Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XXI

5 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I square piece of fabric that covered the body and head, evolved as protection against the harsh desert elements of ancient Mesopotamia. When Islam was introduced to the region in the 7th century, such modest types of dress were embraced as fulfilling the principles spelled out in the Qur’an that women be covered out of modesty and to protect them from disrespect. Traditionally, black has been the favoured colour in the Middle East and Gulf Region, although again the history behind that is a bit murky as well. There are a number of theories and legends as to why that is. One such story goes like this: many hundreds of years ago, a merchant who sold cloaks lamented to his friend that he had sold all his colourful cloaks and was left with only black. His friend, a poet, then wrote a verse that sung the praises of a woman wearing a black cloak, singling out the colour as one worn only by themost noble. No one knows, of course, if that legend is true – but it does speak volumes about how embedded the abaya has been in Arab history and culture for centuries. While the requirements for dress according to Islamic law can vary by denomination, country or region, by and large Muslim women wear a loose-fitting, robe- like garment over their clothing, and cover their head with some form of a veil or scarf. In the UAE and other Gulf countries in particular, this code of dress takes the form of the abaya. Whereas the traditional garments were made from one piece of black cloth that cloaked the body head- to-toe, these days the abaya may be stitched from several different materials, giving a wider variety to the shape, as long as it remains modest and covers the area from the shoulders to the ankles. It is paired with a shayla, or headscarf, and while black remains the traditional choice, it can be seen in different colours and often with stitching or decorations. Some cultures remain quite strict in their traditions and laws surrounding dress, yet the historical diversity of the UAE means that there is generally a wider range of clothing, from the conservative to the embellished and individualistic – all alongside the more Western garb of the UAE’s many expats and tourists.