How Gulf Women Shine at Global Events
As a woman watching the recent state visit, I was struck not by the headlines about deals and diplomacy, but by the quiet power of the modest elegance of the powerful women in the gulf. In the grand halls of Riyadh and Doha, our region’s foremost women moved through the ceremony like embodiments of culture and confidence. These were the ambassadors of our heritage — not through words, but through grace, poise, and style. In a Vogue Arabia feature, Princess Reema bint Bandar Al Saud of Saudi Arabia was described as making “a powerful style statement in a custom royal blue Honayda gown, symbolizing cultural pride and female empowerment”. That sentence summed up what I was feeling: amid world leaders and pomp, her stately blue abaya spoke volumes.
Princess Reema: Royal Blue Pride
Her Royal Highness Princess Reema bint Bandar lit up the room in her bespoke royal-blue gown. The floor-length abaya, designed by Honayda Saleh Serafi (often called Haneeda Serafi), was the very picture of elegance. Intricate gold embroidery – intertwining Arabic motifs across the bodice, sleeves, and skirt – caught the light as she moved, reminding me of our rich heritage woven into modern lines. Arab News reported that “the ensemble consisted of a royal blue floor-length abaya with detailed gold embroidery,” with matching headscarf to complete the look. In that moment I felt pride seeing a Saudi woman blend tradition and couture so effortlessly. Vogue Arabia noted she “stands out as a sophisticated blend of heritage and modern elegance” in that gown.
Reading the Vogue Arabia article, I realized how deeply meaningful this was for us. Here was Princess Reema – the first female ambassador to the U.S. and a tireless advocate for women – using fashion as “quiet diplomacy,” as Vogue pointed out. Her style signaled that Saudi women carry strength and dignity into every sphere. I caught myself smiling as she exchanged greetings with President Trump: her confidence told a story of progress beyond any policy statement.
The design sketches from the feature reveal every detail of that gown. The rich cobalt blue, symbolizing power and wisdom, is scattered with gold starbursts and floral arabesques. These patterns aren’t mere decoration; they announce who she is – a symbol of cultural pride wrapped in fabric. Even the royal blue headscarf was impeccably draped, completing the look of a woman bridging past and present. As the camera panned over the gathering, I saw this royal blue glow from Princess Reema outshine the glitter of jewels or flags – it was the harmony of identity and fashion that truly shone.
Quiet Dignity: Sheikha Jawaher & Her Daughter
Another moment of elegance came a few days later in Doha. There, Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad Al Thani – the first wife of Qatar’s Amir – received President Trump with a serene, flowing black abaya. She is famously a Dior aficionado, often seen in all-couture ensembles abroad, so seeing her in a traditional silhouette was poignant. Yet she wore it so gracefully that it felt like a statement of heritage rather than a departure from style. On her arm was her eldest daughter, H.E. Sheikha Al Mayassa, looking every bit her mother’s elegant daughter. Al Mayassa’s abaya was a glowing golden brown, cut in a “butterfly” style with delicate panels that fluttered as she walked. It reminded me of moth wings gently unfolding – an homage to nature’s beauty in fabric.
Watching that mother-daughter pair, I felt a warm swell of pride. Sheikha Jawaher quietly introduced Al Mayassa to the guest-of-honor, and in those few moments the room’s focus shifted. The younger princess’s long, golden abaya wowed me; its shimmering tone was subtle yet radiant under the palace lights. I remembered hearing that this wasn’t just any abaya, but a design resonant with meaning. It echoed the flutter of a butterfly and the pages of Qatari art catalogues that Al Mayassa often curates. This was more than fashion – it was a family legacy presented with humility and strength.
It struck me how these women speak volumes without words. Sheikha Jawaher, known for donning Western couture on state trips, chose modest black that day. She proved that high fashion can take any form. Even though I had read in Hindustan Times about her love for Dior, it felt natural that she would also respect the majlis with a classic abaya. It was a reminder: our grand events don’t require abandon of culture, but can be framed by it. Seeing her introduce her daughter in this gentle way, I felt the quiet authority of tradition. There were no speeches – just the soft rustle of abaya and the poised shoulders of two royals – but that silence spoke of continuity and confidence.
Tradition Woven with Modern Grace
President Trump was on what felt like a marathon of handshakes — meeting so many people, you’d think it was an endurance event! Amongst the long line of mostly men, it was refreshing to see women standing out with their graceful presence and modest elegance. You can catch a glimpse of this handshake relay in the BBC video, where tradition and diplomacy truly meet.
it reminded me that these events aren’t just about politics. For every handshake between leaders, there was a mother adjusting her shawl. A daughter standing tall beside her father. These were quiet, powerful images of everyday pride.
Fashion in strength
Seeing so many accomplished women united by tradition made me stop and reflect. As a Gulf woman myself, I felt we were represented not by bluster, but by modest elegance and poise. In those formal moments, modest elegance in fashion became a powerful language of strength.
The choice of a classic abaya or a custom gown sent a clear message. Success and femininity aren’t opposites. They live side by side. Sometimes, it feels like a soft revolution. Business might take the headlines, but our culture is what people remember.
For me, these scenes were both inspiring and grounding. They showed how heritage and progress can walk together. That royal blue gown. That flowing black abaya. That fluttering brown dress. Each one said: This is who we are — and we are proud. All spoke of our modest elegance and identity.
It was a reminder that identity isn’t a barrier. It’s a source of quiet dignity. The elegance of these women didn’t distract from the summit. It deepened it. It reminded us all what lies at the heart of true strength — a culture built on values, grace, and pride.
Proud and Personal
Even after the visit ended, I found myself thinking about those abayas. Their beauty lingered like a favorite memory. In that spirit, local designers have begun creating pieces that capture this aesthetic. It’s encouraging to see these looks filtered down for women everywhere. The collection’s gowns, with their soft drape and intricate details, echo the elegance of that golden-brown abaya. For those of us who dream of emulating that style, these designs are a quiet nod to what we witnessed – a way to weave pride into our everyday attire. If, like me, you were drawn to the elegance of Sheikha Al Mayassa’s butterfly abaya, you might enjoy our own take on this timeless style. You can explore the butterfly abaya collection here.
In the end, what lingered most with me was not the sound of cameras or applause, but the spirit of cultural pride and strength shining through each garment. As a woman from this region, it felt deeply personal to see our traditions honored so beautifully on the world stage. These were not just fashion moments; they were affirmations of identity. Every stitch and every silhouette told a story of home. And in those stories, the women’s modest elegance was not a distraction from the summit’s goals, but a powerful reminder of what underpins them.