Dubai is one of those towns where tradition, trend and fashion flows together. You may have high glass towers in one place and multicoloured souks and fabrics in the other. Even you’ll love to see trendy clothes that are a good blend of traditions.
If you’re in Dubai as a tourist or resident, it’s quite sure that buying traditional outfits are not just about shopping for clothing, rather it's about connecting the dots with culture and yes, enjoying shopping as well.
This amazing blog is for you if you are going to shop for traditional clothing in Dubai. Here are some of these surprising places where you can choose your outfits that will be memorable.
Old Story Trading
Starting with the OST (old story trading), it’s an experience that is equal to entering a treasure trove of fabrics and fashions. This store has an incredible selection of Middle Eastern traditional clothing.
If you’re looking for Abayas or hand-embroidered jalabiyas, you can find plenty of unique designs here.
You can also look around for the men’s traditional wear here, offering each size, for a unique blend.
They pay attention to details which are almost minute, and the quality is beautiful, which makes shopping enjoyable.
You can visit Old Story Trading any time of the week. The full address for this store is Meena Bazaar, Burdubai Cosmos Lane, Next to Sampat Jewellers, Dubai.
The staff is also very friendly and cooperative; they’ll guide you to the shop if you contact this number: +971 54 406 7409.
They’re usually open from 10 am to 11 pm on Saturday to Thursday and Friday, slightly differing, like 10:30 am to 11 pm.
You can visit in the evening when the place is lively, and you can spend your time choosing the perfect piece.
NEERU’s Dubai
NEERU's is a common name for ethnic clothes with a dash of trendiness. The store in Dubai is partially full of traditional Indian clothing like sarees, salwar suits, and lehengas.
If you want something elegant to wear for a wedding or festival, this happens to be one of the destinations. The clothes are colorful, lively, and neatly stitched.
Plus, those who are looking for Pakistani male traditional wear, like the national dress, the shalwar kameez, along with Achkan, Sherwani, and Kurta shalwar. This is true heaven for a male purchase.
The store timings are very convenient for customers. NEERU in Dubai operates from 10:30 am–10:30 pm daily. With 12 hours that long, you can actually go there even after work or after sightseeing in the city.
It is located in Meena Bazaar, plot no. 312, 112 41st St, Bur Dubai, Al Souq Al Kabeer, Dubai, so you can combine shopping for traditional wear with an entertaining street visit
Bawree Global
Bawree Global is another big name when it comes to plush clothing. They are especially famous for bridal clothing and celebratory clothing, and for men, there are Kurta sets, Sheerwani and Pathani.
The store has a luxurious feel to it, and the clothing is typically supported by showy embroidery work and plush fabrics. This is where you want to feel special on special occasions.
This place is open from 10:30 am –10:30 pm on Monday through Friday, and some timings for weekends as well.
If you are planning a big family event, don’t forget this place. You can visit the place by shop no. 3 near Dolphin Hotel, Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi, Dubai.
Handloom House
If you like the old wear that appears to be handmade and authentic, Handloom House is the place to go.
It’s open every single day of the week from 10:30 am to 10 pm and located at 50B St. opposite Raymond Showroom, Meena Bazar, Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Road, Dubai
The shop focuses on natural weaves and handlooms. Heritage appears simple, but you're gonna see kinda fashionable outfits here.
You will find relaxed yet elegant pieces that include cotton kurtas to embroidered wraps.
It is reasonably priced compared to a few of the more expensive shops, and the variety here means an ideal place to visit and walk around.
Dubai Textile Souk, Bur Dubai
One of the city's oldest and most quaint shopping streets is the Dubai Textile Souk. This souk is sprinkled with small stores filled with fabrics, local clothing, and accessories. You can easily get the idea where it’s located from the heading!
Slik kurtas, embroidered fabric, even cotton, elegant style, everything is available here. The fun of the souk is walking through the narrow streets and getting absorbed in the lively atmosphere while enjoying shopping.
From Monday to Thursday and on weekends, the market operates from 9 am to 2 pm and again from 4 pm to 9 pm.
On Fridays, the timings shift slightly, opening from 6 am to 2 pm and resuming from 4 pm to 9 pm, with a short afternoon break in between.
Bargaining is very much the norm here, so come prepared to haggle; it’s all part of the experience, and not something to be put off by.
Meena Bazaar, Bur Dubai
Meena Bazaar is another famous destination for heritage shopping. It is especially famous for Indian and Pakistani heritage wear. You can find sarees, lehengas, kurtas, sherwanis, and a lot more.
The bazaar has an endless number of tiny shops, each with its respective style and collection.
It is a busy area where you will see families shopping together, brides choosing their wedding wear, and tourists enjoying the colors.
Meena Bazaar at Al Fahadi Road, Dubai usually opens from 10 am–1 pm, 4–10 pm every day, and yes, there’s an afternoon interval too. The peak hours are 6-9 pm, but also when the market is most vibrant.
Bait Al Kandora
For classic men's wear, Bait Al Kandora is the destination. It deals in the kandora, the white formal garment of Emirati men. They have bespoke tailoring, so you get a flawless fit and silky texture.
A cherry on top, you’ll get accessories like the ghutras and agals that complete the look with royalty.
Bait Al Kandora is in Souk Al Bahar, Dubai and is open Saturday to Thursday from 10 am until 10 pm, and on Fridays from 2 pm till 12 am.
If you want to buy a kandora, which is traditional and of high quality, then this should be your first and last spot.
Sadaqa Fashion
Sadaqa Fashion is a good place to visit to purchase modest yet fashionable jalabiyas and abayas at affordable rates. The shop retails a range of casual daily apparel as well as lovely occasion wear.
The shop would be your ideal choice if you prefer something functional but do not wish to spend too much money. The lines are fashionable yet keep the traditional flavor intact.
Sadaqa Fashion is at Wasl Hub, Block-2, Street 22, Al Karama,Bur Dubai, with a contact given: +971 50 952 4324.
It’s open every day from 10 am–2 pm, 4:30–10 pm. Hours might differ for Friday, like 10 am–1:30 pm, 4:30–10 pm.
It is a great pit stop for doing some quick shopping if you desire value for money.
Conclusion
Shopping for ethnic wear in Dubai is a journey in itself, regardless of the niche in which you choose.
Whether walking through the colorful souks or shopping through the famous bazaars such as Meena Bazaar, you will have a good dose of everything.
Every place in Dubai has something special to offer. For men, Bait Al Kandora is a great spot that shows both tradition and style.
No matter what you buy, the best part about shopping in Dubai is that traditional fashion, fabrics, and designs never go out of style.
Also Read: Where To Buy Wholesale Clothing in Dubai?