Traditional Clothes in Abu Dhabi

Local dress is modest; the traditional clothing of the men is the full-length long-sleeved white dishdasha with a white or red and white checked headdress or gutra held in place by a black cord or agal. The ladies traditionally wear a full-length long-sleeved black abaya which covers their clothing underneath. The hair and neck is also traditionally covered with a hijab and some additionally wear a black veil or burqa which covers the entire face.

What you wear is a matter of personal choice and whilst expat women are not required to cover up with an abaya, a certain amount of sensitivity should be considered so as not to attract unwarranted attention. Generally covering the knees and shoulders in public is a good idea. Within the shopping Malls, cinemas and restaurants the air-conditioning can be extremely fierce so it is a good idea to carry a scarf, shawl or cardigan! In the winter warm clothing is recommended.

Year-round, all you will need is summer clothing here, but you will probably want to have the occasional wrap or light weight jacket when going into air-conditioned restaurants and for cooler winter evenings. After a few months in this region you become acclimatized to the warmer weather and you will forget how it feels to be in a real winter. Don’t be surprised if you end up wearing fleeces and jackets in the middle of summer when you return home!