Niqāb

A veil that covers the face.  Some women in the Middle East wear a veil as part
of their hijāb, while others do not.  It is popular in the Arab countries of the Persian Gulf
but it can also be found in North Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Indian subcontinent.
There are innumerable styles of niqāb.  
 There are generally two types of niqāb.  The first is a
length of fabric worn around the head that leaves the
eyes, and occasionally the forehead, visible (“half”
niqāb). The second is a total face cover consisting of
an upper band that is tied around the forehead,
together with a long wide piece which covers the
face, leaving an opening for the eyes (“full” or “gulf-
style” niqāb).  In Saudi Arabia, women are required
to wear the abaya and hijāb, while the niqāb is
required for Muslim women but optional for other
women.   Many also have a second or more sheer
cover that is attached to the upper band, and is worn
flipped down to cover the eyes.