Explore UAE traditional fabrics from The Zay Zay: (Arabic: costume, Pl. azyaā’), a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period. Collection

Bu_tilah Bū_tīlah: (Arabic, bū: diminutive of abu: father, tīlah: glass marbles), colloquially in UAE refers to printed or embroidered glass-marble shape and size circular or polka dot motifs.: Bū_tīlah: (Arabic, bū: diminutive of abu: father, tīlah: glass marbles), colloquially in UAE refers to printed or embroidered glass-marble shape and size circular or polka dot motifs.

Bu_glaym Bū_glaym: (Arabic: bū: diminutive of abū: father, qlaym: diminutive of qalam: pencil), generally refers to pencil striped fabrics. The (qāf) is pronounced (ga) in many Arab dialects.: Bū_glaym: (Arabic: bū: diminutive of abū: father, qlaym: diminutive of qalam: pencil), generally refers to pencil striped fabrics.
The (qāf) is pronounced (ga) in many Arab dialects.
The most striking features of Emirati traditional attire is its vibrant colours, patterns and textures. Though mainly white robes (kanādīr) are worn by men, women tend to play with striking, lush, contrasting colours, gilded, and further adorned with embroidery and glittering embellishments.

This particular exhibition focuses on examples of two forms of fabrics traditionally favoured for use in different articles of UAE traditional dress.

The display showcases distinct cotton (gutun Guṭun: (Arabic: quṭun), ie. cotton. The [qaf] turns to [ga] in colloquial Arabic of the Gulf, thus [quṭun] becomes [guṭun].), sil (harīr) and brocaded (mzarāī) versions of both polka dots (Bū_tīlah) and striped (Bū_glaym) or (Bū_nsai’ah) fabrics illustrating how they were used, be it on overgarments (athwāb), tunic dresses (kanādīr) or
underpants (sarāwīl).

These outfits are part of The Zay Zay: (Arabic: costume, Pl. azyaā’), a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period. Collection. The Zay Zay: (Arabic: costume, Pl. azyaā’), a set of clothes in a style typical of a particular country or historical period. Collection aims to collect, document, and preserve Arab dress heritage for future generations.

Date: 8th August - 4th January 2023
Location: Zeman Awwal, Mall of The Emirates

CLICK TO VIEW EXHIBITION