Saudi Gazette report

JEDDAH — Four universities in Makkah region have made it mandatory for their students to wear national dress on campus.

Presidents of King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, Um Al-Qura University in Makkah, Taif University and University of Jeddah have instructed their teaching staff to ensure that their students wear the official Saudi dress while coming to classrooms.

The dress code, which came into force on Sunday (March 18), follows the directives of Makkah Emir Prince Khaled Al-Faisal.

Al-Madina Arabic daily met a number of students following the emir’s directive to know their viewpoint on the issue. They said they were proud of wearing the Saudi national dress.

Abdul Rahman Auf, owner of a textiles shop in Jeddah, said many students have visited his shop to purchase cloths for the thobe (an ankle-length Arab garment usually with long sleeves, similar to a robe).

“Saudi national dress reflects our rich culture and heritage,” said Faris Al-Ahmedy, a student.

“We are proud of wearing our national dress,” said Walid Al-Thaqafi, another student.

However, Fouad Abdul Raheem, another student, said universities should have given enough time for students before implementing this decision.

Hamdi Abbas acknowledged that he used to wear different types of attires while going to the university. “I don’t have any objection in wearing the white national dress,” he said.