Source Credit: Daily Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has required all male secondary school students, in both public and private institutions, to wear traditional national clothing in a major effort to strengthen national identity. As stated in the Kingdom's Vision 2030 project, this directive, which was made public by the Ministry of Education, is a component of larger initiatives to foster pride in Saudi history and improve the bond between students and their cultural roots.
Objectives of the Mandate
This new dress code's main objectives are as follows:
- Strengthening National Identity: It is believed that the clothing has a significant role in encouraging a feeling of allegiance and belonging to the country.
- Cultural Heritage: Students are supposed to gain a greater understanding of their cultural heritage by dressing traditionally, which is especially important in a culture that is modernizing quickly.
- Awareness Campaigns: To help students and parents adjust to and comprehend this mandate, the Ministry intends to put awareness campaigns into place.
Details of the Attire
The mandated attire consists of:
- Thobe: A long white garment traditionally worn by men in Saudi Arabia.
- Headdress: Typically includes a ghutrah or shemagh, which are traditional headscarves
- whereas non-Saudi students with the exception of those enrolled in international schools will wear the thobe.
This decision is in line with earlier Kingdom initiatives that have highlighted the value of national attire in a variety of fields.Universities have also implemented similar regulations, requiring students to follow a dress code that incorporates national attire.
Saudi Arabia's continued efforts to instill a strong sense of national identity in its young people are shown in the requirement that male secondary school students wear national clothing. This program acts as a reminder of the Kingdom's traditional values amid continuous modernization initiatives, in addition to helping students connect with their heritage.
