Traditional Dress of UAE Female: A Cultural Insight
The traditional dress of UAE females is an embodiment of the rich cultural heritage and values of the United Arab Emirates. These garments not only reflect the country’s history and customs but also play a significant role in everyday life and special occasions. From the timeless abaya to the elegant niqab and hijab, each piece of clothing holds deep cultural and religious significance. In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at these traditional dresses, their evolution, and their role in modern society.
The Abaya: The Signature Garment
The abaya is perhaps the most iconic traditional dress worn by women in the UAE. This long, flowing black robe covers the body from the shoulders to the feet, leaving the face, hands, and feet exposed. Traditionally, the abaya is worn to maintain modesty in line with Islamic teachings. It’s made from light, breathable fabrics like silk, cotton, or wool, making it suitable for the hot UAE climate.
Historically, the abaya was worn primarily by women in the Gulf countries for daily tasks, as well as during religious and cultural ceremonies. Over time, the abaya has evolved, with many modern versions incorporating intricate embroidery, beads, and other embellishments to make it fashionable while maintaining modesty. Today, UAE women wear the abaya both in public and at formal occasions, blending tradition with modern fashion trends.
Abaya Styles:
- Classic Black Abaya: The timeless black abaya remains the most popular, symbolizing elegance and simplicity.
- Embroidered Abaya: These versions feature intricate designs, adding a personal touch to the garment.
- Colored Abaya: While black remains the staple, some women opt for colored abayas made from fabrics like chiffon or silk.
The abaya continues to be the heart of female traditional attire in the UAE, maintaining its place in both everyday life and celebratory moments.
The Niqab: A Symbol of Modesty
Another key aspect of the traditional dress of UAE females is the niqab. The niqab is a face veil worn by some women as part of their commitment to modesty, in accordance with Islamic traditions. It typically covers the entire face, leaving only the eyes exposed. Some women may wear the niqab in conjunction with the abaya, while others may choose it as their primary form of covering.
The niqab is deeply rooted in the UAE’s culture and has a strong connection to religious practices. Women who wear the niqab do so as a personal expression of their faith and values. It is important to note that not all women in the UAE wear the niqab, as the choice to wear it is personal and may be influenced by various factors, including religious beliefs, family traditions, and personal preference.
The Hijab: Headscarf Tradition
The hijab, or headscarf, is another significant piece of traditional dress in the UAE. Unlike the niqab, which covers the face, the hijab covers the hair and neck, leaving the face exposed. It is a prominent feature of UAE women’s attire, especially in more religious or conservative settings. The hijab serves as a modest covering in line with Islamic principles.
While the hijab is typically worn by women of all ages in the UAE, it is important to note that its style and fabric can vary greatly. The hijab may be made of various fabrics, from light cotton for hot days to heavier fabrics for colder weather. In recent years, the hijab has become more of a fashion statement, with many women choosing styles and colors that suit their personal taste.
The Kandura: Male Counterpart to the Abaya
Although this article focuses on female traditional attire, it’s worth mentioning the kandura, the male counterpart to the abaya. The kandura is a long, white robe worn by men in the UAE, symbolizing their cultural identity and respect for tradition. It is a symbol of simplicity, comfort, and modesty, designed to suit the harsh desert climate.
The kandura, like the abaya, is worn for both formal and informal occasions. Many UAE women may also wear the abaya alongside their husbands or family members wearing kanduras during social and family events.
Accessories and Embellishments
In addition to the primary garments, various accessories complement the traditional dress of UAE females. One of the most common is the shailah, a long piece of cloth worn over the head, often wrapped around the shoulders to complement the abaya. It can be plain or adorned with embellishments such as beads or embroidery, depending on the occasion.
Jewelry also plays a significant role in the overall attire. Gold is particularly popular in the UAE, with women often wearing intricate gold jewelry to accompany their traditional dresses. These pieces of jewelry are passed down through generations, symbolizing wealth, status, and family heritage.
Wearing the Traditional Dress of UAE Female
If you’re visiting the UAE or are interested in understanding how to wear the traditional dress of UAE females, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Start with the Abaya: Choose your abaya, making sure it fits well. Traditional black is always an option, but feel free to go for a colored or embroidered design for a modern touch.
Add the Hijab or Shailah: Next, place the hijab or shailah on your head. If you’re wearing a hijab, ensure that it covers your hair completely but leaves your face open. The shailah is a longer piece of cloth that can be draped over the shoulders and head.
Pair with the Niqab (Optional): If you’re choosing to wear the niqab, secure it over your face, ensuring it covers your chin, neck, and mouth while leaving your eyes exposed.
Complete the Look with Accessories: Add your jewelry to complete your look. Gold jewelry is most commonly worn to complement the traditional dress.
Footwear: When it comes to footwear, women in the UAE often wear closed-toed shoes or sandals that are stylish yet comfortable for everyday wear.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it mandatory for women in the UAE to wear traditional clothing?
No, it is not mandatory. However, wearing traditional dress is encouraged in cultural and religious settings. Many women choose to wear it out of personal preference or religious obligation.
Q2: What is the difference between an abaya and a kandura?
The abaya is worn by women and is a loose-fitting black robe, while the kandura is the male equivalent, a long white robe worn by men.
Q3: Can the traditional dress of UAE females be worn in other countries?
Yes, the traditional attire can be worn in other countries, especially by those who observe Islamic traditions. The abaya, hijab, and niqab have gained popularity in many other parts of the world.
Q4: How do modern trends affect traditional dresses in the UAE?
Modern trends have influenced the traditional dress, with many UAE women opting for more stylish, contemporary versions of the abaya, incorporating embroidery, beads, and even colorful fabrics.
