• MADINAH BRIDE: Worn by brides in the Madinah region in western Saudi Arabia, this bright pink style of dress features many layers, including those over the face. Today, brides might choose to wear this on their henna night, as they will now often wear a more western-style white dress on their wedding night. All photos Hussain Haddad for The National
    MADINAH BRIDE: Worn by brides in the Madinah region in western Saudi Arabia, this bright pink style of dress features many layers, including those over the face. Today, brides might choose to wear this on their henna night, as they will now often wear a more western-style white dress on their wedding night. All photos Hussain Haddad for The National
  • MADINAH BRIDE: At her wedding, when a bride wears this pink dress, she will walk to the kusha, or stage made up of cushions where she will sit, by stepping on small stools, making her elevated, as if walking over a bridge.
    MADINAH BRIDE: At her wedding, when a bride wears this pink dress, she will walk to the kusha, or stage made up of cushions where she will sit, by stepping on small stools, making her elevated, as if walking over a bridge.
  • ASIR: A dress like this would have taken three to four months to finish, and it uses silk and a golden thread. People in the Asir region are known for their bold use of primary colours, as well as pinks, oranges and golds, on the exterior walls of the homes and inside.
    ASIR: A dress like this would have taken three to four months to finish, and it uses silk and a golden thread. People in the Asir region are known for their bold use of primary colours, as well as pinks, oranges and golds, on the exterior walls of the homes and inside.
  • ASIR: The one pictured here is a slightly more contemporary version, but the typical Asiri type of dress is so popular and revered for its beauty and craftsmanship that many women across Saudi who've never even been to Asir will have one in their wardrobe.
    ASIR: The one pictured here is a slightly more contemporary version, but the typical Asiri type of dress is so popular and revered for its beauty and craftsmanship that many women across Saudi who've never even been to Asir will have one in their wardrobe.
  • TABUK: This style of dress is very common among tribes in north-western Saudi Arabia. A woman we spoke to from Tabuk said all women of older generations will have one of these specific type of dresses in their wardrobes.
    TABUK: This style of dress is very common among tribes in north-western Saudi Arabia. A woman we spoke to from Tabuk said all women of older generations will have one of these specific type of dresses in their wardrobes.
  • TABUK: Women used to stitch these themselves at home, and most older women from north-western tribes will still know how to craft them.
    TABUK: Women used to stitch these themselves at home, and most older women from north-western tribes will still know how to craft them.
  • HIJAZ BRIDE: This is a typical bridal dress for a bride from the Hijaz region, especially in Makkah or Jeddah. It is called darfat al bab, which translates to 'the main part of the door'. This is because the dress is very heavy and has decoration on both its front and back. The white chair in the picture is called al minbar, and is specifically for a bride to sit in during a wedding ceremony.
    HIJAZ BRIDE: This is a typical bridal dress for a bride from the Hijaz region, especially in Makkah or Jeddah. It is called darfat al bab, which translates to 'the main part of the door'. This is because the dress is very heavy and has decoration on both its front and back. The white chair in the picture is called al minbar, and is specifically for a bride to sit in during a wedding ceremony.
  • HIJAZ BRIDE: Two types of scarves, call the miharam and maudwra, are worn on the head. These two layers of scarfs are worn with most outfits in Hijaz, but with differing levels of decoration.
    HIJAZ BRIDE: Two types of scarves, call the miharam and maudwra, are worn on the head. These two layers of scarfs are worn with most outfits in Hijaz, but with differing levels of decoration.
  • TAIF: This style of dress is indigenous to Taif, specifically to the areas of Al Hada, Al Shifa and Wadi Mahrem.
    TAIF: This style of dress is indigenous to Taif, specifically to the areas of Al Hada, Al Shifa and Wadi Mahrem.
  • TAIF: As these are mountainous areas, there is a pair of trousers underneath so that the dress, which is full length, can be folded and then belted, to make it easier to walk and climb uphill. The most common colour you'll see this in is dark blue.
    TAIF: As these are mountainous areas, there is a pair of trousers underneath so that the dress, which is full length, can be folded and then belted, to make it easier to walk and climb uphill. The most common colour you'll see this in is dark blue.
  • MAKKAH: This outfit is common in Hijaz, particularly in Makkah. It is sometimes called the Princessa, which is the name of the pattern you'd buy if you wanted to make it. The cut is the unifying element here, as it comes in many colours, and can be worn at different events, the more formal the occasion, the more intricate the embroidery. The one here is a more formal version.
    MAKKAH: This outfit is common in Hijaz, particularly in Makkah. It is sometimes called the Princessa, which is the name of the pattern you'd buy if you wanted to make it. The cut is the unifying element here, as it comes in many colours, and can be worn at different events, the more formal the occasion, the more intricate the embroidery. The one here is a more formal version.
  • MAKKAH: Underneath the dress is a high-necked blouse called the sidryah, which is always collared and invariably features ornate golden or pearl buttons. This is also worn with the miharam and maudwra headscarves.
    MAKKAH: Underneath the dress is a high-necked blouse called the sidryah, which is always collared and invariably features ornate golden or pearl buttons. This is also worn with the miharam and maudwra headscarves.

Beyond the abaya: 6 dresses that showcase the diversity of Saudi fashion


Balquees Basalom
  • English
  • Arabic

Spread across 2.15 million square kilometres, Saudi Arabia is the 12th-largest sovereign state in the world. Its culture is diverse, featuring unique foods, dialects, customs and, of course, clothes.

The kingdom has 13 provinces, each of which is sartorially rich in its own right, with different designs for different occasions found in every region, if not every city.

When envisioning Saudi fashion, many will picture a woman in black and a man in white, but the black abaya is only one slice of Saudi fashion history. Each region also has colourful traditional clothes that speak to their location: mountainous areas usually feature trousers for easy walking, while the colder north favours thicker fabrics.

But they all share a common feature: modesty.

In celebration of Saudi Arabia's 90th National Day, we take a look at some of the traditional clothes from across the country's different regions.

Asir: the south-west

The Asiri outfit from south-western Saudi Arabia. Hussain Haddad for The National.
The Asiri outfit from south-western Saudi Arabia. Hussain Haddad for The National.

A dress such as this would have taken three to four months to finish, and it uses silk and a golden thread. People in the Asir region are known for their bold use of primary colours, as well as pinks, oranges and golds – these can be seen on the exterior walls of their homes, too.

The dress pictured here is a slightly more contemporary version, but the typical Asiri dress is so popular and revered for its beauty and craftsmanship that many women across Saudi Arabia, who've never even been to Asir, will have one in their wardrobe.

Madinah: bridal outfit

This pink outfit is worn by brides in the Madinah region. Hussain Haddad for The National.
This pink outfit is worn by brides in the Madinah region. Hussain Haddad for The National.

This style is worn by brides in the Madinah region in the west of Saudi Arabia. The light-pink style of dress features several layers, including those that cover the face. Today, brides might choose to wear this on their henna night, as they will now often wear a more western-style white dress on their wedding day.

At her wedding, when a bride wears this pink dress, she will walk to the kusha (or stage made up of cushions where she will sit), by stepping on small stools, to ensure she remains elevated, as if walking over a bridge.

Tabuk: the north-west

A traditional design from the Tabuk region. Hussain Haddad for The National.
A traditional design from the Tabuk region. Hussain Haddad for The National.

This style of dress is very common among tribes in north-western Saudi Arabia. A woman we spoke to from Tabuk said all women of older generations will have one of these dresses in their wardrobes. Women used to stitch these themselves at home, and most older women from the north-western tribes will still know how to craft them.

Tabuk is a colder region, so this dress is made from a thicker fabric and is heavy to wear.

Hijaz: a bridal outfit 

A Hijazi bridal outfit, typical of a bride in Makkah or Jeddah. Hussain Haddad for The National.
A Hijazi bridal outfit, typical of a bride in Makkah or Jeddah. Hussain Haddad for The National.

This is a typical bridal dress for a bride from the Hijaz region, especially in Makkah or Jeddah. It is called darfat al bab, which translates to "the main part of the door". This is because the dress is very heavy and has decoration on both its front and back.

Two types of scarves, called the miharam and maudwra, are worn on the head. These two layers of scarves are worn with most outfits in Hijaz, but with differing levels of decoration.

The red chairs pictured are called karwita. These have wooden bases and are topped with red velvet. They are very common in Hijaz. The white chair in the picture in the gallery above is called al minbar, and is specifically for a bride to sit in during a wedding ceremony.

Makkah: the Princessa 

This dress, common in Makkah, is sometimes called the Princessa. Hussain Haddad for The National.
This dress, common in Makkah, is sometimes called the Princessa. Hussain Haddad for The National.

This outfit is common in Hijaz, particularly in Makkah. It is sometimes called the Princessa, which is the name of the pattern you'd buy if you wanted to make it. The cut is the unifying element here, as it comes in many colours, and can be worn at different events; the more formal the occasion, the more intricate the embroidery. The one shown here is a more formal version.

Underneath the dress is a high-necked blouse called the sidryah, which is always collared and invariably features ornate gold or pearl buttons. This is also worn with the miharam and maudwra headscarves.

Taif: the mountainous south-west 

A traditional style of dress from Taif. Hussain Haddad for The National
A traditional style of dress from Taif. Hussain Haddad for The National

This style of dress is indigenous to Taif, specifically to the areas of Al Hada, Al Shifa and Wadi Mahram.

As these are mountainous areas, there is a pair of trousers underneath so that the dress, which is full length, can be folded and then belted, to make it easier to walk and climb uphill. The most common colour you'll see this in is dark blue.

Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?

The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.

The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.

He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.

He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.

He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.

Medicus AI

Started: 2016

Founder(s): Dr Baher Al Hakim, Dr Nadine Nehme and Makram Saleh

Based: Vienna, Austria; started in Dubai

Sector: Health Tech

Staff: 119

Funding: €7.7 million (Dh31m)

 

Financial considerations before buying a property

Buyers should try to pay as much in cash as possible for a property, limiting the mortgage value to as little as they can afford. This means they not only pay less in interest but their monthly costs are also reduced. Ideally, the monthly mortgage payment should not exceed 20 per cent of the purchaser’s total household income, says Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching.

“If it’s a rental property, plan for the property to have periods when it does not have a tenant. Ensure you have enough cash set aside to pay the mortgage and other costs during these periods, ideally at least six months,” she says. 

Also, shop around for the best mortgage interest rate. Understand the terms and conditions, especially what happens after any introductory periods, Ms Glynn adds.

Using a good mortgage broker is worth the investment to obtain the best rate available for a buyer’s needs and circumstances. A good mortgage broker will help the buyer understand the terms and conditions of the mortgage and make the purchasing process efficient and easier. 

How the bonus system works

The two riders are among several riders in the UAE to receive the top payment of £10,000 under the Thank You Fund of £16 million (Dh80m), which was announced in conjunction with Deliveroo's £8 billion (Dh40bn) stock market listing earlier this year.

The £10,000 (Dh50,000) payment is made to those riders who have completed the highest number of orders in each market.

There are also riders who will receive payments of £1,000 (Dh5,000) and £500 (Dh2,500).

All riders who have worked with Deliveroo for at least one year and completed 2,000 orders will receive £200 (Dh1,000), the company said when it announced the scheme.

Some of Darwish's last words

"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008

His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.

Ain Dubai in numbers

126: The length in metres of the legs supporting the structure

1 football pitch: The length of each permanent spoke is longer than a professional soccer pitch

16 A380 Airbuses: The equivalent weight of the wheel rim.

9,000 tonnes: The amount of steel used to construct the project.

5 tonnes: The weight of each permanent spoke that is holding the wheel rim in place

192: The amount of cable wires used to create the wheel. They measure a distance of 2,4000km in total, the equivalent of the distance between Dubai and Cairo.

MATCH INFO

Burnley 0

Man City 3

Raheem Sterling 35', 49'

Ferran Torres 65'

 

 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

6 UNDERGROUND

Director: Michael Bay

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Adria Arjona, Dave Franco

2.5 / 5 stars

HOW TO WATCH

Facebook: TheNationalNews  

Twitter: @thenationalnews  

Instagram: @thenationalnews.com  

TikTok: @thenationalnews 

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8

Transmission: seven-speed dual clutch

Power: 710bhp

Torque: 770Nm

Speed: 0-100km/h 2.9 seconds

Top Speed: 340km/h

Price: Dh1,000,885

On sale: now

GIANT REVIEW

Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan

Director: Athale

Rating: 4/5

if you go

The flights

Emirates offer flights to Buenos Aires from Dubai, via Rio De Janeiro from around Dh6,300. emirates.com

Seeing the games

Tangol sell experiences across South America and generally have good access to tickets for most of the big teams in Buenos Aires: Boca Juniors, River Plate, and Independiente. Prices from Dh550 and include pick up and drop off from your hotel in the city. tangol.com

 

Staying there

Tangol will pick up tourists from any hotel in Buenos Aires, but after the intensity of the game, the Faena makes for tranquil, upmarket accommodation. Doubles from Dh1,110. faena.com