Curious about the rich heritage of the Emirati costume? Traditional Emirati dress, like the Kandura for men and Abaya for women, reflects deep cultural roots and adapts to the desert climate.
You’re not alone in wanting to explore how these garments blend tradition with modern style.
This article covers:
- Historical origins
- Formal and Everyday Clothes
- Role in weddings and festivals
- Modern fashion influences
Discover how the Emirati costume remains a powerful symbol of identity, pride, and cultural elegance in the UAE.
Historical Roots of Emirati Costume
Originally, traditional Emirati clothes were crafted from wool or cotton to shield against the extreme heat and sand of the Arabian Peninsula. These garments allowed the wearer to stay cool while navigating the harsh desert conditions.
The whole body was covered to offer protection, ensuring comfort despite the relentless sun and dust.
Today, the Emirati version of traditional clothing has evolved with modern, lightweight fabrics such as cotton and polyester, ideal for the scorching heat of cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE.
Many young Emirati men wear a white vest worn beneath their Kandura, which is paired with a muslim prayer hat or ghutra that is secured by the iconic black rope (Agal).
For women, traditional Emirati clothes consist of the abaya, often worn with a thin veil or hijab that covers the upper lip and the whole body, leaving only the face and the woman’s hands exposed. These traditional garments are worn with pride during religious holidays, formal events, and cultural celebrations.
The attire is both a symbol of religion and culture, proudly reflecting the rich heritage of the UAE.
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Dress and Appearance of Emirati Culture
1. Traditional Emirati Costume
Emirati men wear the Kandura, a long white robe made from lightweight cotton or linen, often layered with a white vest worn beneath for added comfort. The Kandura is typically paired with a muslim prayer hat known as the Ghutra, secured by a black rope called the Agal.
While many younger Emirati men are adopting Western clothes alongside their traditional attire, they still honor the Kandura during formal events and religious occasions.
Emirati women wear the Abaya, a loose black gown made of thicker material like crepe, designed to cover the whole body except for the feet, women’s hands, and face, often paired with a thin veil or hijab for added modesty.
This traditional Emirati costume is a symbol of cultural pride, worn especially during religious holidays, reflecting values and identity passed down through generations. Both Emirati men and women take pride in wearing it, as it reflects their identity, values, and connection to the Islamic world.
2. Formal Emirati Costume
“In formal settings, Emirati men and women proudly wear their traditional dress, reflecting the cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates. Men typically wear the Kandura, a long white robe, often layered with a white vest worn beneath, paired with a Ghutra headscarf held in place by the Agal, a black rope.
The Ghutra is often white or red, with red checks that bring good luck, folded in a triangular shape for a distinguished look.
Arab women wear the Abaya, a long black gown made from crepe or cotton, covering the body while leaving the feet, hands, and face exposed. Many women also wear a Shayla, a headscarf wrapped around the head and neck, adding modesty to the outfit.
For special occasions, men may wear a Bisht, a luxurious cloak made from wool or silk, embroidered with gold or silver thread, symbolizing status. Women may wear a Jalabiya, a silk dress with intricate embroidery and vibrant colors, symbolizing grace.
3. Casual Emirati Costume
Traditional Emirati Clothing has seen a creative shift in recent years, with designers blending modern touches into the classic designs. This has created a stylish, sophisticated look that’s becoming more popular, especially among Arab women.
In recent years, Emirati fashion has evolved with a focus on trendy cuts, asymmetrical styles, and creative layering techniques. These modern updates appeal to younger generations while maintaining respect for Emirati cultural norms.
The color palette has expanded beyond traditional neutral tones to include pastels, vibrant colors, and even metallic shades, making the wardrobe more dynamic and varied.
Emirati women now combine traditional Emirati clothes with casual, everyday clothes like shorts, crop tops, and jeans. Accessories such as stylish handbags, gold jewelry, and trendy shoes complete their modern looks, blending tradition with fashion-forward elements.
For Emirati men, modern touches like watches, sunglasses, and smart shoes update the classic Kandura, providing a stylish, contemporary edge while staying rooted in traditional attire.
These updates reflect a balance of cultural pride and modernity, celebrating Emirati identity in today’s Arab world.
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Emirati Clothing in Different Ceremonies
Wedding
Weddings in Emirati culture highlight the beauty of traditional Emirati clothes, blending heritage and modern styles.
The bride often wears a thobe al-arus with intricate embroidery, a thin veil or Gulf burqa covering the whole body except the woman’s hands and feet. The groom dons a Kandura with a white vest worn beneath, topped with a muslim prayer hat or Ghutra, secured by a black rope called the Agal.
Many Emirati young men prefer more modern versions of traditional dress, but weddings still honor the classic style, including the Bisht cloak made of thicker material. The bride’s light scarf or hijab adds modesty and elegance.
These outfits reflect the deep culture of the Arabian Peninsula and are worn with pride during religious holidays and special occasions in cities like Dubai. The blend of modern emirati versions with originally worn garments showcases Emirati identity while respecting tradition.
Festivals
Emirati festivals are a great opportunity to witness the traditional dress of the UAE. During Eid, National Day, and Al Nahyan Festival, Emirati men and women wear their national dress with pride.
The traditional Emirati clothing for men is the Kandura, a long white robe. It is worn with a headscarf called a Ghutra, which is held in place by a black cord called an Agal. On special occasions, Emirati men also wear a Bisht, a flowing cloak often worn over the Kandura to add elegance to the outfit.
For Emirati women, the traditional dress is the Abaya, a long, loose gown that is often decorated with intricate embroidery and embellishments. Emirati women also wear a Shayla, a headscarf that covers the hair. The Shayla is typically made of lightweight fabric and comes in a range of colors.
During festivals, both men and women wear their national dress with pride, often adding accessories to complete their look. Emirati women wear beautiful jewelry, like gold bangles and necklaces, while men may wear a traditional curved dagger called a Khanjar, which symbolizes their heritage.
The UAE’s traditional dress is a symbol of national pride and cultural identity. Emirati men wear their national dress for work, while women wear it for formal occasions and gatherings.
This traditional attire is also worn at weddings, where the bride and groom often wear matching outfits, reflecting the rich traditions of the UAE.
Cultural Performances and Heritage Events
Emirati costumes are central to cultural performances and heritage events. These performances, which include dance, song, music, and poetry, highlight the rich cultural heritage of the UAE. The traditional Emirati dress is worn during these events, reflecting the values and identity of the nation.
The UAE traditional dress is also commonly worn during national holidays and special occasions. On National Day, Emiratis proudly wear their traditional attire, such as the Kandura for men and the Abaya for women, while participating in parades and cultural celebrations.
Modern Emirati fashion blends traditional styles with contemporary designs. Designers like Feryal Al Bastaki incorporate Emirati Traditional clothing elements into their modern creations.
These designs, often featured in places like Zeman Awwal at the Mall of the Emirates, honor the past while embracing modern fashion trends. Henna body art and accessories also enhance these looks.
Emirati Costume: A Recap
Emirati clothing reflects the desert environment and deep-rooted religion of the country. Men wear the collarless Kandura, often white or brown, with a shemagh or ghutra, sometimes grey or red, secured by an Agal.
Underneath, they may wear an undergarment for comfort. On formal nights or weddings, a Bisht may be added, hanging just above the waist.
Women traditionally wear the Abaya, often in black or grey crepe, with a niqab or headdresses. These garments leave the nose, legs, and hands exposed. Some Abayas are decorated with henna motifs, metallic thread, or embroidery that glows under the night sky.
Designers in the UAE and even in Kuwait are now blending tradition with modern fashion. Tourists often comment on the beauty of the contrast between modesty and elegance. Whether in Oman, Asia, or the UAE, this fashion invites all to explore its legacy and visit its heritage.