In the historic Al Mujarra district of Sharjah, known for landmarks like the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the innovative Rain Room art installation, traditional tailoring and embroidery shops thrive, drawing customers from across the region.
These decades-old establishments specialize in creating the traditional Mukhawar, an iconic Emirati women’s dress that remains a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage.
The narrow streets of Al Mujarra are lined with dozens of shops dedicated to crafting and embroidering Mukhawar dresses. For many women, these garments symbolize heritage and tradition. Mohammed Adnan, the owner of Al Talab Tailoring & Embroidery, is already preparing for the busy Ramadan season, creating customized Mukhawar dresses for his loyal customers.
Adnan sources a variety of textiles from Dubai at lower costs, ensuring affordability for his customers. With the help of a designer, his shop offers up to 10 unique styles of Mukhawar, allowing women to choose their preferred design and provide their measurements. Tailored dresses are typically ready within a few weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the design.
Adnan’s shop has a rich history, spanning over 45 years. Initially established in the old souq under a different name, the family business was passed down from his grandfather to his father and uncle before settling in the Al Mujarra district.
Over the years, business has flourished, especially during peak months like December, January, and February. Even during slower periods, the shop remains profitable, attracting a steady flow of customers.
However, competition has increased with the rise of new tailoring shops in the area. While this offers customers more options and better prices, it has also affected the earnings of long-established businesses like Adnan’s. Despite this, Adnan welcomes customers tailoring multiple dresses by offering competitive prices, as bargaining is an integral part of these transactions. “Not once has a customer paid the original price,” Adnan shared with a smile.
For regular customers like 37-year-old Sharjah resident Sara Eisa, haggling is second nature. “We never accept the initial price. It’s part of the experience,” she said. Sara has been visiting these shops since childhood and prefers tailored Mukhawar dresses over ready-made options, even with the availability of cheaper alternatives in malls or online. “Tailored dresses are more unique and personal,” she added, a sentiment she has passed on to her five daughters, who now also own several Mukhawar dresses.
Apart from tailoring shops, textile shops in Al Mujarra are equally popular. These stores offer a wide selection of fabrics, imported from countries like China, India, Indonesia, Taiwan, and South Korea. From everyday cotton to luxurious silk for special occasions like Eid, these textiles cater to every need. Rolls of vibrant fabrics in various designs and colors are stacked high in these small, bustling shops.
The reputation of these tailoring and textile shops extends beyond the UAE, attracting customers from across the Gulf. Visitors from Saudi Arabia and Oman frequently come to Sharjah for its high-quality craftsmanship and reasonable prices.
One such visitor, Azza Alsawafi from Oman, shared that she traveled specifically to have a Mukhawar tailored. “I’ve been to many tailoring shops in Oman, but the quality here is unmatched,” she explained. Although she has visited the UAE many times for tourism, this was her first trip dedicated solely to purchasing a traditional Mukhawar.
