Where to find Abaya, Jalabiya, Mukhawar, and Dresses in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
If you’re wondering where to buy abayas, jalabiyas, and mukhawar in Riyadh, you’ve come to the right place.
Before moving to Saudi Arabia, the only thing I really knew about was abaya. But after living in Riyadh for over a year, I’ve realized there is so much more than just abaya!
In this article, I’m going to share everything you need to know about abaya, jalabiya, mukhawar, and dresses women wear, the occasions, and where you can find one yourself!
What is Abaya & When to Wear Them
An abaya is a modest garment worn by women across the Middle East (West Asia). While they are traditionally black, different Arab countries have their own unique styles.
The classic look worn by Saudi women in Riyadh is usually black, but colorful abayas have become very popular lately. I see them worn by everyone including locals, residents, tourists, and expats alike.
In Saudi Arabia, the abaya is primarily “outerwear.” It’s worn in public such as at the mall, the grocery store, or even on the way to the gym (where you change into your workout gear once inside a private space).
Abaya isn’t typically worn at home unless a “non-mahram” male (someone who is not a direct family member) is present.
If you must know, abayas have also gained popularity in Southeast Asia (where I’m from!) over the last few years. However, in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei, the colored abaya is much more common than the traditional black one.
Abaya Shopping in Dubai vs Riyadh (Personal Experience)
The first abaya I ever bought in the region was actually in the UAE during a visit in 2023. I visited the Naif Souk in Dubai, which was my first abaya shopping in this region!
When I moved to Saudi, I was blown away by the materials of abaya used by local women. When you see their abayas up close, it’s nothing like the ones I found in Naif Souk.
The material is of much higher quality. It is thicker, more durable, and more elegant (at least for me!). Even compared to the abayas I bought in Madinah, the Riyadh styles win every time.
I’ve also noticed that the most popular style in Riyadh right now is the open-front abaya. Since it doesn’t close completely, you wear “inner clothes” underneath.
Honestly, I’ve become a huge fan of this look:
Where to Buy Abaya in Riyadh
There are a few different types of places to shop, ranging from traditional markets to modern malls:
- Taiba Souk – Location
- Al Maigliah Market Centre – Location
- Al Andalus Mall – Location
- Park Avenue Mall (This is my fav spot, bought most of my abayas here!) – Location
What is Jalabiya and Mukhawar & When to Wear Them
Jalabiyas and Mukhawar are two types of modest dresses that resemble abayas but are usually much more vibrant.
They feature bold or pastel colours, intricate embroidery, lace, and sequins. They are especially popular during Ramadan and Eid.
While the Mukhawar actually originated in the UAE (worn by Emiratis), it has become a staple across the region.
When I was living in the UAE, I noticed that Emirati women usually wear mukhawar underneath their abaya while in public.
Unlike abaya, Jalabiya and Mukhawar are mostly worn at home or for private ladies’ gatherings. You don’t really see local women wearing these in public.
However, expats and tourists do wear them out occasionally (I even wore a mukhawar outside while celebrating Eid in Saudi Arabia)
Mukhawar looks a bit different from a jalabiya as it usually features intricate embroidery around the neckline and sleeves.
Where to find Jalabiya and Mukhawar in Riyadh
- Taiba Souk – Location
- Al Maigliah Market Centre – Location
- Marina Mall – Location
- Al Haram Plaza – Location
- Souk Intifa’ (a local neighborhood souk) – Location
Women Party Dresses in Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, don’t be surprised when you see incredibly glamorous dresses displayed in almost every mall. These pieces are often very “expressive”, featuring bold silhouettes, intricate beadwork, and beautiful colours.
When I first saw them, I was curious as to “who is buying these?”
You rarely (or never at all) see women wearing these kinds of dresses in public in Saudi Arabia. And that is exactly the point, as these dresses are not meant for public attention.
Instead, they are reserved for women-only gatherings or major celebrations like weddings.
Since these events are usually gender-segregated, women take the opportunity to wear something stunning and glamorous. We are talking red-carpet levels of fashion!
If you ever get invited to an Arab wedding, never miss the chance to go, the fashion alone is worth the trip 💃
Where to Shop for Party Dresses in Riyadh
In Riyadh, there are a few malls that are entirely dedicated to women’s modern or party dresses. When you visit these places, you will see that the vast majority of customers are female.
The only men you’ll likely see are the shop sellers or somebody’s fathers and brothers accompanying their family members.
The prices for these dresses varied. But with SAR 400-700, you can already get beautiful, elegant party dresses.
Here are places I’ve been to find party dresses in Riyadh:
