From timeless silhouettes to statement-making designs, these regional labels are giving the abaya a fresh, contemporary edge.
The abaya has long been a cornerstone of modest dressing, but today’s designers are giving the classic silhouette plenty of room to evolve. Think fluid layers, modern tailoring, intricate embellishment and thoughtful nods to regional craftsmanship, with each label bringing its own distinctive perspective to the wardrobe staple. From effortless everyday styles to pieces made for grand occasions, these are 11 Middle Eastern abaya brands worth knowing about.
Abadia
Co-founded by Shahd AlShehail, this high-concept Saudi fashion house bridges centuries-old Peninsula heritage with contemporary luxury outerwear. Celebrated across the Gulf for its commitment to ethical craftsmanship, Abadia transforms classic modest silhouettes into timeless investment pieces. Signature collections pair structured tailoring with hand-woven Saudi Sadu motifs. Designed for the modern, discerning woman, each piece embodies effortless sophistication while preserving rich regional artistry.
Contact: www.abadia.me
Al Mraikn
Founded in 2011 by Emirati sisters Maryam and Muna Saeed, Al Mraikn has built a reputation across the region for its sophisticated approach to formal and everyday modest wear. Known for elevating classic silhouettes through modern tailoring, the label specialises in structured three-piece abaya sets and premium airflow crepes. With an emphasis on rich jewel tones and impeccable finishing, Al Mraikn delivers an effortlessly polished aesthetic tailored specifically for GCC climates.
Contact: www.almraikn.com
Bouguessa
Created by French-Algerian designer Faiza Bouguessa from her atelier in the UAE, this acclaimed label sits at the intersection of modern minimalism and high fashion. Renowned for its sharp architectural lines, fluid drapes, and restrained palette, Bouguessa reimagines the traditional abaya through a sleek, international lens. Tailored suit-inspired lapels and elevated outerwear cuts make these pieces a go-to for women who appreciate understated elegance, contemporary structure, and flawless craftsmanship.
Contact: www.bouguessa.com
Chi-Ka
Situated in Dubai’s vibrant Alserkal Avenue art district, Chi-Ka presents a unique fusion of Middle Eastern modesty and Japanese heritage craft. The brand crafts wearable art by fashioning original, hand-painted Japanese silk kimonos into sweeping, made-to-measure abayas. Celebrated for its artistic narrative, luxurious textiles, and flowing silhouettes, Chi-Ka offers a highly creative alternative to traditional modest wear, perfectly suited for gallery openings, elevated gatherings, and formal occasions.
Contact: www.chikacollection.com
Elna Line
Celebrated for its feminine, romantic approach to luxury modest wear, UAE-based label Elna Line, founded by Amna Mohammad Karmostaji in 2015, fuses timeless regional traditions with contemporary grace. The label is renowned for its hand embroidery and luxe embellishments. Designed to seamlessly transition from high-profile daytime occasions to intimate evening gatherings, several collections feature flowing silhouettes paired with matching inner dresses. Elna Line continues to captivate fashion-conscious women across the Gulf seeking understated glamour and refined elegance.
Contact: www.elnaline.com
Feryal Al Bastaki
Spearheaded by Emirati artist and designer Feryal Al Bastaki, this eponymous label brings an expressive, art-inspired vision to traditional regional couture. Drawing inspiration from Khaleeji heritage, nature, and fine art, the brand is celebrated for its printed silks, structured jacket-style cuts, and dramatic draped tulle overlays. Every piece serves as a wearable canvas, offering fashion enthusiasts across the Middle East a harmonious blend of cultural identity, bold craftsmanship, and elevated contemporary luxury.
Contact: www.feryalalbastaki.ae
Hessa Falasi
A cornerstone of the UAE’s high-fashion scene, Hessa Falasi is revered across the region for its architectural approach to contemporary modest wear. The label crafts effortlessly fluid abayas utilising premium Italian textiles, airy chiffons, and bespoke crepes. Characterised by clean-lined tailoring, subtle tonal embroideries, and sophisticated drapes, Hessa Falasi appeals directly to modern tastemakers who favour refined minimalism over ostentatious detailing.
Contact: www.hessafalasi.com
Mauzan
Established in 1990 by Emirati designer Rafia Helal Bin Drai, Mauzan stands as one of the Arabian Peninsula’s premier haute couture abaya houses. Celebrating over three decades of exceptional craftsmanship, the label is synonymous with regal elegance, featuring delicate French lace, intricate hand embroidery, and luxurious velvet drapes. Mauzan empowers the modern Arab woman with bespoke tailoring and sweeping silhouettes, cementing its status as an enduring icon of Gulf luxury and haute couture heritage.
Contact: www.mauzan.com
Moja Majka
Founded by mother-daughter duo Süreyya and Sarah Basaad, Moja Majka — meaning “my mother” in Montenegrin — is a contemporary slow fashion label celebrated for its artisanal approach to luxury modest wear. Rooted in organic textiles and sustainable craftsmanship, the label blends regional heritage with modern bohemian fluid silhouettes. From intricate patchwork details to rich colour, Moja Majka offers an expressive, eco-conscious alternative for fashion-forward women seeking distinctive elegance.
Contact: www.mojamajka.com
Pearl Haute Couture
An opulent Dubai atelier, Pearl Haute Couture is renowned for dramatic, high-glamour eveningwear abayas, fusing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary flair. Each creation features sheer organza overlays, intricate crystal embellishments, and sweeping silhouettes. Designed for grand celebrations and formal gatherings, Pearl Haute Couture continues to captivate women across the region seeking unapologetic luxury and regal glamour.
Contact: @pearl.haute
Serrb
Founded by Emirati sisters Budoor, Noor, and Sarah Al Khaja, Serrb is an acclaimed fashion label redefining modern modesty. Built on a philosophy of minimalist sophistication, the brand crafts sleek abayas, capes, and outerwear. With clean-cut tailoring and versatile silhouettes, Serrb empowers the contemporary GCC woman with polished, seasonless luxury designed for high-profile daytime events and elegant evenings alike.
Contact: www.serrb.com