Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia’s traditional costumes are as diverse as its provinces, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and historical significance of each region. Here’s a outline of the traditional costumes of each province, emphasising their unique characteristics and historical context.
Eastern Province (Ash-Sharqiyah)
Men wear the thobe and often a bisht for formal occasions. Women wear the abayaand niqab, sometimes adorned with gold embroidery.
The Eastern Province’s costumes reflect its affluent history due to oil wealth, with an emphasis on luxurious fabrics and detailed embellishments.
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Carol McManus Costume Donation August 2010
In August 2010, Mansoojat was honoured to receive a significant donation from Carol McManus: a traditional Najd thobe with a distinguished provenance. The garment had been gifted to Mrs. McManus by Marianne Alireza, who herself had received the thobe from Queen Effat Al Thunayan, wife of King Faisal bin Abdulaziz[...]
Singapore Heritage Fest Singapore, August 2010
In August 2010, The Mansoojat Foundation presented selected garments from its collection at the Singapore HeritageFest, sharing the richness of traditional Saudi dress with international audiences. Set within Singapore’s dynamic multicultural landscape, the festival provided a meaningful platform for cultural exchange. Visitors engaged with the craftsmanship, symbolism and regional identities[...]
Furman Costume Donation, London (2010)
In March 2010, London, Serena Furman presented three costumes to The Mansoojat Foundation. The costumes were generously donated by her mother, Mary Eddy Furman. The donation formed part of Mansoojat’s continuing work to preserve and document traditional costume heritage and to expand the Foundation’s growing collection of historic garments and textiles connected to the[...]
Le Notre Restaurant Jeddah, March 2010
In March 2010, Mansoojat was invited by Le Notre Restaurant to present its costume documentary and selected pieces from the Mansoojat workshop for international visitors arriving in Jeddah aboard a Crystal Cruises ship. The event offered tourists a rare introduction to traditional Saudi dress and craftsmanship. Guests viewed the documentary[...]
Furman Costume Donation London, March 2010
In March 2010, The Mansoojat Foundation was honoured to receive three traditional costumes presented in London by Serena Furman. The garments were generously donated by her mother, Mrs Mary Eddy Furman. Each piece reflects the richness of regional dress traditions, with hand embroidery, distinctive silhouettes and carefully crafted detailing that[...]