The massive influx of expats to the UAE upon its founding in 1971 brought with it a rapid expansion of fashions in Abu Dhabi. In those early days, a handful of pioneering tailors arrived – largely from India – to service these new needs. Many have stayed ever since, partly to serve their own community, but more generally to bring bespoke items to the entire UAE population.
The capital’s malls are, of course, more numerous and better supplied than ever before, with virtually every major fashion label represented in one place or another. Nonetheless, today there are roughly 200 tailors dotted around the capital, ranging from Savile Row big hitters, through to Milanese merchants and some of the original Indian independents.
The range of services on offer are as diverse as the population of this great country, so whether you’re aiming to look James Bond-sharp, need to have a favourite garment adjusted after dramatic weight loss (or gain) or simply want to have something special crafted from scratch, have a look around and see how you can be stitched up.
Al Qusoor Group
If your idea of tailoring is officious men standing around with tape measures hanging from their necks, then you should know the Al Qusoor Group have spent a long time focusing on something else entirely. Originally founded in the late 1970s to serve Emirati women, today they have nine branches in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and have grown their workforce to 200. Meanwhile, their design portfolio now offers something for everyone in the UAE, which is to say for someone from anywhere in the world.
Open Sat-Thu 9.30am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-10.30pm, Fri 5pm-9pm. Various locations, including: Airport Road (02 445 2120).
Ascots and Chapels
When a brand includes a question about why they’re so expensive in the FAQ, you know they’re not going to be short of confidence. That’s perhaps no surprise given the huge depth of experience at Ascots and Chapels, which has been on the go, in one form or another, since 1871. Today, it’s possible to order one of their semi-bespoke suits in either of the Abu Dhabi locations and have it delivered to one of its other stores, either in the Middle East or back at the base in London’s salubrious Mayfair. In any case, you’ll need to give these masters time – estimates range from 80-100 hours to complete the tailoring from the moment you walk into their showroom.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-6pm. The Galleria, Al Maryah Island (02 676 1001); Also at Al Raha Mall, Channel Street (02 556 1767).
Allure Fine Tailoring and Fabrics
Given the extraordinary development over the intervening decades, it’s hard to really imagine what the capital looked like in 1981, but thanks to Allure Fine Tailoring and Fabrics, we can rest assured that at least some of its residents looked great. Back then, they were known as the Abu Dhabi New Tailors and fashion would have been quite different. But while tastes might have changed over the decades, their dedication to superlative quality has not. With fabrics sourced from suppliers in Italy and the UK, they have many options you won’t find anywhere else in Abu Dhabi.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 2pm-10pm. Al Hashemi Building, Muroor Road (02 634 4990).
The Custom Shop NY
This is another brand that’s done a great job of expanding across the country. As well as a handful of shops in Dubai, there are now two outlets in the capital. Their point of difference takes the form of a 3D body scanner, which may cut down on the art of tailoring, but definitely sounds very cool and rids the customer of the spectre of having their inner thigh measured. It’s unclear where New York factors into any of it, but whether that’s a marketing gimmick or not, the Custom Shop is ready to help with everything from casual business attire to tuxedos to cuff links.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10pm-11pm. Al Wahda Mall, Hazza Bin Zayed Street (02 666 7147), also Abu Dhabi Mall, Al Zahiyah (02 443 2744)
Dabster Tailoring and Textiles
Dabster may sound like it was recently formed by a fad-chasing teen, but the reality could hardly be more different. Founder M.V. Sivaraman has been in the UAE since the country was founded in 1971, making him one of Abu Dhabi’s longest-residing expats. Initially he was working for someone else, having learned the basics of tailoring in Mumbai, back when it was very much Bombay. Since 1978, he’s had his own shop that has moved around over the decades and changed its name but currently resides in Madinat Zayed Mall as Dabster.
Open daily 10am-3.30pm and 5pm-midnight. Madinat Zayed Mall, close to Lulu Hypermarket (02 635 3707).
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Orchid Tailoring Shop
Orchid is one of Abu Dhabi’s more flexible tailors, offering a massive array of services for women and girls, with everything from adjustments on dresses to custom-made trousers. The humble shop tucked away on Khalifa Street is well worth seeking out if you’re looking to save a little money but still want a personalised service. This shouldn’t be the main reason for going, but you should also know that the proprietor is a Mr Santa.
Open Sat-Thu 8.30am-1pm and 4pm-9m, Pink Building, behind Oman Jewellers, Khalifa Street (055 927 7110).
Scallywags & Rogue Tailors
Having an excellent name wouldn’t be enough on its own to stand out from the considerable competition in the Abu Dhabi tailoring field. To that end, S&R – which was only founded in 2016 – has decided to set themselves apart by offering a home service. They can send out remote tailors to your house or place of work for measurements, complete with fabric samples and advice on how to look your sharpest. Even better, they’ll give away a free shirt for every suit ordered.
Open Sat 11am-6pm, Sun-Thu 9am-7pm. Delma Street Building, Al Damouj Street (02 448 0535).
Stitch in Time
Already got your perfect garment but need it adjusting? Or so fond of it that you can’t bear to let it go after a little damage? Stitch In Time is the place to go. The successful formula of affordable, professional service moved down from Dubai a couple of years ago and now has two units in Abu Dhabi. There are more glamorous tailors around the city, but if you subscribe to the make-do-and-mend philosophy, then head here.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-11pm, World Trade Center Mall, Hamdan Street (02 677 0897). Also, Yas Mall, Yas Island (02 563 3430).
Zeena Tailors
Looking at its selection of tailoring options, you could be forgiven for thinking that Zeena is a Halloween shop. Its catalogue is populated by slightly awkward models showing off garments for people with very specific jobs: chefs folding their arms, a headless businessman cocking his leg as though to alleviate cramp, and so on. Despite this, Zeena is actually a tailor specialising in work outfits, making sure they are adjusted to fit you perfectly. So whether you’re a nurse, waiter or active, serving member of the military, Zeena has you in good hands. They don’t advertise it, but presumably they take requests for Halloween, too.
Open Sun-Thu 10am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-10pm, Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat 9am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-10pm. Open Opposite Grand Stores, Khalidiya Street, Al Markaziyah (02 631 4644).
