"Ghutra" is Qatar's means of rapprochement with foreign fans at the World Cup
It is customary in FIFA World Cups for fans from all over to get to know the host country by wearing the traditional clothes of its people, following its customs or evoking glimpses of its history.
Foreign fans wore the Mexican hat in the 1986 version, the clothes of bullfighters in Spain four years before that, and the costumes of Roman warriors in Italy four years later, and these traditions extended in other versions.
South Africa have spread vuvuzelas among fans around the world since hosting the 2010 edition.
In Qatar, fans from different countries resorted to the traditional Arab dress, with innovative touches by adding the flags and colors of their countries.
It has become common in fans' gathering areas, such as Souq Waqif, the Corniche and the vicinity of stadiums, to see visiting fans in robes, ghutra and headbands, and security personnel sometimes help fans install and tie head coverings.
And a funny picture of some Croatian fans spread on social media wearing full Arab uniforms, but with the addition of the famous red squares to their national team's shirt on the robes.
The mascot of the World Cup in Qatar, "La'ib", is a model of this Arab costume, and refers to a white "shemagh" with a smiling face hanging from the ropes of the headband.
Inside the metro stations, there were shops selling ghutra and headbands with the flags of the most famous teams such as Brazil, Argentina and Spain, and they found a good turnout from visitors.
"We wanted to attract the audience to share the joy of the World Cup by introducing them to our Arab-Qatari culture as we know their cultures, and just as they imposed on us the fashion of sportswear," Khalifa Abdul Hakim Al-Nuaimi, one of the owners of the "Ghutra Mondo" store, told Reuters.
He added, "This idea aims to welcome foreign audiences in a positive way, and it arose after criticism towards Qatar. We wanted to approach visitors in this way and with open hands."
He continued, “We offered 32 different ghutras with all the colors and flags of the participating teams, and the idea impressed the fans.
The turnout is increasing throughout the tournament. We consider the ghutra as a distinctive sign for Qatar and we would like it to continue after the World Cup to distinguish us like the famous Mexican hat.”
In fact, the Mexican fans seem to be most passionate about the Qatari ghutra, while mixing it with the famous green shirt of their national team.
"It is a way to express our respect for the host country and the Qatari culture, as it is comfortable and protects the head from the sun's rays and we are happy to wear it," said the fan, Antonio Ochoa, who came from Mexico with a large group of friends, all of whom wore the ghutra.
The Danish Henrik came with his entire family to Qatar and they all wore the ghutra as well, and he said, "It is nice to wear it to enjoy the atmosphere of the tournament in addition to sun protection."
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