How to Buy an Abaya Online in the UAE

To buy an abaya online with confidence, you need more than a good photograph. You need enough detail to judge the fabric, length, fit, production time, delivery cost and returns position before you pay.

This guide explains what to check during abaya online shopping in the UAE, whether you are ordering in Dubai, elsewhere in the Emirates or from another country. It also shows the three ways to choose a size when ordering from Rima Atelier.

What Should You Check Before You Buy an Abaya Online?

Check six things before you buy an abaya online: the named fabric, actual length measurements, a height-based size guide, the production time, the returns position and a direct way to contact a person. If any of these points is missing, you may not have enough information to make a sound choice.

  1. A Named Fabric: A product page should tell you what the abaya is made from or, at minimum, name the fabric used. Rima Atelier names nada or nida where those fabrics appear across the range, rather than leaving you to judge the material from an image.
  2. Real Measurements: Look for the garment length in inches, not only a letter such as S or M. Abaya proportions can differ, and the length determines where the hem will sit.
  3. Sizing Connected to Height: A useful guide explains which length suits your height. Rima Atelier's Size Guide includes an interactive size finder as well as the standard measurements.
  4. A Stated Turnaround: Establish whether the item is ready to ship or made after you order. A production window is separate from delivery time.
  5. A Clear Returns Position: Read the policy before payment. Do not assume an unworn, customised or made-to-order piece can be returned simply because the purchase was made online.
  6. Human Contact: You should have a way to ask about fit, measurements or the order itself. Rima Atelier can be reached by WhatsApp or email through the Contact page.

How Do You Choose the Right Abaya Size Online?

Choose the size by height first because length has the greatest effect on how an open-front abaya sits. You can select a standard size yourself, send your height for a suggestion or provide full measurements for complimentary made to measure.

Fit Route What You Provide What You Receive Best When
Choose a standard size Your height and your comparison with the size chart One of six standard sizes, XS to XXL Your height and preferred hem position fit the standard guide
Ask for a size suggestion Your height An atelier suggestion from the standard size range You want a second opinion before choosing
Request made to measure Your full measurements An abaya tailored to those measurements at no extra charge You want the piece made to your measurements

The standard length guide starts with XS at 50 inches for heights up to 149 cm. It then moves through S at 52 inches for 150 to 157 cm, M at 54 inches for 158 to 165 cm, L at 56 inches for 166 to 172 cm, XL at 58 inches for 173 to 178 cm, and XXL at 60 inches for 179 cm and above.

These abayas are open-front, so the body is designed to sit relaxed. Length is what makes an abaya look made for you. If you are between sizes, wear heels or prefer a floor-length look, size up. For more detail on bust, sleeve, hips and shoulder measurements, read the Abaya Sizing Guide.

Why Does Made to Order Take 5 to 10 Days?

Rima Atelier needs 5 to 10 days to make each abaya because the piece is cut after the order is placed and tailored to the options selected. This is the production period, with delivery time added afterwards.

That wait is a feature of made to order, not an unexplained dispatch delay. The atelier is not taking a finished garment from stock and sending it unchanged. It is preparing the ordered piece in Dubai for the customer who selected it.

The same window applies whether you choose a standard size or provide full measurements. Made to measure is available on any abaya without an additional charge. It changes how the piece is tailored, not the need to allow time for it to be made.

What Fabric Information Should an Abaya Product Page Give You?

An abaya product page should name the fabric so that you are not expected to infer its character from colour and photography alone. Rima Atelier uses nada and nida as base crepe fabrics across the range, and names the relevant fabric on each product page.

Both are matte and fluid, and they hold their drape. The details then vary by piece, with work such as floral embroidery, tonal lace appliqué, guipure lace edging, openwork lace trim, beaded cord embroidery or crystal and pearl motifs appearing in the collection. The guide to nada and nida gives more context without relying on unlisted fibre claims.

Every Rima Atelier abaya is open-front, has wide cuffed sleeves and comes with a matching chiffon shayla. Those inclusions matter when comparing one listing with another. They tell you what arrives with the main garment and how the piece is intended to be worn.

How Can You Pay When Buying an Abaya in the UAE?

You can pay with major cards or Apple Pay, and cash on delivery is available within the UAE. Prices are shown in AED and include tax.

There is no buy-now-pay-later option. Checking the available method before you begin checkout avoids relying on a payment type that is not offered.

How Do Production and Delivery Work in the UAE?

Delivery within the UAE is complimentary. First allow 5 to 10 days for the atelier to make the abaya, then allow for delivery on top of that production period.

Tracking is sent when the order ships. The stated details do not support promising an exact arrival date at the point of purchase, so plan around the production window rather than assuming immediate dispatch. The current delivery terms are set out on the Shipping page.

What Should International Customers Know Before Ordering?

International shipping is calculated at checkout according to destination and weight, and delivery takes 5 to 10 business days. This delivery estimate follows the separate 5 to 10 day period required to make the abaya.

DHL or FedEx Express carry international orders, while Aramex is used across the GCC. Tracking is provided once the order ships.

International orders are sent exclusive of customs duty and destination VAT. Any duty and import VAT charged by the destination are the recipient's responsibility. The checkout shipping charge should not be read as covering those amounts.

What Is the Returns Position?

The returns position is strict and should be understood before payment: exchange is for sizing only, nothing can be returned once worn, and made-to-order and made-to-measure pieces are final sale. Made to measure should be chosen only after you are comfortable with the measurements supplied.

This is exactly why sizing help exists and why it is free. You can use the standard height guide, send your height for a size suggestion or send full measurements for made to measure without an extra charge. Ask before ordering if any measurement is uncertain.

If a piece arrives damaged, send a photograph by WhatsApp or email within 48 hours of delivery. Claims after 48 hours cannot be accepted. An order also cannot be cancelled after 48 hours of payment. Read the full Returns information before placing the order, and use the FAQ for other common questions.

Where Can You Buy an Abaya Online in the UAE?

You can browse Rima Atelier's Open-Front Abayas online, with prices displayed in AED inclusive of tax and complimentary delivery within the UAE. When comparing pieces, start with the named fabric and detail, then settle the length before making a decision.

If you are unsure which direction suits you, the Rima Edit is a short style quiz. Once you have a preferred piece, check its product details against the size and policy guidance above, then contact the atelier by WhatsApp or email if you want a height-based suggestion or complimentary made to measure.

Back to blog