Abaya

An abaya is a traditional women's overgarment worn in Saudi Arabia, and sometimes other places in the Persian Gulf region. It is the national dress for many countries of the Arabian Peninsula such as Saudi Arabia or United Arab Emirates. It is the most common garment worn by Muslin women.

 

 

 

It is a long-sleeved, floor-length, draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. loose, usually black,  garment worn over other clothing when a woman leaves home.

Recently colored abaya have also come into fashion and are worn by Muslim women.

It covers the whole body leaving the face, feet and hands open.

It is worn with a headscarf also known as the hijab and sometimes with a veil also called the niqab.

 

The traditional significance of abaya lies in retaining the modesty in fashion and clothing for Muslim women.