Excerpt:
Born in Iraq, raised in the UK, and living between the Gulf and beyond, I found the perfect blend of comfort and style in our coat abaya. Here’s why it’s become my go-to.
People Think the Middle East Is Always Hot – But It’s Not That Simple
If I had a dinar for every time someone from the UK told me the Middle East is always hot, I could probably open a few more Minalkhaleej shops. At first, I would correct them. But after hearing it so many times, I started to doubt myself. Then I moved to Qatar.
For the first week or so, the weather was beautiful. Warm during the day and cool at night. I thought maybe they were right. But it turns out I just arrived during a warm spell. Within days, the real Gulf winter crept in. And I was not prepared. The mornings became brisk, and the evenings turned cold. I hadn’t packed properly. That was the first time I really experienced what winter in the Gulf could feel like. It was subtle, but it was real.
In the Gulf, you never get those crisp mornings we are used to in the UK. But the evenings? A single gust of wind can cut right through you. It’s the kind of cold that surprises you because it hides in warm-looking weather. The coat abaya became my answer to this strange in-between season.
Earlier this year, I was in Baghdad. In the daytime, the weather was cold but manageable. But once the sun went down, it was freezing. The coat abaya was perfect for the mornings and during the day, but I definitely needed layers in the evenings. Fast forward to November in London, and somehow, I landed during two weeks of sunshine. It was still cool, of course, but beautiful. I wore the coat abaya almost every day, layering it with something warm when needed. It felt right.
That’s what makes the coat abaya special. It adapts to the weather. You can wear it in so many climates by simply adjusting what you wear underneath.
Here’s the funny part. Even during Dubai’s warmer months, the malls and cinemas are so cold that you need something warm. I’m serious. You go from 40 degrees outside to freezing indoors. The coat abaya is perfect for this. It lets me wear something light underneath but still keeps me warm. Same goes for outdoor restaurants during Dubai’s winter evenings. Stylish, modest, and functional.
What Makes It a Coat Abaya?
A Classic Cut That Just Works
The appeal of the coat abaya lies in its shape. It’s clean, classic, and cut in a way that flows without clinging. It’s structured, but not stiff. Tailored, but never tight. It gives you that polished look without ever compromising on modesty.
It’s a silhouette that flatters everyone — tall or petite, curvy or slim — and it layers beautifully over your clothes, whether you’re dressed for the office or running a quick errand.
It gives you the modest coverage you want while still feeling sharp and pulled together. There’s nothing frilly or overdone. Just a clean, elegant design that makes you feel like the best version of yourself.
The Coat Abaya: Modest, Stylish, and Incredibly Practical
Our first Coat Abayas that went out on sale, started with Pocket Charms. You guessed it, we started with pockets! Not just because they are trendy, but because they are genuinely useful. Cold mornings, chilly evenings, or even just a quick spot for your phone or keys — pockets really make a difference.
We added small pocket charms too. Subtle, stylish, and just enough to give the abaya a little extra personality without being loud. Our current colors — a rich grey (here it is worn by a lovely customer)and a deep earthy brown — look luxurious and versatile. They work with most wardrobes and carry that quiet confidence I have always admired in Khaleeji fashion.
For this collection, fabric mattered just as much as the design. I wanted something that looked high quality but also worked in real weather. We chose premium suede — thicker than regular abaya fabric, but still breathable. It gives the abaya structure and warmth without feeling stiff or heavy. And of course, it has proper pockets. Not decorative ones, but real ones that warm your hands and actually hold your phone.
The suede we use has a soft matte finish and a slightly textured feel that makes it look elegant and practical at the same time. It holds in warmth better than most high quality fabrics I have tested. But what makes it stand out is how breathable it is. You can wear it all day without overheating, especially when layered well.
Right now, this coat abaya is made in a single layer. I like it that way — it gives you flexibility. Layer it over a hoodie or knitwear in colder months, or wear it over something lighter in warmer weather. If your office is anything like mine — somehow colder now than it was in the middle of winter — this is the piece to reach for when you want to look polished without feeling cold
A Nod to Riyadh
To be honest, my inspiration came from Saudi. The women in Riyadh wear the most beautiful, tailored abayas I have ever seen. There’s something effortlessly classy in how they style them. The coat abaya design was my way of capturing that spirit while making something practical for everyday wear. It is modest, elegant, and makes you feel put together.
Final Thoughts
Maybe I am just rambling. Maybe it is just because I grew up in the UK and I am used to always having a couple of coats in the wardrobe. But now, I do again — just in abaya form. Having the coat abaya hanging there makes getting dressed easier when the weather is unpredictable, or when I just want something modest, stylish, and comfortable.
So no, this is not a sales pitch. It is just a recommendation from someone who has lived in different climates, tried different styles, and finally found something that just works. The coat abaya is part of my everyday life now — and honestly, I am glad it is (although we will see how often I will use it when the weather hits 40+ degrees outside!)
And now, I want your thoughts.
We’ve been thinking about creating a double-layer version for colder climates or for people who just love that extra bit of structure. But before we do, I want to hear from you.
Do you think it’s worth it? Would you wear it? Let us know your thoughts by messaging us on Instagram or Facebook. Your input has helped shape so many of our pieces, and we always take your feedback seriously.
In the meantime, if you haven’t seen our coat abayas yet, now’s your chance.
You can see our latest collections and shop directly at minalkhaleej.com. And if you have feedback or suggestions — especially on that double-layer version — reach out. I would love to hear from you.