Ask Ali: Fashion subtly influences traditional dress and what to do on holiday in Fujairah

In this week's Ask Ali we learn who dictates fashion in the UAE and what things to do while on holiday in Fujairah.

Dear Ali: Who dictates fashion in the UAE? Do Emirati or international designers have a better influence on the fashion trends, and how much of that affects and influences the kanduras that men choose? Do you think in the future Emiratis will turn away from traditional clothing? MJ, Ajman

Dear MJ: We often think that fashion is dictated by celebrities or designers, but my guess is that fashion moves on its own, and sometimes is influenced by our sheikhs.

Retailers keep their fingers on the pulse of what is on-trend. For me, most of the time when you go to the shops, you get what you like. Designers offer new styles, and people decide if they’re going to wear them or not.

Here, we also pay great attention to how new trends fit in with our culture. For example, we wouldn’t accept bright red for a kandura, although, there is much more flexibility in colours and different cuts for women’s clothes. We have witnessed how the abaya has been influenced by western brands, as well as creative young fashionistas who have completely changed the identity of the abaya, and turned it into a dress. Many of our sisters and abaya fans don’t know that the abaya isn’t a dress, but a cover – women in our culture wear something under the abaya, and that’s their main dress.

No matter what the fashion trends are at any given time, the right way to dress in our culture will continue; fashion trends will fade away over time. Hence the kandura will continue with its original look and women will continue to cover their dresses with the abaya. The people who appreciate the values of our dress code will hold onto it for a long time to come.

There’s nothing wrong with fashion, as long as it doesn’t force a change in the values of our culture, particularly when it comes to our dress code.

Dear Ali: I'm planning to spend a holiday in Fujairah – since I arrived in the UAE, I am yet to visit the other emirates. Can you give me advice on what to see there? TA, Al Ain

Dear TA: Please make sure to explore all seven of our beautiful emirates. They each have their own uniqueness.

In Fujairah, you can enjoy the simplicity of the UAE lifestyle and its good weather. Fujairah city is more of an old-style city, and it’s a lovely emirate rich in nature, beauty and mountains.

You will find lots of great accommodation options. The other lovely thing about Fujairah is that it preserves many traditional buildings.

Bull fighting is held every Friday afternoon between 3.30pm and 6pm, or you can see the unique mosque of AlBadiyah, which is considered the oldest mosque in the UAE. It’s located 31 kilometres north of Fujairah city, and attracts a lot of visitors.

Another important site is Fujairah Fort, the largest in the region. It was built more than 500 years ago.

When it comes to history, you can learn more at Fujairah Museum. They have collections of antique finds, and the heritage section displays many tools used by people who used to live in Fujairah in the past.

Fujairah also has a Heritage Village, which was established in 1996.

The sea in Fujairah is beautiful, and it’s popular for diving and snorkelling activities. You will also find that the people of Fujairah are very open and hospitable.

For more information, visit www.fujairahtourism.ae. Enjoy.

Ali Al Saloom is a cultural adviser and public speaker from the UAE. Follow @AskAli on Twitter, and visit www.ask-ali.com to ask him a question.