Sharjah, a vibrant emirate steeped in culture and heritage, offers a delightful array of options for those seeking to immerse themselves in traditional Emirati fashion, from bustling souks to specialized boutiques.
Sharjah Central Souk (Blue Souk): A Blend of Tradition and Variety
The iconic Sharjah Central Souk, widely recognized as the Blue Souk due to its distinctive blue-tiled exterior, is an excellent starting point for finding traditional clothing. This magnificent market, with its grand architecture and intricate details, houses numerous shops specializing in local attire. For women, you’ll find a vast selection of abayas and sheilas – the traditional flowing black cloaks and headscarves. These range from simple, elegant designs for everyday wear to more elaborate, embellished ones for special occasions, often adorned with delicate embroidery (talli work) or subtle beadwork. For men, the souk offers a variety of kandooras (also known as thobes or dishdashas), the traditional ankle-length white or colored robes, along with ghutras (headscarves) and agals (the black cord used to secure the ghutra). Many shops also stock traditional footwear and accessories to complete the ensemble.
Souk Al Arsah: Historic Authenticity and Handcrafted Details
Stepping into Souk Al Arsah, one of the oldest souks in the UAE, offers a truly authentic and charming experience for purchasing traditional clothes. Located in the heart of the Heart of Sharjah heritage district, this covered market feels like a journey back in time. Here, you might find smaller, more specialized stalls that focus on handcrafted aspects of traditional garments. This is an excellent place to find abayas and kandooras featuring intricate hand embroidery, particularly the delicate Talli work, which is a significant part of Emirati heritage. The vendors often have a deeper understanding of the traditional patterns and regional variations, offering a more personalized shopping experience. You might also discover traditional accessories that perfectly complement your outfit, making it a great spot for unique, heritage-rich pieces.
Specialized Boutiques: Modern Interpretations and Custom Tailoring
Sharjah is home to several specialized boutiques that focus solely on traditional Emirati wear, offering both ready-to-wear options and custom tailoring services. These boutiques often provide a more contemporary take on traditional designs, using different fabrics, cuts, and embellishments while maintaining the essence of Emirati style. Brands like Bait Al Kandora are well-known for their high-quality, ready-made kandooras for men and boys, offering a range of fabrics and fits. For women’s traditional wear, numerous smaller, independent abaya and sheila boutiques are scattered across commercial areas, often providing custom fitting services to ensure a perfect drape and length. These shops are ideal if you’re looking for a more personalized garment or a modern twist on classic designs.
Al Shaab Village: Family-Friendly Options and Variety
Al Shaab Village, a popular family-friendly shopping and entertainment complex, also features a dedicated Kandora Shop and other outlets selling traditional garments. While it offers a more contemporary shopping environment compared to the historical souks, it’s a convenient place to find a good variety of ready-made traditional clothes for men, women, and children. The Kandora Shop in Al Shaab Village, for instance, prides itself on offering diverse selections of designs, fabrics, and colors for kandoras. You can expect competitive prices and a comfortable, air-conditioned setting, making it easy to browse with the whole family. It’s a great option if you prefer a modern retail experience while still seeking traditional attire.
Local Tailoring Shops: Bespoke Traditional Wear
Beyond the large souks and established boutiques, Sharjah has numerous smaller, local tailoring shops, especially in older commercial districts like Al Ghuwair or Rolla. These often specialize in tailoring traditional garments for both men and women. For men, they can custom-make kandooras to your exact measurements, allowing you to choose the fabric, collar style, and cuff design. For women, many tailors specialize in creating bespoke abayas, offering a vast selection of fabrics, intricate embroidery, and modern cuts. While it requires a bit more time for the garment to be made, custom tailoring ensures a perfect fit and a unique piece. This option is particularly favored by residents who seek tailored precision and specific design elements.
Modern Malls: Accessible Fashion and Brand Options
Sharjah’s major shopping malls, including City Centre Al Zahia, Sahara Centre, and Sharjah Mega Mall, house various fashion retailers that carry traditional Emirati and regional clothing. While you might find fewer specialized stores for entirely traditional wear compared to the souks, many popular regional brands and department stores within these malls offer stylish abayas, jalabiyas (more casual long dresses), and sometimes contemporary kandooras. Look for local fashion brands that blend traditional aesthetics with modern trends. These malls offer a comfortable and convenient shopping experience, especially if you’re looking for high-quality, branded traditional wear.
Seasonal Events and Markets: Unique Finds
Keep an eye out for seasonal events and cultural festivals in Sharjah, as they often feature temporary markets with stalls selling traditional clothing and accessories. Events like Sharjah Heritage Days (typically in February or March) are particularly rich in this regard, with vendors showcasing authentic Emirati dresses, intricate headscarves, and traditional jewelry. These events provide an excellent opportunity to find unique pieces that might be handmade or sourced from various regions, offering a broader spectrum of traditional styles than everyday shops. It’s also a chance to interact directly with artisans or smaller vendors who are passionate about their craft.
An Editor’s Perspective from www.few.ae
From the perspective of the www.few.ae team, sourcing traditional clothes in Sharjah is a journey into the very fabric of Emirati identity. The emirate excels at preserving its heritage while embracing modern influences, which is beautifully reflected in its traditional attire. Whether you prefer the historic ambiance of the souks, the curated elegance of a boutique, or the convenience of a modern mall, you’ll find that each garment tells a story of culture, craftsmanship, and timeless style. We encourage you to explore these wonderful options and embrace the opportunity to wear a piece of the UAE’s rich sartorial tradition.
Embrace the Elegance of Emirati Dress
In conclusion, Sharjah offers a rich tapestry of options for finding traditional clothes, catering to every preference and budget. From the timeless charm of Souk Al Arsah and the grand scale of the Blue Souk to specialized boutiques and modern shopping complexes, you are sure to find the perfect abaya, sheila, or kandoora that resonates with the rich cultural heritage of the United Arab Emirates.
then "Add to Home Screen"