How do Arab women dress?

Traditional women's clothing in Arab countries

When considering traditional women's clothing in Arab countries, it is difficult to ignore the influence of Islam, climatic conditions, and local traditions. Clothing here is much more than just an everyday outfit - it is an expression of identity, social belonging, and often family tradition. When choosing clothing, women combine religious principles with practical protection from the sun and sand, as well as their own aesthetics and sense of style. Contemporary Arab fashion increasingly combines classic cuts with modern details, creating a harmonious blend of tradition and trends.
The most important elements of traditional clothing are:

Long, loose clothing - dresses, tunics, or robes reaching to the ankles, which provide comfort in hot climates and at the same time comply with the principles of modesty. In the Persian Gulf countries, the abaya is popular - a long, usually black robe worn over everyday clothes. In some regions, richly decorated caftans or embroidered dresses are also worn on special occasions, such as weddings or religious holidays.

Colors - traditionally subdued, often black (especially in the Persian Gulf countries), although in other Arab regions, such as Morocco and Lebanon, intense colors, embroidery, and gold decorations are used. Colors and ornamentation may reflect local crafts, the history of a given region, and even social status.

Sun protection - head coverings or scarves to protect against heat and sand. Depending on religious interpretation and personal beliefs, women wear various forms of head coverings, such as the hijab, and in some countries also the niqab. Apart from their religious dimension, they also have a practical function - they protect the skin and hair from the scorching sun and desert wind.

It is worth noting that Arab women's clothing is not uniform, but varies between regions, generations, and urban and rural environments. Women in modern metropolises such as Dubai and Doha dress differently from those in smaller towns and villages. The younger generation is increasingly experimenting with fashion, combining traditional elements with European and global trends. As a result, Arab women's clothing is not just a symbol of the past, but a living, dynamic part of contemporary culture.

Abaya and hijab - meaning

Two words that often appear in the context of Arab women's clothing are abaya and hijab. Although they are related, they do not mean the same thing.

Abaya
An abaya is a long, wide robe usually worn over everyday clothes. It can be described as a kind of “outer dress.” Its most common features are:

• it reaches the ground,
• it is loose and comfortable,
• it is usually black (especially in the Persian Gulf countries),
• it can be richly decorated with embroidery, beads, or contrasting trims.

The abaya is not a religious requirement in the fundamental sense, but rather a cultural tradition reinforced by social norms. In many countries, women wear it with pride as part of their identity.

Hijab
The hijab is simply a head covering that covers the hair and neck. Women can choose from a variety of styles:

• scarves that lightly cover the head,
• more elaborate turbans,
• and different fabrics and colors to match their outfits.

The hijab is primarily an expression of religious practice - for many women, a form of personal piety and an expression of modesty.

Women's clothing in the UAE and Dubai

When we think of Arab women's clothing, we often imagine elegant, stylish women walking the streets of Dubai. This association is accurate, but it only shows part of the reality. In the United Arab Emirates, especially in Dubai, women's fashion is developing extremely dynamically and is a combination of tradition and modernity. In shopping malls and business districts, many women choose Western styles of dress – elegant dresses, suits, and fashionable accessories from well-known brands. At the same time, many Emirati women remain faithful to traditional items of clothing, such as the abaya and hijab, especially in public places and during family gatherings.

More and more often, we can see a skillful combination of these two worlds: classic, modest cuts are paired with luxury brands, designs, and fashionable accessories, giving traditional clothing a modern character.
How a woman dresses in the UAE depends on many factors: upbringing, family values, social status, location (whether it is a more conservative neighborhood or a bustling city center), and her individual sense of style.
Dubai is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the world, which is why cafes and shopping malls are a melting pot of different aesthetics: from classic black abayas to bold, global trends. It is this harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that is the essence of the contemporary UAE fashion scene.

Differences in Arab women's clothing

Arab women, despite sharing similar values, are not homogeneous in terms of clothing. Differences can be observed between:

Regions:

• Persian Gulf (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia): black abayas and a more uniform aesthetic dominate
• Maghreb countries (e.g., Morocco, Algeria): colorful fabrics, rich patterns, embellishments
• Levant (e.g., Lebanon, Syria, Jordan): subtle combinations of tradition and European influences
• North Africa and Sudan: often fabrics with local patterns, turbans

City versus countryside:

• In large cities, we often see a more diverse style, combining global fashion with local accents.
• In rural areas, tradition is stronger and the wardrobe is more conservative and practical.

Age and generation:

• younger women often experiment with fashion, combining Arab women's clothing with Western trends,
• older generations retain more classic forms of dress.

Summary

The fashion and style of Arab women's clothing is a rich phenomenon. Clothing is not a single, closed category, but a mosaic of tradition, religion, climate, history, and contemporary influences. From the abaya and hijab, to the elegant street style of Dubai, to the traditional motifs of the Maghreb regions, each item of clothing tells its own story.
Understanding this diversity is not just about looking at fashionable fabrics or cuts, it is about understanding the culture, values, and individual identity of Arab women.
When planning a vacation in Dubai, make sure to book accommodation and attractions in advance.

Questions and answers

1. How does an abaya differ from a burqa?

An abaya is a long, loose robe worn over clothing that covers the body but leaves the face uncovered and is often combined with a hijab. A burqa, on the other hand, covers the entire body, including the face and eyes (with a mesh at eye level), and is mainly characteristic of countries such as Afghanistan. The difference is therefore primarily in the degree of body coverage and the cultural context in which these garments are worn.

2. Do all Arab women wear the hijab?

No, not all Arab women wear the hijab. Whether or not it is worn depends on the country, the level of religiosity, family traditions, and the individual decision of the woman.

3. Do female tourists have to wear traditional clothing in the UAE?

No, female tourists in the United Arab Emirates do not have to wear traditional clothing such as an abaya or hijab. It is sufficient to dress modestly in public places, and more conservative clothing is only required when visiting mosques.

4. What are the rules for women's clothing in Arab countries?

The rules for women's clothing in Arab countries are mainly based on the principle of modesty; clothing should cover the shoulders, neckline, and knees, and should not be too tight or see-through. In more conservative countries, such as Saudi Arabia, social norms are stricter than in Dubai, for example, where there is greater freedom. Ultimately, much depends on local customs, the region, and individual religious beliefs.