Traditional Dress of UAE For Male and Female

Have you ever focused on Emirati attire? It is so much more than just fabrics; it's a beautiful tapestry woven with history, culture, and identity! That‘s simply wow!

You will be amazed when you put in your interest in it. Each thread of the Kandura and Abaya is filled with stories, speaking of the rich heritage that's deeply woven into the fabric of everyday Emirati life.

The Traditional Dress of UAE is not merely an issue of how you appear but a reflection of cultural pride, heritage, and honor to the Emirati. Wondering what will happen to them during the roasting summer? Well, I can tell you this: they are more prepared than us!

So, without further delay, let's have a look at the Traditional Dress of UAE For Male and Female, and put an eye on little details of the special features that make Emirati clothing truly unique.

Traditional Dress of UAE For Male

Emirati men wear a Dishdasha, or Kandura, traditionally and frequently. It is a fashionable one-piece garment that goes down to the ankles.

When they're lounging at home, they may wear a half-sleeved Kandura for ease, but on formal occasions, you'll generally find them wearing the traditional full-sleeved one. It's a lovely reflection of their respect for their culture!

These pieces of clothing are part of their history and religion and are fashioned with consideration to the hot climate of the country and modesty. So, no worries about that sweltering weather condition.

While Western apparel is embraced by most parts of the world, Emiratis stand on top of the list and take pride in wearing their traditional attire, especially on special occasions and social gatherings.

Although the Arabian Peninsula is similar in dress attire, Emirati fashion is unique and has elements of its own that make it an independent entity.

Yes, certain differences are very obvious; others would most likely need the expertise of an expert to see. Regardless, however, modesty and elegance always stand out! 

Kandura

The traditional Dress of UAE For Male is the Kandura, which is also called the Dishdasha. This lovely long robe usually reaches the ankles and is mainly white in color, although you can also find it in shades like beige, brown, and gray.

The most important thing is, it's a very lightweight piece of cloth and very much comfortable.

What makes the Emirati Kandura special is its collarless design and the subtle embroidery on the sleeves that add a unique touch of elegance.

Another super-fun detail is the Al Farukhah—a long, twisted piece of cloth with a tassel that hangs down from the neckline.

While you might know that the Saudi version, called the Thawb, has its own unique style, the Emirati Kandura really won our hearts!

Many Emirati men choose to wear short-sleeved Kanduras for a more casual vibe at home or other times in which they might feel comfortable, but when it is time for formal occasions, full-sleeved versions are the way to go. It’s a beautiful blend of comfort and tradition!

Ghutra

One of the coolest parts of the Traditional Dress of UAE for men's attire is the headdress, especially the Gutra! This white, square cloth isn’t just a stylish accessory; it serves some important roles, too!

It helps shield the head and face from the blazing desert sun and can be easily adjusted to protect against dust and sandstorms. See, they have designed everything perfectly.

To keep the Gutra secure, men often wear a Kufi cap, also known as a Taqiyah, underneath.

Plus, the way an Emirati man styles his Gutra can reflect his social status, the occasion, or just what he likes. It’s a wonderful mix of modern trends and culture!

Shemagh

Here is another thing: the Shemagh. This is a fun twist on the traditional Gutra and sports a stylish red and white checkered pattern. 

Originally hailing from central Arabia, it’s become a popular part of UAE culture. While you’ll often see older men in the classic white Gutra, many younger Emiratis love to rock the Shemagh and style it in all sorts of creative ways.

Agal

Now let’s talk about the Agal! This is the cool black rope band that sits on top of the Gutra, keeping it secure in place. Traditionally made from Iraqi wool, some of the finest Agals are beautifully handcrafted and can be a bit of a splurge. 

Emirati Agals even come with two decorative tassels called Tarbousha that dangle playfully at the back, making them unique compared to the versions from Saudi Arabia or Qatar.

While the Agal is a must-have for formal occasions, it’s usually not worn for casual outings.

And you’ll find that many Emiratis love to add a touch of fragrance to their Agals as part of their tradition. This is how they place everything in order to their customs!

Bisht

Traditional Dress of UAE For Male just wouldn’t be complete without the Bisht, a stylish cloak that’s stylishly draped over the Kandura.

This beautiful piece is often worn during weddings, Eid celebrations, and other important occasions, showcasing a sense of elegance and pride.

You’ll usually find it in classic black or beige, often embellished with stunning gold or silver embroidery that adds a royal touch.

Traditionally, Bishts were made from camel wool, but nowadays, you’ll find ones crafted from cotton or linen too.

The artistry involved in creating a Bisht can really vary, and most people offer customized ones as well, and some can be quite the investment—price tags can reach up to 15,000 Dhr, but it is worth it, and buying this, you won't regret.

Traditional Wear of UAE For Female

The Traditional Dress of UAE For Female is a lovely combination of heritage and elegance, demonstrating both modesty and fashion.

The women of Emirati are very proud of their dresses, which display their Islamic faith as well as leave room for self-expression. 

Their dresses are not only fashionable but also comfortable, ideal for the tropical weather.

From the long-flowing Abaya to the beautifully embroidered Jalabiya, every dress is a reflection of tradition, pride, and womanhood.

Abaya

The best Traditional Dress of UAE For Female is the beautiful Abaya, which is a flowing black cloak worn over other clothes.

Although the original look is quite basic, modern Abayas now feature lovely embroidery and intricate details, and some have embellishments as well, so they become extremely fashionable! 

A lot of women enjoy wearing brightly colored or fashion-forward clothes beneath, wearing the Abaya to feel classy but remain modest. That’s what a Ukhti is from the UAE; at least you can expect this from them.

Although the most wanted and ideal color is black, you can also get Abayas in grey and brown shades, which are also very fashionable.

They're normally made from light fabrics such as crepe and linen, ideal for remaining cool in the scorching desert weather.

Even more awesome is that luxury fashion brands such as Chanel and Dior have begun producing designer Abayas, fusing classic style with a contemporary twist!

Hijab

The Hijab is used to describe the beautiful headdresses that most Muslim women wear. In the case of Emirati women, you will find many hijab styles, each with its own distinctive touch of beauty and full degree of coverage.

Hijab is really a generic term that refers to various headdresses for Muslim women. Under Islamic guidelines, the hijab should cover the hair and neck, and oh yes, there are so many gorgeous styles to choose from! 

The chic headdresses usually consist of lightweight materials that provide an airy, comfortable feel.

And not only do they contain headdresses but also face veils that provide really gorgeous expression of culture and identity!

Burqa 

It is a beautiful traditional face cover which covers all of the face except the eyes. It has a distinctive style that differentiates it from the South Asian versions, and it has a handsome metallic-appearing fabric, even engraved with unique embellishments.

Emirati burqas are a combination of simplicity and beauty and have a character of their own. They consist of a rare kind of cloth that looks like or reflects metal but is not heavy and catches sweat well. 

Burqas come in different colors such as red, green, and yellow—red is the most costly, and then there is green, which comes at a moderate price.

To assist in keeping it in shape, the Burqa contains a tiny wooden element that lies above the nose without touching the face.

It's tied tight at the head's rear with soft white cotton threads. Traditionally, women used to make their own Burqas, which gives an element of personalization to this lovely garment.

Nowadays, girls begin to use Burqas when they enter their early twenties as a means of adopting modesty.

Although most women wear them for occasions as part of their cultural norm, the younger generation within the UAE tends to set apart the Burqa for weddings, which holds a special place in their hearts!

Kaftan

In intimate environments, Emirati women adore wearing gorgeous, colorful Kaftans or Jalabiyas.

These elegant garments are a sweet complement to the men's Kandura, with feminine silhouettes and attention-grabbing patterns.

To remain comfortable, they tend to wear these with loose-fitting trousers known as Sirwal. It's all about mixing style with comfort!

Shayla

This is a beautiful yet elegant black scarf that wraps around the head in a playful manner, draping stylishly and keeping the hair warm and snug.

The material glides smoothly, adding a dash of charm and uniqueness to her appearance, making her feel stylish and a bit enigmatic!

Traditional Dress of UAE For Kids

Emirati children also possess their own beautiful traditional dress that echoes their rich heritage and cultural pride. 

Boys and girls wear clothes that echo the attire of their parents at a very young age, which preserves their invaluable traditions from one generation to another.

Many young Emirati boys wear tiny versions of the Kandura, the loose white robe that men traditionally wear. These little Kanduras are identical in stylish cut, with a collarless neck and exquisite embroidery. 

For special occasions, boys can top themselves with a tiny Agal to hold their Gutra in place, just like their dads. And for weddings or religious festivals, they can sport a Bisht, a grand ceremonial cloak that makes them look sophisticated!

Many Emirati girls dress up in adorable little mini Jalabiyas or Kaftans, full of colorful embroidery.

These garments speak of the colorful nature of Emirati culture! Little girls dress up in a light scarf called a Shayla on their heads and an adorned Burqa when they are participating in gigantic cultural festivals. This lovely tradition is practiced by old people more frequently.

Traditional children's wear is not merely about looking pretty—it's a wonderful way of making kids feel connected to their cultural heritage right from a young age.

For school or for special occasions, traditional wear is an important part of Emirati culture, and it keeps the memory of their ancestors alive and kicking!

Conclusion

Despite the fact that most of the world has moved to Western attire, Emiratis cling proudly to their distinct heritage.

Consider those fashionable Kanduras, the exquisitely ornamented Abayas, or the intricately embroidered Bishts—each item reflects the rich culture and lively traditions of the UAE.

Whether it’s for everyday wear or special celebrations, Traditional Dress of UAE For Male and Female symbolizes elegance, modesty, and a deep sense of national pride.

So, if you’re ever in the UAE, take a moment to appreciate the stunning beauty of Emirati attire—it's a wonderful legacy that continues to thrive in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula!

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