Distinguished Emirati fashion designer and entrepreneur Waad Al Hammadi is celebrated for her minimalist and contemporary approach to traditional attire. In 2014, she co-founded Gabi Dubai with her sister, Sheyma Al Hammadi, aiming to reinterpret the classic abaya with a modern twist. Their designs emphasise oversized, modest silhouettes that blend comfort with elegance, appealing to a diverse clientele.
Waad’s personal style, characterised by its minimalist and effortless elegance, has garnered her a substantial following on social media platforms, including over 41,000 followers on Instagram. Through her work and online presence, she continues to inspire and empower women, demonstrating that traditional attire can be both fashionable and modern.
My passion is creating timeless, modest fashion that empowers women. My mother, a true fashion icon to me, inspired this passion early in life. Her love for style and grace in modesty resonated with me, leading me to start my own clothing line, Gabi Dubai, where I aim to blend traditional Emirati customs with a minimalistic aesthetic.
It instilled in me a strong sense of identity, pride, and resilience. I am driven by a desire to honour my culture while embracing a global perspective. This balance allows me to stay true to my roots while exploring creative, modern approaches to fashion and entrepreneurship.
The UAE is a land of opportunity, where support for Emirati women is woven into the nation’s framework. This empowering environment has given me the freedom and confidence to pursue my ambitions, knowing I am backed by a progressive society that values women’s contributions.
I strive to support and uplift others, especially young women, by sharing my experiences and the challenges I’ve faced in my journey.
Through Gabi Dubai, I also ensure that a portion of our proceeds goes to those in need, hoping to make a positive impact through both mentorship and meaningful contributions.
I wish I had understood the power of staying true to my vision, regardless of external expectations. Early in my career, it was a challenge to introduce oversized fashion, but I learned that, when styled well, people could see the beauty in it. Believing in my vision has been crucial to my success.
The next challenge I’m excited about is expanding Gabi Dubai’s reach beyond the UAE, bringing our vision of modest and elegant fashion to a global audience. I want to share the message that modest wear is timeless and beautiful, no matter where you live in the world.
I hope to represent Emirati culture through Gabi Dubai by showcasing the elegance, sophistication, and dignity inherent in our traditional wear. My aim is to share the UAE’s values of respect, resilience, and progressiveness, demonstrating that modest fashion can be both beautiful and empowering.
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