The design of abaya has remained same over the years but designers are now experimenting and giving modern make over to the traditional garment. Since abaya’s is a compulsory dress for outside visit, abaya fashion has changed over the years and now Muslim women pick their dresses that are stylish and modest.

Abaya’s worn for diiferent occasions are different. Abaya worn on daytime are more plain and simple, and the evening wear abaya’s are more stylish. Abaya’s are also mixed and color matched with hijabs by women for a more stylish look.

Latest trend that is seen in many Middle East countries is wearing chiffon kaftans over fashionable abaya’s. Also colored and embroidered abaya’s are becoming very popular with women in Jordan and other Middle East countries. In addition to this, there are designer abaya’s like the REDAA abaya’s. The designer abaya’s are made from expensive fabrics with designs that enhance the beauty of the weraer.

Eventhough wearing traditional Muslim clothing is essential, women pick up those dresses that are trendy and make them look beautiful.

There are two common styles of niqab- half niqab and the gulf style or full niqab. The half niqab leaves the eyes and part of the forehead visible and is worn around the face. The gulf-style or full niqab covers the face completely and is similar to the burqa style but burqa covers the whole body and niqab only covers the face.

The full niqab consists of a band which is tied on the forehead and a wide piece of fabric covers the face, leaving an opening for the eyes. Some full niqabs also have many layers of thin fabric connected to the upper band, which can be flipped down to cover the eyes. Many women also wear gloves with niqab as they believe that no part of their skin should be visible in public except the eyes.

The Afgani style burqa is also a less common style of niqab. Burqa extends from head to the feet and can be worn over usual daily clothing. There is one more niqab style known as chador which is worn by many Iranian women. But these days not many women in Iran wear niqabs, only women of few communities wear them.

Kohl is used for curative purposes, some people believe Kohl to be protective against sun’s sharp glare in desert. Kohl is also used as a protective measure from evils.

It has occupied a vital social role in Egyptian women’s royalty and serves as a major beauty enhancement. Kohl is modified in powdered, wax and liquid  forms.  Kohl is available in every cosmetic outlet and almost all retail outlets in Middle East. Kohl is available in every cosmetic as well as retail outlets in Middle East.

Kohl helps to give much graceful and beautiful looking eyes. There are many traditional as well as easy ways to prepare Kohl. Kohl was traditionally prepared using Galena, it is lead sulphide and is said to be harmful for sensitive eyes. In modern times Kohl is derived from the soot of seeds of sunflower and almond shells, which is also perfumed by an aromatic Gum. It is basically a powdery antimony which comes in dark black and greyish color.

These days, Kohl is largely used in a pencil form for modern makeup and is applied in various styles. Originally the Kohl powder was used by soaking it over night in olive oil. One can even enhance their eyebrows by using Kohl efficiently. A much smaller quantity of Kohl powder lasts for a long duration and gives a realistic glorifying look.

Tunic tops are fashionable piece of modest clothing for women in Middle East countries. Tunic tops are loose fitting long tops that can be worn over long skirts and trousers. This dress covers the whole body and thus women feel comfortable in them. Tunic tops are available in variety of styles and are suitable for both casual and formal wear.

Embroidered and beaded tunic tops make elegant evening and party wear to make a girl look attractive and beautiful. Tunic tops can also be worn over embroidered pants that give a traditional modern look. Girls can also match their tunic tops with their hijabs and matching handbag to increase style quotient.

Silk tunic tops look very elegant and glamorous and can be worn by Muslim girls for evening parties or any formal occasion. Floral tunics are most suitable for summer season and look very vibrant and trendy.

For working women in Middle East countries tunic dresses are also appropriate for office. Graceful full sleeved tops paired with formal trousers and hijab create a perfect formal wear for work.

This problem was solved by Cindy Van Den Breman, aDutch designer who created Capsters designs, hijabs especially for Muslim girls taking part in sports. She beleived that religious beliefs should not prevent girls from playing sports.The stylish and modern Capsters design sports hijabs are an apt alternative to the traditional hijabs and ensure that conservative Muslim girls are able to comfortably participate in sports without having to worry about their hijabs tearing apart or shifting .

The hijabs are made of stretchable material and can be easily worn by pulling it over the head. The sports hijabs can also be worn by girls during sports activities at school.

There is also the hijood (combination of words hijab and hood), that has been designed by the burqini creator Aheda Zanetti. Bahrain’s Ruqaya Al Ghasara was the first Muslim athlete to compete in Beijing Olymics wearing hijood. Hijood is shaped like a hood which covers the head and neck. Muslim women can wear hijood and participate in wide range of sports activities without having to worry that their hair might be visible.

Garments like hijood and Capster designs have helped athletes from the Middle East countries to participate in sports on competitive level without having to compromising their religious faith.

Rabia completed her education from the Nassau Community College in New York and the University of Phoenix. She has also received fashion certification from Fashion Institute of Technology New York and Esmod. Her debut collection won her the ‘Emerging Designer Award’ at Dubai Fashion Week 2007. She also became the first winner of ‘International Young Fashion Entrepreneur of the Year 2008′ award for UAE & GCC by the British Council. Arabian Business News named her amongst the top 100 Most Powerful Arab personalities in 2009.

She has also been invited to speak at a number of leadership meetings such as Global Youth Forum in Dubai and Arab creative Women Conference.

Her clothing label known as Rabia Z was launched at the Dubai International Fashion Week 2008. Rabia Z designs cover a wide range of designs from casual to formal evening wear. Rabia also launched the Demure Couture label which consists of colorful and modern abaya’s that can be worn on special occasions. She understands the cultural and fashion need of women from Islamic faith and thus her designs are conservative yet trendy.

She is the first Muslim designer who showcased her fashionable veils at the Miami Fashion Week 2010. She received standing ovation for her collection. Rabia Z has won numerous awards and has been appreciated for her work by people from all around the world. Her work combines the modern trends with traditional clothing.

She has participated in many Omani and international fashion shows such as the Muscat Fashion Week, Sanad Fashion show and the Omani Fashion show, Italy. In Muscat Fashion Week, she showcased her collection of traditional Omani dresses with modern influences. The models wore long tunic tops with embroidered pants and looked stylish yet modest.

Her fashion show called Arabian Nights in Rome won the hearts of the audience present, which included many fashion buyers and retailers. The outfits designed by her exhibited the traditional culture of Middle East countries.

She also presented her designs at a fashion show celebrating the 40th National Day of the Sultanate that was organized at the Al Bustan Palace. The event was attended by famous fashion designer Dominique Sirop who was the chief guest in the event.

She creates beautiful abaya’s which women in Middle East like and can enjoy wearing. Women can find unique and stylish abaya’s at her shop located in Al Asfoor plaza. Her designs are within the traditional framework yet innovative and thus are popular and appreciated across the region.

Various international designers from Oman’s neighboring countries participated in the event like Robert Abi Nader and Fadi Nahle (Lebanon), Zarif Design (Afghanistan), Amina Al Jassim (Saudi Arabia), Kubra Al Qaseer (Bahrain), Shrekahnth (India) and Lamia Abi Nader (Morocco).

Also there were Omani designers who showcased their designs in the Muscat Fashion Week which included Hanaa al Wahaibi, Khadija Al Lamki, Nawal Al Hooti, Anisa Al Zadjali, Nadra Al Ajmi and Dibaj.

Every day four shows by different designers were organized featuring models from India and Dubai. The exclusive shows of the event made each evening a remarkable experience for the audience. The show on the first evening kicked off with the collection of world renowned Lebanese fashion designer Robert Abi Nader. Nawal Al Hooti, the Omani designer then showed her collection of beautiful abaya’s followed by Amina Al Jassem display of Saudi Arabia’s fashion. The second night saw Nadra Al Ajmi’s collection of 30 abaya’s for morning, afternoon and evening wear. On the final evening collections by fashion designers Hanaa al Wahaibi, Lamia Abi Nader and Omani sisters Aida and Afaf were shown. The first two nights of the Fashion Show were exclusively for women and the last night was for couples. After each show, the designer clothes were displayed and available for buyers at Bait Al Zubair and Bait Al Baranda.

The first-ever Muscat Fashion Week provided a platform for some of the Middle East’s brightest fashion stars to show their talent to the world.

• Use lip balms to protect your lips from the dry climatic conditions. Lip balms are excellent lip care product that keeps the lips well moisturized. Also to protect your lips from sun damage, always use lip balm before stepping out in the sun.

• To make the lips more soft apply coconut oil on your lips. Use coconut oil that has not been processed or refined.
• If you have dry lips that are prone to cracking, use moisturizer based lipstick. Honey mixed with gylcerin is also helpful in moisturizing lips. Especially during winters keep your lips well moisturized to avoid drying.
• After removing lip make up, apply lip balm or lip care product before going to bed. This will keep your lips healthy and beautiful. If you don’t have lip balm, massage the gel of vitamin E capsule onto your lips and leave it overnight. It will keep the lips moisturized.
• As women grow old, lips loose their smoothness and wrinkles start appearing around the lips. Effective lip treatment is essential to hide the signs of aging. Use lip care products that are rich in vitamin A, vitamin E and moisturizer.

Lips are sensitive part of the face and with adequate care you can make your lips healthy, smooth and soft. These wonderful lip care tips for Arab girls will surely help to increase the overall beauty.

There has been improvement in the status of women in Middle East countries. Majority of girls are now educated from recognized colleges and universities. There is more awareness about fashion and are thus they are now more open to new fashion trends. Their dressing style meets the need of modesty and fashion.

The traditional clothes are being modified into fashionable attires. The designers in Middle East are experimenting more with the traditional wear. They believe that women can be fully covered and still look stylish.

The Islamic beliefs of people in Middle East have put many restrictions on women. But the women in these countries also have strong religious beliefs. They choose to wear hijab and create their own unique personality. But these traditional wear has not made them unfashionable. They wear different styles of hijab and accessorize them with matching colorful abaya’s and handbags for a fashionable look. They are also looking for chic scarf pin and hijab pin. Their fashion is increasing day by day. The lifestyle of Middle Eastern women is becoming much more modernized than before but at the same time they have not left their modest values. Middle Eastern women did not run behind the world fashion. Instead, they opted for abayas and hijabs that abide by the Islamic law.