In pictures: Emiratis’ opinions on the UAE dress code

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  “Our population is small so when the visitors come they like to see what the local people are wearing,” says Fadhel Al Hameli, 25, from Abu Dhabi.

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  Abdullah, 30, an accountant, says wearing the ghutra with the igal rope is part of his uniform. “ We wear it for work. It’s a uniform.”

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  Traditional Emirati dress still allows for personal style and comfort and there are many ways to accessorise it.

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  The wearer of this abaya, who did not want to give her name, says her sister designs abayas for her female relatives. “She likes ribbons, she’s my sister. Design depends on the person, first of all,” says the Emirati, 19, from Abu Dhabi. “The cut of the abaya changes every three or four months. The winter abaya differs from the summer or spring in fabrics and colour.”

The country’s national dress should be better protected, says a member of the Federal National Council. But what exactly is national dress? We speak to several Emiratis on their thoughts. All photos by Silvia Razgova / The National April 1