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Emirati jalabias get Western patrons

Jalabias, the traditional dress of Emirati women, have not lost their charm despite the invasion of the Western dresses into their wardrobes.

Not only this, the jalabias are also gaining popularity among the western tourists and expatriate residents, according to specialist jalabia designer Beena Soni, CEO of Beenas, which recently opened its branch at the Muhairi Centre in the capital.

"To cater to the western taste as well as that of the young Emirati women, jalabias are being modified with western cuts which are also liked by the nationals. They can be worn as jalabias as well as a party dress by the non-Emiratis," Beena said in an interview.

"People from the West like the Arab culture and find the mix of colours and the fabric (shiffon and crepe) interesting. They like both solid and light colours and their mix because such a blend is not seen in their dresses. They also like both heavy and light embroidery on the jalabias," Beena said.

"The young Emirati women might be wearing jeans, trousers and western tops while at studies or work, but they prefer to wear jalabias when they are with friends at get-togethers and at traditional events," Beena said, adding that the new touch to jalabias with the western cuts is preferred by them.

Beena, who has qualified as a designer by experience and not by education, explained the difference between the traditional and western-cut jalabias.

The traditional jalabias have a straight cut, limited designs, no mix of colours and fabrics, and take four metres of fabric to be made.

The jalabias with a western cut are tight at the waist and wide in the bottom; they allow variety in design and a mix of colours and fabrics, and take 10 metres of fabric.

An uneducated woman, Beena came to the UAE from India as a henna application girl at a beauty salon and gradually began designing jalabias which were appreciated by her henna customers who encouraged her to start her own production unit.

Beenas opened its first showroom in Sharjah 10 years ago. A franchise was opened in Dubai last year. The production facilities are located in Sharjah and Mumbai.