Battoulah

The origin of the battoulah is unknown.[7] Multiple theories exist on where it may have originated. It is thought to have entered the Eastern Arabian Peninsula from Gujarat in late 18th century.[9]

Multiple variants of the battoulah exist, and some are specific to cities and regions. The "Zabeel cut" design has a narrow top and a broad, curved bottom, and is worn in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The variant worn in Sharjah resembles the Zabeel cut, but is shaped so the top of the mask is inclined forwards. The Al Ain design features both a narrow top and bottom. The Bahraini and Qatari burqa is square. In Oman and Fujairah it is very large and broader at the top with a tip that goes beyond the forehead. In neighbouring Saudi Arabia, the niqab is worn instead.[1] In southern provinces of Iran, Shia women wear red rectangular masks, while those of Sunni women are black or indigo with gold, similar to the mask worn in the Arabian peninsula.[8] In Qeshm, the masks were designed to fool invaders, so they would mistake women for male soldiers.[4]

• 
  A woman wearing the Battoulah in the United Arab Emirates.
• 
  An elderly female wearing the battoulah in the United Arab Emirates.
• 
  A woman wearing the Battoulah in Bandar Abbas fish market.
• 
  A woman in Qeshm Island wearing a Battoulah
• 
  An elderly woman in Oman wearing the Battoulah.

• Alasho
• Shayla
• Haik (garment)