This ensemble signifies the evolution of traditional UAE dress into a new stylish attire embedded with traditional symbolism as recorded in the book, Sultani –
Traditions Renewed, Changes in women’s traditional dress In the United Arab Emirates during the reign of the late Shaikh Zâyid Bin Sultan Âl Nahyân, 1966-2004. By The Zay Initiative.
1. The Burgu – a machine-stitched face mask covering most of the face features.
2. The Shaylah – an evolved form of a headscarf in pastel sill tulle, hand-embroidered with crystals and sequins. It replaces the traditional black cotton gauze that engulfed most of the body.
3. The Thawb-Kandurah Shak – By the late 1990s, the overgarment (Thawb) and undergarment (Kandurah) evolved as the two separate items were merged into one, attached at the neckline, turning the tunic into a lining and creating a combination overgarment tunic (Thawb-Kandurah). Delicate French silk tulle is hand-embroidered with the finest crystals and sequins. The traditional paneled style has evolved into layers of overlapping pastel-coloured tulle.
4. The Sarwal – Traditional loose underpants
