Abayas · 8 October 2026 · 4 min read
Dubai, Saudi and Turkish abaya styles: what the names mean
What sellers usually mean by a Dubai style abaya, a Saudi abaya or a Turkish abaya, why the labels are loose, and how to describe the design you actually want.
InspirationWhat the labels usually signal
In shop listings, a Dubai style abaya usually means a fashion-led abaya with a modern cut and decorated edges, a Saudi abaya usually means a plainer, looser black abaya, and a Turkish abaya usually means a tailored coat-like overgarment, often in colour. These are marketing shorthand rather than fixed definitions, and none of them tells you how a particular abaya is cut.
Women in each country wear a wide range of styles, and the same design can be sold as Dubai style in one shop and Saudi style in the next. Treat the label as a mood and read the details.
Dubai style
When sellers say Dubai style they tend to mean the look associated with Gulf fashion boutiques: black or deep-coloured abayas with a contemporary shape and something to catch the eye.
- Open fronts, kimono and bisht-style shapes, or closed abayas with wide sleeves.
- Contrast bands on the front edges and cuffs, lace or embroidery at the sleeves, sometimes crystals or metallic trims.
- Fluid, slightly sheeny cloth, often sold under trade names such as nida, which are loose seller names rather than standard fabric types.
- Coloured abayas in neutrals and pastels sit alongside black.
Saudi style
A Saudi abaya in listings usually means a traditional, practical black abaya: long, loose, opaque and with little decoration. It is often closed or fastened down the front, with set-in or simple wide sleeves. You may also see the term head abaya, for an abaya that falls from the top of the head rather than from the shoulders, which is a separate shape again.
Daily dress in Saudi Arabia has widened a great deal, and coloured, open and decorated abayas are common there too, so a Saudi style label is about plainness more than geography. If you live there, our Saudi Arabia page explains how ordering works from the kingdom.
Turkish style
A Turkish abaya in listings is often closer to a coat than a robe. Turkish modest wear has a long tradition of tailored overgarments, sold under names such as pardösü or ferace: buttoned fronts, collars or lapels, set-in sleeves, sometimes a belt, in navy, khaki, grey, beige and other colours as well as black. Lengths vary from mid-calf to the ankle. Our guide to the coat-style abaya covers the construction behind this look.
Describe the features, not the place
Because the labels move around, a tailor needs features. Whichever name caught your eye, write down these points and attach the photo that made you want it:
- Front: closed over the head, open, or fastened with buttons, snaps or a zip. Our article on open-front and closed abayas helps you choose.
- Shape: straight, A-line, kimono, butterfly or coat.
- Sleeves: set-in or wide, and how they finish at the wrist.
- Fabric feel: matte or with a slight sheen, fluid or crisp, light or heavy.
- Decoration: none, edging only, or embroidery and where it sits.
- Colour and length: with the shoes you will wear.
Ordering your version
We make abayas to measure in Pakistan and ship them worldwide, so you can take the Dubai, Saudi or Turkish look you like and have it cut to your own measurements. Embroidery, lace and borders can be added to an abaya we stitch; describe the look or send a photo and we confirm what is possible in your quote. If you are in the Emirates, the UAE page covers quote currency and delivery. Start with the design quote form and your photo.
Common questions
Is a Saudi abaya always black?
In listings the label usually means a plain black abaya, but coloured abayas are widely worn in Saudi Arabia today. If you want a traditional look, ask for black, matte and plain; if not, the label does not limit you.
Is a Turkish abaya the same as a coat?
Many are very close to a long coat, with a collar, buttons and set-in sleeves, and are worn over trousers or a long skirt. Others are looser and closer to a Gulf abaya, so check the photo and description.
Can one abaya combine features from different styles?
Yes. A closed Saudi style body with Dubai style cuffs, or a Turkish coat shape in a fluid black cloth, are both reasonable requests. Send a photo of each feature you like and say which part you want from each.
