My Abaya Experience

You know I had to get one for myself. 

I purchased a lovely abaya from a "local" merchant who assured me that his insignia on my gown would impress the natives. "Local" because none of the abayas are actually designed and created in the Emirates. Mine came from India. It is very pretty, and I really enjoy wearing it. I don't feel in the least confined or subjugated. Of course, mine is a tourist's experience. Anyway, the material is incredibly light and flows very prettily. The fit is surprisingly attractive. 

Thus far, I have worn my abaya on two occasions. 

My photos are not good enough.
You really have to see the Grand Mosque for yourself. 
It is magnificent. 

When Vania visited, she and I toured the Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Naturally, women are required to be fully covered while visiting the mosque. Women did not have to wear an abaya, but there should be no visible flesh. There is a dress code for men as well; slacks (no shorts), shirts - pretty simple. Men should not wear writing on their t-shirts that might be offensive.

There is a beautiful water treatment outside the main entrance to the Grand Mosque. 
Two bays contain hundreds of gallons of crystal clear blue water. So pretty. 

This is my favorite spot in the Grand Mosque. Through this glass door, you see rows of decorative pillars. The pillars, alone, are beautiful. However, viewing them through this door enhances their beauty. 

I first wore my abaya to school for National Day (similar to the U.S. Independence Day). Emiratis celebrate the establishment of their nation on 2 December. Celebrations usually last two days. At school, the students dress in traditional clothing - kandora for males (which is what they usually wear when not in school). Presentations are made, classrooms compete for best National Day decoration, and an assembly is held at which a non-Emirati teacher is awarded a prize for the best traditional dress. Guess who won. Yes, me! I was tickled pink - or, rather black.  

The three gentlemen are teacher colleagues.
The hijab, right sleeve and front left section of my abaya are embroidered with gold aplaque.
My hijab (head scarf) is traditional, but I tied in more of an African head wrap style.

The nicest part of my abaya experience was that the Emiratis (students, faculty, community) really appreciated the respect the westerners demonstrated by wearing the traditional clothing. Even at my hotel/apartment, staff who were used to my usual clothng, smiled and commented when they saw me in an abaya. 

The student and colleague reactions were the best. Several said "You look beautiful Miss Karla!" One student (who looks like a teenage Harry Belafonte - for real) stopped me and said to me "I'm serious Miss, you look beautiful!". Another student (I am not exaggerating here) came into my room, took a seat, and licked his lips. ROTFL. Quite a few male colleagues expressed their admiration. I was told multiple times by students and faculty how appealing I looked in the abaya. All covered up. Nothing showing but my smile. 

Go figure.