{
  "id": 13893124,
  "title": "Mkhawer: How Emirati women are reimagining traditional fashion",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/mkhawer-how-emirati-women-are-reimagining-traditional-fashion",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-12T06:03:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Gulf News",
    "slug": "gulf-news",
    "url": "https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/mkhawer-how-emirati-women-are-reimagining-traditional-fashion-1.500702733"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The mkhawer is a traditional Emirati dress for women, characterized by its loose, flowing silhouette and long sleeves. Worn for various occasions, this garment has been passed down through generations, retaining its cultural significance while evolving alongside changing fashion preferences. Designers and fabric specialists are experimenting with various colours, materials, cuts, and embellishments to create modern versions of the mkhawer, while preserving its modest and elegant essence.\n\nFor younger Emirati women, the mkhawer offers a familiar yet contemporary option, allowing them to express themselves while staying connected to their cultural identity. Emirati designer Amna Alfalahi, founder of fashion brand Versatile, explains that the garment remains an integral part of her daily life, symbolizing Emirati women and heritage. Alfalahi started her own mkhawer business due to her dissatisfaction with the lack of creativity in local tailors, which led her to explore designs with more variety and modern details.\n\nThe appearance of a mkhawer can vary depending on its cut, fabric, colour, and decoration. Contemporary designs may incorporate elements like crystals, beads, and intricate embroidery. The choice of fabric also plays a crucial role in determining the mkhawer's appearance and feel. Popular fabrics include chiffon, silk, satin, tulle, and lightweight cotton, often featuring gold or silver details and subtle shimmer. Customers consider factors such as colour, quality, comfort, and appearance when selecting fabrics.\n\nThe importance of Ramadan for traditional Emirati clothing cannot be overstated, as families and friends gather during this sacred month, often dressing up in the mkhawer while maintaining modesty. Some customers even wait until Ramadan to add new pieces to their wardrobes, viewing it as the ideal time for refreshments. Despite the evolving trends, the mkhawer remains a traditional dress with a modern place, demonstrating the adaptation and adaptation of Emirati fashion to contemporary tastes.",
  "summary": "The mkhawer is a traditional Emirati dress worn by women, recognised for its loose, flowing shape and long sleeves. It has long been part of Emirati wardrobes, worn for everyday occasions as well as family gatherings and special occasions. Passed down through generations, the garment continues to evolve alongside changing fashion preferences. Designers and fabric specialists are experimenting…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}