Tailoring for Traditional Menswear in the Abu Dhabi Has Never Been Better

 One style no longer fits all; white, crisp dresses such as kandora thobe, or dishdasha now are created with a host of slight variations in cut and style that are special to the ethnicity of the wearer. 

The embroidered patterns common in Oman, the loose stitches and the various colours of the Emirati kandora, every country does have its own distinctive look from the high collars as well as the thobe preferred by people in Saudi Arabia. 

It might seem like men in the Gulf are all wearing the same clothing. Can you determine the distinctions between men’s-favoured clothes in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the UAE? 

From one Gulf country to the next, the kandoras or dishdasha or thobe are distinct and variations are quite strong and apparent. The sort of cut, the material, the features, the accessories, are all distinct and play a big role in the belonging of every country.

The United Arab Emirates 

The United arab Emirates kandora is easily recognisable with the round neckline without the need for a collar as well as a "V" stitch on both the front and back. "Inside of the button pad, they even have a "tassel" attached. Generally, the cloth is polyester and men prefer it to be stiff and durable. It's a loose cut.

Kuwait 

The Kuwaiti kandora is clearly labelled by a deep fold in the centre of the front, just below the button pad, which gives you some flexibility and volume to walk at front. The collar is typically a little shorter than the Saudi attire and is enclosed with a single button.

Omani 

This is close to that of the Emirati. It normally has a little bit of embroidery and a neckline without even a collar although with a "tassel" much like the Emirati, but thinner. 

How did the variations in cut, design, and presentation come about? 

Each area has its own distinctive aesthetics. Currently, however, it is the thobe that becomes more adventurous, particularly in Jeddah, where people are more prone to mixing collars and modifying cuts. The Emiratis are much bolder with the shades of the garments, while the Saudis are much more inventive with the designs and collars.

What is the role of headwear in conventional men's clothing?

 Choosing to wear the ghotra, or shomagh, serves the same purpose in each region, and that's to achieve a professional look. It's the same as a suit and a tie. 

The most famous one in Saudi and Bahrain is a shomagh in white cotton culotte along with red embroidery (sometimes even white embroidery). If there is no embroidery, just plain white cotton, it's considered a ghotra, and it's always worn in the UAE and Kuwait. 

The man first puts a cap on his head named taqiyah to change the shomagh and then repair the entire problem with the eqal, which would be a black warped rope created of wool that helps to hold the cloth on the head. 

There are several ways to cover the fabric until it's attached to the eqal. In Oman, men wear maybe an embroidered cap named the Kuma or a covered wool headdress named the massar wrapped over the Kuma. Each type has a special name such as "cobra," "eagle," even "bint al-bakkar." 

So, if you’re looking for some premium and high-quality traditional wear, you should consider visiting Meemo, a renowned Kandura shop in Dubai. 

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.