Middle Eastern & North African Nations Impress with Stunning Olympic Uniforms
Even if the Olympics is all about judging one’s athletic ability and prowess, there should also be some recognition for the best-dressed athletes. The Olympic uniform carries a special weight as it not only sets a team apart but also helps represent the team’s home country on the global stage.
This year, the Arab Olympic teams brought their A-game when it came to their uniform and we are here for it. Let’s take a look at the stand-out looks that deserve a mention:
Egypt’s Preppy White Suits
Arriving under the shadow of the Administrative Capital, a delegation from the Egyptian Olympic and Paralympic Committee revealed the official uniform for the Olympic Egyptian team.
Bringing to life the creative prowess of Egyptian attire brand CONCRETE, the uniform exuded a preppy, chic look, boasting the colors of the Egyptian flag: red, white, and black.
It was designed by Italian art director Ettore Veronese, who, in addition to making the uniforms stylish, used premium lightweight fabric for the suits to make them heat-friendly during Paris’ scorching summer.
UAE’s Symbols Of Peace
Revealed by the UAE National Olympic Committee, the Emirati team’s official uniform came into the limelight.
The designer of the special costumes, Rawdha Al Shaafar, one of the founders of A Friend of Mine by Xpoze, gave a glimpse into the design, “[It is] modern and simple at the same time. The color white was chosen for its strength, peace, and purity. This color reflects a new beginning that the athletes will embark on.”
Emblazoned at the front of the uniform are the words “United Arab Emirates” in red, written in Arabic to give athletes a sense of pride and act as a symbol of courage. As with Egypt’s uniform, the UAE uniform was also made with lightweight and breathable fabric, suitable for Paris’ summer weather.
Morocco’s Red & Green Starred Uniform
Recently, the Moroccan National Olympic Committee (CNOM) unveiled a special uniform for the national team. Designed by Ali Drissi, the uniform includes a beige blazer adorned with a green star and paired with bright red pants.
Drissi spoke more about the design and its inspiration, “color is a major source of inspiration in my design work… a warm, sandy beige reminiscent of the Sahara desert dunes, symbolizing our territorial unity.”
He also mentioned how the deep green represents the Atlas Mountains, Morocco’s fertile regions, and oases. The entire uniform is a literal embodiment of Morocco.
Saudi’s Royal Green Attire
The Saudi flag, whose royal green color represents prosperity, growth, and giving, has always been a symbol of pride in the Saudi identity. With the Olympics coming up, that very spirit has been emulated through the Saudi Olympic team’s uniform.
Decked out in white and royal green, the team gets to celebrate their country’s values on the global stage of the Olympics with their unique uniform.
More uniforms will be revealed in the upcoming days for the rest of the Arab countries, so stay tuned. Of the uniforms revealed so far, which one do you think stands out, and why?
