A Guide On Traditional Clothing In UAE That You Can Get From A Tailor In Abu Dhabi

 There is still some uncertainty when the issue of traditional clothing is discussed in the United Arab Emirates. Apart from the adherents of Islam, not many people are conscious of the Arab type of dress characteristic of Muslim culture. With perhaps the exception of Dubai, the other Emirates in the UAE are traditional in their dressing manner, preferring 'modesty' and, to some level, specifically following what is recommended in Islamic texts.

 Dubai draws many foreigners, including many travellers and expatriates, so the dress code is more accommodating. Though western-style garments such as t-shirts, long dresses and pants are allowed, women are required and asked to keep their skin hidden. To summarise, everything or anything goes as long as you know that you are in a modern yet Islamic Emirate. 

Islamic/Traditional attire is designed according to what needs to be worn throughout the day, at night as well as on religious holidays. The apparel is designed to conform to the local hot temperatures and religious practices of the area. The following are examples of traditional clothes worn by women and men in the UAE that you can get stitched from your tailor in Abu Dhabi. 

Abaya: The Abaya is a long, beautiful robe worn by women in the UAE and also is their national attire. Generally black, it wraps the whole body with the exception of the ears, hands and feet. Some people choose to wear it together with the niqāb and Gafaaz to cover up their faces and hands.

Ghutrah

 A traditional head scarf designed for men, the ghutrah is often identified as keffiyeh/kufiya or shemagh in many other Arab nations. Usually made of square cotton fabric in checkered shapes, it is worn over the head in a number of designs. In dry places, these scarves offer protection from swirling dirt and harsh sunshine.

Agal 

Agal, often termed as iqal, egal or igal, is a black band closely tied to the ghutra to hold it in place. Typically in black colour, the Agal is reducing its dominance these days with young people draping the guthrah in various ways. 

Burqa

Burqa or burka, burka, burqa is an external piece of fabric used to conceal the body of a woman to avoid exposing the face to the public. A burqa is lifted as the woman goes home and/or in the private company of the members of her family. It is placed over everyday clothes and is more prevalent in elderly generations of Arab women.

Kandura 

Usually identified as thawb, thobe, or dishdasha, Kandura is an ankle-length, loose-fitting dress for men, generally white in colour. The Kandura is offered in a splash of cooler colours in winter. The size of the robe is associated with the rank of the rich and royal person seen in the long robes. Shorter lengths symbolise modesty and are worn by regular Arabs. These are extremely popular and you can easily get a stylish kandura dress online.

Gishwa 

UAE women typically wear Gishwa, a thin veil that hides the face, keeping them unrecognisable for the sake of retaining modesty. Nevertheless, it is visible enough for the wearer to see though.

Ghafiyah 

The Ghafiyah is a Muslim religious hat worn by Arabic men under the ghutrah headscarf. They are usually exquisitely embroidered and not noticeable since they are hidden by the Ghutrah.

  If you are looking to purchase the traditional Kandura, you should consider visiting Meemo, a renowned Kandura shop in Dubai.