What is a Mukhawar?
What is a mukhawar?
A mukhawar (pronounced mok-ha-war) is a long, flowing women’s dress rooted in Emirati heritage. It is known for modest coverage, ease of movement and embroidery around the neckline, chest or sleeves.
Official Emirati fashion guidance also describes it as the Thawb Al-Mkhawar, traditionally decorated with talli embroidery—decorative metallic thread, traditionally gold or silver. In English, you may also see mkhawar, mukhawara or mukhawwar.
Made for everyday life and celebration
A light cotton mukhawar can be worn at home or for relaxed family visits. Silk, rich colour and detailed embroidery can transform the same flowing silhouette for Ramadan evenings, Eid, weddings and henna celebrations.
Mukhawar, jalabiya or abaya?
- Mukhawar: an Emirati-rooted dress recognised for its flowing shape and decorative embroidery.
- Jalabiya: a broader regional name for loose, long dresses worn across the Arab world.
- Abaya: traditionally an outer garment worn over clothing; a mukhawar is a dress in its own right.
Family, community and regional usage influence the name. We use mukhawar to honour the Emirati context in which we came to know and love it.
Fit, fabric and care
A mukhawar is meant to fall loosely rather than cling. Cotton offers breathable everyday comfort, while silk and embellished fabrics create a dressier drape. Always follow the individual garment instructions and treat embroidery gently.
A dress with a soul
For us, a mukhawar is more than a silhouette. It is the feeling of home woven into fabric: the whisper of oud, women gathering in the majlis, and heritage carried forward through colour and thread.
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