Qatari Fashion (2026): 5 Locals Reveal How They Stay Stylish While Respecting Tradition

Alissa Walker

Travel writing based on first-hand experience

September 8, 2025

It’s summer in Doha. But regardless of the season, Qatari women always wear an abaya over their clothes—typically a long, black robe, usually accompanied by a veil or hijab. Men, on the other hand, wear a thobe—a white garment that extends from the neck to the ankles—along with a ghutra, a folded headscarf that covers the head.

In such a strictly coded society, the younger generation still finds ways to play with the rules and create a more personal style. Here, everything is in the details: a flashy cap, a vintage watch, a thobe with a unique neckline, or sky-high heels peeking out from under an abaya… Everyone has their own trick to express individuality.

Five Qataris shared their qatari fashion secrets with us—how to stay stylish without upsetting tradition.

Kholoud Al-Ali, 33, influencer and photographer

“Traditional dress remains central.”

“When I started on social media in 2009, I had no idea how big it would become. Back then, I was a photographer. Today, I highlight fashion pieces for a living.

I mix clothes and styles, but traditional dress is still key. The abaya is definitely the outfit that pulses with Doha’s rhythm. I love the idea of being social and antisocial at the same time. But one thing’s for sure: on Instagram, I never show my face.

Ten years ago, there were hardly any original abaya designers from the Gulf. I had to look for inspiration elsewhere. My eyes are still drawn abroad, but now, more and more local creations catch my attention. As for brands—I have them because I can afford them, but wearing labels doesn’t mean you have style. Qataris love luxury… but sometimes confuse trendiness with elegance.”

Abdoulaziz Al-Ajail, 40, influencer

“The seams, buttons, and collar size all personalize the thobe.”

“The thobe is both our formal and casual wear, so our clothing choices are somewhat limited! But things are changing—people are daring more. Five years ago, we only wore sandals. Today, sneakers are in. This watch belonged to my grandfather, and I have vintage cufflinks… Accessories play a huge role in Qatari men’s fashion.

The seams, buttons, and collar size are ways to make your thobe unique and express your personality. You need to find the right tailor who can make a piece that fits you perfectly. And how you wear it matters. Wearing the thobe with two buttons undone looks good on Instagram, but would be unthinkable at a family gathering.”

Fahad Al-Obaidly, 40, designer, visual artist, and filmmaker

“My coat is inspired by what we wear for the sand dance.”

“Traditional style responds to the climate first. The ghutra, for instance, protects against sandstorms. Our fashion identity has been heavily influenced by Bedouin culture, our exchanges with India, and even Africa.

Young people are gradually moving away from traditional style. For important meetings, family events, or weddings, I wear the thobe to show respect. But when I’m at a café working on my projects, I wear Western clothes.

I design clothing that honors our traditional attire but can be worn by anyone. Let’s call it elegance diplomacy! My coat today is inspired by the outfits worn during the sand dance. It’s a dual statement: by drawing from tradition, I’m showing that my national identity transcends my personal one. But by turning it into a unique, artistic piece, I’m telling my own story.”

Farah Al-Rasi, 30, designer

“I use metals and stones to reinvent the abaya. It’s not always well-received…”

“I create five collections of ten to fifteen abayas each year. Every night before I fall asleep, I think of my next design. Everything inspires me—daily life details, things I see on TV… I was the first to design two-piece abayas, and now it’s caught on throughout the Gulf.

In Doha, black abayas are still the norm, but I use fur, metals, and stones to reinvent the look. That’s not always accepted: we live in a Muslim, Arab, and traditional society. To the older generation, the abaya is meant to cover women, not draw attention. It’s not always easy to be fashionable in Doha—but honestly, I don’t worry about those comments.”

Khalifa Saleh Al Haroon, 38, entrepreneur and YouTuber

“I focus mainly on accessories.”

“A lot of what foreigners think about Qataris is full of stereotypes. I try to be that friendly Qatari neighbor people can turn to for real insight. People always want to know what we wear under our thobes—but of course, they can’t just ask someone on the street! They can check out my YouTube channel instead…

Under the thobe, we usually wear a sarouel (loose trousers) and a thin inner garment that absorbs sweat and keeps the thobe crisp. For a long time, Qataris didn’t wear underwear—but times have changed.

Beyond that, I focus mainly on accessories and headwear. Perfume is also crucial. Major brands understand this: even when bottles look the same in Europe and the Middle East, the fragrances here are much stronger.”