UAE Tailors Race Against Time for Ramadan Fashion

As the UAE embraces the vibrant spirit of three major Islamic celebrations—Hag Elilah, Mukhawara for Ramadan, and Eid Al Fitr—the pressure on local tailors reaches a fever pitch. With each festival demanding a unique wardrobe, tailoring shops are faced with overwhelming workloads, forcing many to set delayed delivery dates or, in some cases, refuse new orders entirely. This annual surge in demand highlights the essential role of tailors in the community, particularly as they work tirelessly to outfit their clients for these important occasions.

A Tradition of Customization

In the UAE, each celebration has its distinct fashion. Hag Elilah, the children’s tradition before Ramadan, involves youngsters donning their finest traditional dresses as they sing and collect sweets from their neighbors. Mukhawara, a sacred attire worn by women throughout Ramadan, requires careful tailoring to match the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month. And, of course, Eid Al Fitr—the pinnacle of the Islamic festive calendar—demands everyone dress in their finest clothes. With three such significant events happening in rapid succession, the urgency for getting outfits tailored is palpable.

Source: Khaleej Times

The Strain on Tailoring Shops

Tailors across the UAE are accustomed to the demand, but this year, the workload has reached new heights. Fabric shops, particularly in Ajman and Sharjah, are experiencing a boom as clients rush to get their clothes ready. In one Ajman fabric shop, the tailor Mahfouz shared that due to the overwhelming number of orders, he had stopped accepting new fabrics. "People come to us from all over the Gulf," Mahfouz said, reflecting on the high volume of orders, many in bulk. The shop sees a steady stream of customers needing custom-made outfits for the celebrations, but Mahfouz, who works tirelessly for 11 hours a day, can barely keep up.

For tailors like Mohammad Rafiq in Dubai, the situation is slightly more manageable, thanks to a spacious facility and a dedicated team. "We can handle up to 15 outfits a day," he explained. Rafiq’s tailoring empire, which employs 25 workers, ensures he can meet the demands of his clients while maintaining high standards of service. However, this comes with a price—long hours and a commitment to delivering fine craftsmanship under tight deadlines. His workers, many of whom work overtime, ensure that garments are finished on time, keeping the customers satisfied.

Last-Minute Rush and Stockpiling Fabrics

For many clients, the busy season means waiting until the last minute to get their outfits tailored. As one Sharjah resident, Khawla H, mentioned, she began purchasing fabrics for the holiday season back in October, planning months ahead. "I buy fabrics throughout the year for various occasions, but I always ensure my Mukhawara dresses are ready by January," she said. But even she faced delays, as tailoring shops in her area stopped accepting new orders just after the New Year.

Meanwhile, Dubai-based Maha Suhail shared that she bought nearly 19 pieces of fabric for herself and her two daughters, intending to wear them throughout Ramadan and Eid. The frenzy to get clothing tailored has caused a ripple effect—many women who had planned their wardrobe months in advance are now struggling to find available tailors. Some, like Asad Allah, owner of the Al Boshiya tailor shop, are seeing customers flock to his store in Global Village, where he's accepting new orders, while his Deira shop focuses solely on fabric sales.

The Tailoring Community’s Resilience

Despite the mounting pressures, the tailoring community remains resilient. Shops like Rafiq’s and Mahfouz’s have become essential hubs of cultural identity in the UAE, where traditional clothing is more than just fabric; it’s a symbol of celebration, faith, and togetherness. As more people embrace the importance of these three festivals, the demand for expert tailoring only increases, creating a race against time for these skilled artisans. Whether for Eid, Ramadan, or Hag Elilah, it’s clear that the UAE’s tailoring shops are an integral part of the region's festive spirit.

The ability of tailors to meet the needs of their clients, despite the strain, shows the enduring importance of craftsmanship in a country that prides itself on its cultural diversity and traditions. As the UAE continues to grow, so too does the need for services like tailoring that bridge the past with the present, ensuring that the traditions of the UAE are woven into the fabric of the future.

In the face of this bustling demand, one thing is clear: for tailors in the UAE, these festivals are a time of both joy and challenge, a reminder of the vibrant traditions that make these occasions truly special.

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