A guide to buying an abaya in Qatar
People living in Qatar and the Middle East generally, are aware that an Abaya is a sign of respect, dignity, modesty, and a convenient way to abide by the Islamic clothing code. An abaya is a long flowing robe covering the entire body from the neck to the wrists down to the feet. It is usually loose-fitting although recent designs are not as loose. It is very convenient for women as it is comfortable and easily worn above their everyday clothes when they leave their homes.
The abaya is also known as a burka/burkha or jilbab. In the Muslim world, an abaya is complemented with a headscarf known as a hijab or a Shayla. This scarf is tied on the head to cover the head and the face. The abaya is mostly available in black but nowadays is available in various other color variations and a vast array of designs.
It is important to note that wearing an abaya or hijab is not compulsory in Qatar. It is also worth noticing that it is not limited to Muslims and Qataris only. Even expats can wear abayas despite being non-muslim. Therefore, let’s go through a guide to buying an abaya in Qatar.
- Selecting the right fabric depending on the weather in Qatar.
Abayas are available in a range of different fabrics such as crepe, chiffon, silk, linen, cotton, polyester, jersey, satin, and georgette.
For summer wear, cotton, polyester, linen, georgette, and crepe are great fabrics. They are also great for day-to-day wear.
If you are looking for something fancy, or something ideal for evenings and special occasions during the summer, silk, cotton, and satin abayas will cover your needs.
For the winter, the jersey fabric, wool, cashmere, or a thick heavy cotton abaya will keep you warm. For fancy events and special occasions, a velvet chamois abaya will give you that special look and feel.
- Styles of abayas in Qatar
There is a wide range of designs, styles, and colors for abayas in Qatar. You should choose according to your preference and needs. Some abayas are heavy on embroidery, while some abayas have stones embedded in them. Some are plain and simple, while some are embossed. Some abayas are front-opened, some are hooded; the list is long. Other designs are; umbrella abayas, short abayas, cat abayas, flared abayas, batwing Abayas, the classic style among others.
Most abayas are in the traditional black color, however, the lighter ones are good for the summer days.
Where to buy an abaya in Qatar
Abayas are available from lots of places in Qatar such as mosques, souqs, stand-alone shops, and malls.
Souqs
Souqs in Qatar are colorful and are well stocked in many other goods apart from abayas alone. In souqs, you can pick whatever design, color, or cut of a trendy or classic abaya you like. Note that the prices in souqs are not fixed and you may bargain to get a better price.
1. Souq Waqif
The souq is open from Saturday to Thursday at 7:30 am -12:30 pm; 3:30 pm -10:00 pm and from Friday 12:30 PM to 10:00 PM
CONTACTS
It is located just off the Corniche, adjacent to Grand Hamad Street and Ali Bin Abdulla Street, Al-Souq Street in Doha.
PHONE: +974 5551 9254
2. Souq Al Asery
This souq opens from Saturday to Thursday at 8:00 am – 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm; Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
CONTACTS
It is located Opposite the Al Fanar Centre and across from Souq Waqif, Al Ahmed Street, Doha.
PHONE: +974 4441 3436
3. Souq Al-Jabor
The Souq is open on Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm; Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
CONTACTS
It can be located Opposite the Fanar Qatar Islamic Cultural Centre, across from Souq Waqif, Al Ahmed Street in Doha.
PHONE: +974 4441 2963 /+974 3070 4232
4. Souq Al-Dira
The souq opens every Saturday to Thursday: 8:00 am – 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm; Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00pm.
CONTACTS
It can be located opposite the Al Fanar Centre and across from Souq Waqif, Al Ahmed Street in Doha.
5. Thursday and Friday Souq.
The souq opens on Saturday to Thursday: 8 am – 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm; Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm
CONTACTS
The souq can be located Opposite the Old Wholesale Market, Ain Khaled in Doha.
PHONE: +974 4450 0131
6. Souq Al Ali
This souq is open on Saturday to Thursday: 8 am – 12:30 pm; 4:30 pm – 10:30 pm; Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:30 pm
CONTACTS
This Souq is located at the Doha Expressway, Al Shamal Road, Al Luqta in Doha.
CONTACTS
PHONE: +974 7763 8863
STORES
- Tessuti Boutique
The tessuti boutique is an abaya brand that offers a wide range of abayas that are ready to be worn for daily wear, casual or glamorous evening clothing. You can choose from their simple to outstanding pieces made from fine fabric and high-quality tailoring. Their price ranges between QR700- QR6000. They are open between Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm; Friday: 1:00pm – 9:00pm
CONTACTS
The shop can be found behind Landmark Mall in Doha.
Website: http://www.tessuti.fashion
Facebook: @tessutiworld
PHONE: +974 4477 1188
+974 3377 1188
- Moonlight Concept
Moonlight Concept is a boutique offering unique cuts, designs, and styles that aim to transform the initial concept of an abaya into a masterpiece. Their price ranges between QR 800 AND QR 3,600. They are open between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
CONTACTS
The boutique can be found in Al Waab | Al Hazm Mall | Galeries Lafayette
Website: https://moonlightconcept.com
Facebook: @Moonlightconcept
Instagram: @moonlight.concept
Twitter: @moonlightconcp
PHONE: +974 3388 5574
+974 4447 2010
- . Al Mohtajiba
It is one of Qatar’s most popular abaya brands. It is a premium fashion brand that deals in abayas, jalabiyas, shaylas, and accessories. They combine traditional Qatari values and heritage with modern design infused with style. Its price range is between QR950 and QR 2500.
CONTACTS
Can be found at; Locations: Lagoona Mall | Landmark Mall | City Center | Markhiya | The Mall | Doha Festival City | Mall of Qatar | Villagio Mall | Hamad International Airport
Website/order online: https://www.almotahajiba.com
Facebook: @AlMotahajibaqa
Instagram: @almotahajibaqa
PHONE: +974 4466 6582
+974 5009 9331
- Al Abat Abaya Brand Qatar
The shop was established back in 2007. They provide high-quality abayas and home delivery services as well. Their price ranges between QR800 and QR 2500. It is open on Sunday: 9 am – 10 pm; Monday to Wednesday: 10 am – 10 pm; Thursday: 10:00 pm – 5:00 pm; Friday: closed; Saturday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
CONTACTS
The shop can be located at Zone 31, Street 950, Building 53, Environment Street, Duhail South in Doha.
PHONE: + 974 4471 9458
+974 5000 4095
+974 5000 4096
Instagram: @al_abat
- LeCil Abaya Fashion
Their policy is to maintain the authenticity of Arabic character in all their designs from traditional to modern designs and styles. Their prices range from QR600 to QR 1800. They are open from Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm; 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm;
Friday: closed
CONTACTS
It can be found at; Al Waab | Al Kharityat
Website/order online: https://www.lecilfashion.com
Instagram: @lecil_abaya
PHONE: +974 4421 4130
+974 4492 2104
+974 5029 9678
- Sheikha Style
Sheikha style targets those with traditional taste with unique styles. Their price is between QR500-QR750.
CONTACTS
Sheikha Style is found at Gulf Mall Mall | Ezdan Mall | Ezdan Mall Al Wakrah | Doha Festival City | Mall of Qatar
Website/order online: https://www.sheikhastyle.com
Facebook: @sheikhastyleboutique
Instagram: @sheikhastyleboutique
PHONE: +974 3131 3564
+974 3131 8000
- Abaya Gallery
An affordable abaya shop with good designs. Their price range is between QR150 and QR400. It is open on Saturday to Thursday: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm; Friday: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm.
CONTACTS
It is located at Othman Bin Affan Street, Aziziya in Doha.
PHONE: +974 5562 9084
This article has been detailed to guide you on how to buy an Abaya in Qatar.
