous Kandjar or ciandiar. Men never go out without it. This dagger is part of the traditional dress, it must not be missing from the costume during ceremonies.
Beware, men won’t appreciate the ladies handling it, weapons are a man’s business.
On a daily basis, in big cities such as Muscat, it is rare. Bedouins are at first less elegant than in sedentary towns and villages, but this does not prevent them from living up to the country’s hospitable tradition.
Men exercise authority, don’t speak about gender equality and the sharing of household chores, they will lough !
Tasks and spaces are clearly divided. The women take a back seat at meetings but do not claim to be overwhelmed by tradition.
The men’s job is to take care of the family, they are the guarantors of subsistence, comfort and security. This role is not comfortable, they are proud to be worthy of it.
Paternal authority over children is impressive, I have rarely seen children so wise and treated with such respect and consideration by their parents. If they are noisy or restless, it is because they play with each other.
No whims, scenes or shouting, here one obeys one’s parents. The patriarchs are honored, they don’t always have to say anything, it’s all in the attitude. As soon as the father arrives home, everyone welcomes him and the little ones wait for the tacit signal to come and snuggle in their daddy’s arms. An important point: I was overwhelmed by the affection lavished on children, whether they are girls or boys and whatever their age.
I was lucky enough to be welcomed into a Bedouin family in the desert. The fathers (two families of two brothers, 10 people) were very proud of their daughters now married away from the desert, without hiding their sadness to see them gone.
This, I hope, ends well with this endearing portrait of the men of Oman: elegance and helpfulness.
