Centre for Omani Dress

If we do not act upon the conservation of Oman’s national dress now, it will be lost forever.

The Centre for Omani Dress is the world's leading authority regarding the dress identity of the Sultanate of Oman.  The research effort is unprecedented as no authority, neither government nor private sector, has yet to commit to this endeavor.  That is, until the birth of the COD.

From the farthest reaches north in Musandam, to the deepest reaches in the south of Dhofar, from desert to sea to mountain top, the COD is committed to the preservation of Oman's dress identity throughout all of Oman, from the past to the present and into the future. 

The COD is a non-profit group which is completely dependent upon its numerous volunteers from all over Oman, including non-Omanis, as well. 

What We Do

At the root of all our work is our documentation for without this important element, nothing else is possible.  The documentation is the product of our research through field studies and by way of collecting garments which become part of the COD’s collection.

The COD is active in

• Researching; Oman’s dress identity for men, women and children from birth until death.

• Collecting; for Oman and the TRC in Leiden.

• Documenting; written and photographic.

• Publications; articles, books, calendar

• Presentations; upon request

• Projects; Oman Dress Project (ODP), Weaving Loom Project, AlHazim Fort and Castle, Bait AlRadaydah and private collections.

• Video documentation; Hatheeya-educational format