Across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, the abaya is something women wear every day, and the choice of style matters. A Riyadh office morning, an Umrah journey, a winter evening in the desert and a family Eid gathering each call for something slightly different. Most women in the region know exactly what they mean when they ask for a kloosh cut or a bisht sleeve.
This guide covers the abaya styles you will see most often in Saudi Arabia and across the GCC (Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the UAE). It includes the Arabic names women search for, how to choose fabrics for the Gulf climate, and what to check before ordering an abaya online from Dubai.
What Is a Khaleeji Abaya?
"Khaleeji" simply means "of the Gulf". A Khaleeji abaya is the long, loose outer garment worn over clothing across the Arabian Peninsula. It is traditionally black, ankle-length and designed to sit away from the body rather than follow it.
Within that shared tradition there is a great deal of variety. Cuts range from narrow to very full, sleeves from fitted to dramatically wide, and fronts can be fully closed, open or wrapped. Fabrics, colour and detailing have also widened considerably in recent years, so a modern Gulf wardrobe often mixes a classic black abaya with softer neutrals and richer seasonal shades. For the background to these traditions, read our guide to the history of the abaya.
Abaya Styles in Saudi Arabia: The Names Women Search For
Many abaya styles in the Kingdom are known by their Arabic names. Here are the ones you will see most often in Saudi abaya shops and online stores.
Kloosh (Cloche) Abaya – عباية كلوش
The kloosh abaya is cut wider towards the hem, so it flares and moves as you walk. You will also see half-kloosh (نص كلوش), a gentler flare, and double-kloosh (دبل كلوش), which uses more fabric for a fuller, more dramatic swing. It is one of the most searched abaya styles in Saudi Arabia because it is comfortable, forgiving and elegant at once.
Bisht Abaya – عباية بشت
Inspired by the men's bisht cloak, this style has a wide, square cut through the shoulders and sleeves. It falls in a relaxed, almost cape-like line and suits fluid fabrics that drape well. A bisht-style abaya looks considered without needing embellishment.
Head Abaya – عباية رأس
The head abaya (also written عباية الراس) is worn from the top of the head rather than the shoulders, covering the hair and body in one piece. It is a traditional style still chosen by many women, particularly for prayer and for more conservative settings.
Plain Abaya – عباية سادة
A plain abaya has no embroidery, print or contrasting trim. It is the foundation of most wardrobes: easy to style, easy to pair with any hijab, and appropriate almost everywhere. The quality of a plain abaya comes down to fabric, drape and finishing.
Kimono and Open Abaya – عباية كيمونو
An open abaya is worn like a long robe over an inner dress or trousers and a top. The kimono version has wide sleeves and a straight, relaxed front. Open styles are popular for their versatility: change what you wear underneath and the same abaya looks completely different.
Embroidered, Lace and Velvet Abayas
For occasions, women often look for embroidered abayas (عباية مطرزة), lace-trimmed designs (عباية دانتيل) or velvet abayas (عباية مخمل) in winter. These pieces add texture and detail while keeping the familiar abaya silhouette.
Choosing an Abaya by Occasion
Work and University – عباية رسمية
For the office or campus, a formal abaya should look polished from morning to evening. Choose a clean silhouette, a fabric that resists creasing when you sit for long periods, and a length that works with flat shoes. Neutral tones such as black, charcoal, stone and taupe are the easiest to wear every day. The coordinated three-piece sets in our Classic Abaya collection include an abaya, matching scarf and belt, which makes getting ready simple.
Umrah and Prayer – عباية عمرة
An abaya for Umrah should be comfortable over long hours of walking and standing, fully covering, and simple. Women usually choose a loose cut, a calm colour, lightweight breathable fabric and sleeves that stay in place when you raise your arms. Avoid heavy embellishment and very long trains that can get caught in crowds. Packing two abayas lets you rotate between washes.
Travel – عباية سفر
For a travel abaya, prioritise easy-care fabric, comfort when seated and a neutral colour that works with several scarves. One open abaya worn over different inner outfits can give you several looks from a single piece of luggage space.
Winter – عباية شتوية
Winter evenings in Riyadh, the north of the Kingdom and the desert across the Gulf can be genuinely cool, which is why winter abayas are one of the most searched abaya categories in Saudi Arabia. Look for heavier, warmer fabrics that hold their drape. Our Cashmere Signature Collection was designed for exactly these cooler months, with hooded, open-front designs that layer over an inner dress.
Eid, Weddings and Gatherings
Occasion abayas can be more expressive. Fluid fabrics with a soft sheen, richer colours such as emerald, chocolate or burgundy, and delicate detailing all work well. Keep accessories balanced so the abaya stays the focus. Explore the Layl Collection for evening silhouettes, or our guide to abaya outfit ideas for every occasion.
Fabrics for the Gulf Climate
Long, hot summers and short, cool winters mean most women in the GCC own abayas in more than one weight of fabric.
- Silk-style abayas (عباية حرير): fluid, light and softly lustrous. Elegant for evenings and gatherings, and comfortable in air-conditioned spaces. See the Silk Collection.
- Crepe abayas: a subtly textured surface that drapes well and works from day to evening. See the Crepe Collection.
- Linen abayas (عباية كتان): breathable and relaxed, a popular choice for summer abayas (عباية صيفي).
- Cashmere and heavier weaves: warmth and a richer drape for winter evenings.
Always check the individual product page for exact composition and care, as a collection name does not always describe the fibre of every piece. For a deeper comparison, read Silk, Crepe or Cashmere? How to Choose an Abaya Fabric.
Abaya Sizes – مقاسات العباية
Abayas in the Gulf are usually sized by length, in numbered sizes such as 52 to 60. The number broadly relates to the garment length, so your height is the best starting point. AUVÉ's numbered abayas use this guide:
| Abaya size | Recommended height |
|---|---|
| 52 | 154–158 cm |
| 54 | 159–164 cm |
| 56 | 165–169 cm |
| 58 | 169–173 cm |
| 60 | 174–178 cm |
If you plan to wear heels or prefer the hem closer to the floor, choose one size up. Some collections use XS–L or one-size sizing instead, so always check the product page. Our full abaya size guide explains how to measure.
Abayas Across the GCC: Shopping From Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman
Women across the Gulf share many of the same abaya traditions, and the black abaya remains the classic everywhere. The practical differences when buying online are mostly about delivery, duties and climate:
- Saudi Arabia: the largest abaya market in the region, with strong demand for kloosh cuts, winter abayas and Umrah abayas. See luxury abayas in Saudi Arabia.
- Kuwait: winters are cooler than in the southern Gulf, so warmer fabrics earn their place alongside lighter everyday abayas.
- Qatar and Bahrain: humid summers make breathable, easy-care fabrics and open styles practical choices.
- Oman: a varied climate from Muscat to the mountains means a mix of light everyday abayas and a warmer layer for cooler evenings.
- UAE: see our guide to where to buy abayas online in Dubai and the UAE.
Buying an Abaya Online From Dubai: What to Check
AUVÉ is designed in Dubai and ships across the GCC. Before you order, it helps to know:
- Processing: orders are prepared in 1–2 business days, with an extra 2–4 business days during Ramadan, Eid and seasonal peaks.
- Delivery to the GCC: express delivery takes an estimated 3–5 business days and standard delivery 7–10 business days, depending on the destination and customs.
- Shipping cost: calculated at checkout, with free international shipping on orders of AED 1,999 or more.
- Duties and taxes: international orders may be subject to customs duties or import taxes set by your country, which are paid by the customer. Read our customs and imports information.
- Returns: check the Returns & Refunds Policy before ordering, especially for sale items.
Full details are on our Shipping & Delivery page. If you want more than one piece, The Bundle Edit brings together abaya bundles at one price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular abaya style in Saudi Arabia?
Plain black abayas remain the everyday classic, and the kloosh (cloche) abaya, with its flared hem, is one of the most searched styles. Winter abayas and Umrah abayas are also in high demand at different times of year.
What is the difference between kloosh, half-kloosh and double-kloosh abayas?
All three flare towards the hem. Half-kloosh has a gentle flare, kloosh a fuller one, and double-kloosh uses more fabric for the most volume and movement.
What should I wear for Umrah?
Choose a loose, fully covering abaya in a breathable fabric and a calm colour, with sleeves that stay in place when you raise your arms. Keep embellishment minimal and pack a second abaya so you can rotate.
Do foreign women have to wear an abaya in Saudi Arabia?
Since Saudi Arabia introduced tourist visas in 2019, foreign women visitors are not required to wear an abaya, but modest dress in public is still expected. Many visitors choose to wear one because it is comfortable and respectful, especially when visiting the holy cities.
Does AUVÉ deliver abayas to Saudi Arabia and the GCC?
Yes. AUVÉ ships from Dubai to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Express delivery takes an estimated 3–5 business days and standard 7–10 business days, and local duties or taxes may apply.
Find Your Abaya
Whether you are looking for an everyday plain abaya, a warm winter layer or a flowing piece for Eid, the right abaya is one that suits your day, your climate and your style. Shop all AUVÉ abayas and find the piece that feels right for you.
