Dubai: Emirati she's not. Wait a minute, Noora sounds like one ... Ah! she doesn't wear an abaya, but she is a UAE national after all.

Questions run through the mind: how has her family allowed her to go out without an abaya? She might be an open-minded person, but what is she trying to prove? Doesn't she respect the traditions and customs of her society?

Noora soon becomes the centre of gossip. But why do people have such a perception? Is she truly violating tradition?

Nawal Rashid, a government employee, says as an Emirati she abides by customs and traditions. "But the way I dress is a personal matter. I don't judge anyone based on the way he or she dresses," she says.

There are many Emiratis among us who constantly stress that customs and traditions should be preserved because they are precious.

"Then when they travel to a foreign country they leave the precious customs at home! They wear anything and everything. They even wear clothes that they have criticised when they have seen someone wearing it at home. Isn't this a contradiction? You should be honest with yourself. I should be judged by my behaviour and my attitude, not by my clothes or the makeup I wear," she says.

Education

Hamda Ali, a college student, argues that an abaya and shayla do not mould her character.

"My personality is shaped by my education and my awareness," she says. Hamda believes that people today are too busy carving a future for themselves and do not judge people by their clothes. "It is a personal matter, I wear whatever suits me."

Dina and Nabila Abdul Wahab, sisters and college students, say they respect their culture. "The fabric I wear does not describe who I am - my education does," says Dina. Nabila shares her sister's views.

But there are people who feel differently. Some Emiratis believe that clothes reflect the person.

Shaikha Rashid, a housewife and mother of four who lives in Sharjah, says it is a difficult issue to discuss. "We have to take into account religion, values and beliefs. We can't just give up our customs or replace them with an imported one, to tell everyone, look at us we are modern and civilised."

She says tradition must be preserved and passed on to the next generation. "Because, people who don't have a past will not have a future. " My daughter is 13 years old now and I'm seriously thinking about teaching her how to wear an abaya and shayla. Once she is 15, it will not be an optional decision. Whether she likes it or not she will have to abide by our code of dress," Shaikha says.

Unjustified

Ebrahim Hassan, a government employee, says Emirati society has undergone a massive transformation. Some of it has been good and some bad.

The level of services in all sectors has improved. The bad side of it has been the sudden wave of fashion and style.

"Many Emirati girls are giving up their traditional outfit. I am totally against the idea. I don't buy their unjustified excuses. We live in a conservative society. We cannot ignore our customs."

Halima Abdul Karim, a teacher in Sharjah, says she is very proud of her customs and she doesn't find them a source of embarrassment as some people suggest.

"On the contrary, I like to dress the same way that my grandma and my mother did. Who says customs apply to a specific age. It is our identity, it reflects who we are.

"We have already given up so many things under the name of "globalisation" or whatever. We shouldn't underestimate our culture and values. Let's take what suits us and reject the others."

Abdul Rahim Ahmad Al Sahlawi, a government employee, says: "We are known by our traditions and culture. It's simply who we are. I cannot give up my identity to tell the world, 'Hey look, we live in the 21st century and in 2007'. They say our traditional outfits don't suit today's look and appearance! Says who? I am very proud of it. I have a wife who shares the same views as me."

Ebrahim Mohammad Ahmad, a private sector employee, says UAE men and women should remain loyal to their customs.

"If you read history you will find all advanced nations are proud and remain close to their culture, customs and language. The small details shaped their countries. We also have a great heritage and history. I graduated from a college in a Western country and hold high qualifications. But that doesn't make me ask my wife or sisters to change their traditional outfits. At the same time, I don't criticise or interfere with someone's way of dressing."

Changes of national attire over the years
The old costumes worn by early Muslims are reflected in the present-day clothes of Emiratis. But due to the rapid cultural changes that have taken place in all aspects of society, the national dress, particularly women's outfits, have changed remarkably.

Then: They wore an abaya, a black and shapeless outfit that is worn over the head. The material is made of thick fabric and the outfit has no decoration.

They also wore a shayla, a mainly black cloth that is used to cover the woman's hair on the head. It could also be in white or mixed colours for indoor use. The material is made of thick fabric and it is cheaply priced.

Now: The abaya remains black but not shapeless as it is tailored to specific measurements. It is either made of thick or soft textiles. The outfit has extraordinary decorations and eye-catching designs. This very expensive outfit is now worn over the shoulders.

The shayla now has variations of colours for indoor or outdoor use. Wearing it is now optional. It is made of thick or light fabric and it is expensive, specially the printed ones.


Have your say
Does wearing a traditional attire show that a person believes in tradition and customs? Is a country's growth hindered if its people wear traditional clothes? Tell us what you think at letter2editor@gulfnews.com or fill in the form below to send your comments.

Your comments

It's wonderful and safe to cover yourself, it's part of Islamic custom and we should follow it strictly.
Alifiya
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2007, 14:45

Modernising with time is good in the sense of our outlook and understanding. Knocking off our tradition which is closely inbound with Islamic value is not modernising, it will instead make us baseless. Abaya is a part of tradition and our base.
Shaima
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2007, 14:44

No other outfit gets the respect an abaya gets in this part of the world. It also gives a sense of security and reflects the rich cultural heritage. It's the duty and responsibility of each and every Emirati to preserve it.
Abi
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2007, 14:39

I'm an American convert that used to work for a governmental organisation in Dubai and wore an abaya. When doing business on the phone people had an idea what I'd look like (so they thought), but would be surprised when I'd arrive in an abaya. I even had one gent tell me that an abaya is not for conducting business. I wish people would remember that the UAE is an Islamic country.
Sara
Oregon,USA
Posted: July 21, 2007, 14:13

I love to wear an abaya. It gives me protection and respect even though I am a Pakistani.
Sarwat
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2007, 10:37

Don't just practice your religion. Wear it as well.
Ahmed
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2007, 09:01

I agree that everyone should be able to wear whatever they want, but I think the UAE is beginning to lose its wonderful culture and traditions because some citizens have stopped wearing the abaya.
Tahani
Brighton,UK
Posted: July 21, 2007, 09:00

I support the wearing of traditional outfits. Our tradition is our identity.
Suman
Jaipur,India
Posted: July 21, 2007, 08:31

If you respect the Muslim culture, stay at home girls. If you are modern, be modern.
Nada
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2007, 07:45

I have been wearing the abaya since I was 15. I love wearing it a lot. It is not just a symbol of tradition for me but it gives me a sense of security and happiness. No nation should ever leave behind their tradition. It is the only thing that makes them different from the others.
Mona
Dubai,UAE
Posted: July 21, 2007, 06:04

Wearing an abaya is a very elegant way to abide by the Islamic dress code. Therefore, an abaya is more than a tradition. It has its roots in religion.
Sibel
Kopenhag,Danmark
Posted: July 21, 2007, 02:33

Just because some things used to be tradition it does not make it right or better. Tradition is good within limits of reason. Your great grandmothers did not use phones or high heels. Things change and it is alright. What matters is what is in your heart and soul and the good you spread around you. It doesn't do any good if you wear the "right" clothes and have the wrong thoughts does it?
Ana
Lisbon,Portugal
Posted: July 21, 2007, 01:20

I believe people shouldn't be judged by what they wear and it's a personal choice whether someone wishes to wear or not to wear an abaya. It does not make you less of an Emirati if you don't wear it.
Jinan
Dubai,UAE

Business | Opinion | Classifieds | Ethics Policy | Features | Pictures | Site Index
About Gulf News | Contact Us | Subscribe | Jobs at Gulf News | Advertising Guide
© Al Nisr Publishing LLC 2007. All rights reserved.