From Dubai to London: How the Emirati Thobe Is Influencing Western Menswear

If you have walked through parts of London lately – whether around Shoreditch, Whitechapel or Knightsbridge – you might have noticed a growing number of men wearing something that once felt exclusive to the Middle East. Flowing, elegant, and effortlessly sharp, the thobe, or jubba, has started to take its place in the city’s diverse fashion landscape. And it is doing so with quiet confidence.

Rooted in heritage and craftsmanship, the Emirati thobe is beginning to inspire a new generation of menswear, not just in the Gulf, but in Britain too. With its clean lines, refined tailoring and calm simplicity, it is starting to reshape the way many people approach personal style, particularly among British Muslims and those drawn to more minimal and meaningful clothing.

So, what makes the Emirati thobe so distinctive?

For those unfamiliar, the Emirati thobe is known for its crisp structure and attention to detail. Typically cut from high-quality cotton or poly-blends, it usually features a stand-up collar, subtle side stitching and a front tassel – known as the tarboosh – that adds a small but signature touch.

Unlike other styles from across the Gulf, Emirati thobes often have no embroidery or adornments. This simplicity is part of their charm. They are designed with purpose. The cut is generous, but never sloppy. The silhouette is strong but not flashy.

In a world where fast fashion moves quickly and boldness often takes the spotlight, the Emirati thobe offers something quieter. It suggests that style can be intentional, comfortable and still carry presence.

Why it is resonating in the UK

In cities like London, Birmingham and Manchester, cultural crossover is nothing new. Streetwear regularly blends with tradition. Young people express their identity through what they wear, drawing inspiration from across the globe. And for many British Muslims, wearing a thobe in public is not just a nod to faith or culture – it is also an act of comfort, ease and pride.

The Emirati style in particular has found popularity for its clean look. Its neutral colours (whites, greys, navy and taupe) sit easily alongside popular fashion staples like trench coats, crisp trainers and designer fragrances. It is the kind of piece that transitions from mosque to dinner to an evening walk without effort.

There is also something refreshing about wearing clothing that is not tied to trends or labels. A well-cut thobe offers a kind of timelessness. It suits every season and every stage of life. And that kind of longevity is starting to appeal to those who want their wardrobe to be more intentional.

Style meets identity

For many in the UK, especially younger men of Middle Eastern, South Asian or North African heritage, the thobe is more than just a fashion choice. It is something familiar. Wearing it connects people to family, travel, faith and community. It also makes space for that connection in modern Britain, where multiple identities live side by side.

There is pride in stepping into a room and wearing something that represents who you are without needing to explain it. And when that something also happens to look sharp and feel great to wear, it is even better.

This sense of cultural confidence is being seen more and more – at university events, Eid gatherings, weddings, and even casual weekends. What might have once been reserved for the mosque is now part of everyday life. And the Emirati thobe fits that everyday life beautifully.

What does this mean for menswear?

While the thobe is still very much a traditional garment, it is inspiring broader changes in how men approach fashion. There is a growing move toward pieces that are well made, easy to wear and rooted in meaning. Capsule wardrobes are on the rise. Loose silhouettes are gaining popularity. And there is more openness to clothing that crosses cultural boundaries.

Some have begun to pair their thobes with outerwear like tailored overcoats, light scarves or contemporary sunglasses. Others wear them with sandals in the summer or boots in the colder months. There are even designers now exploring thobe-inspired cuts in casual and formal collections, creating a kind of quiet crossover between traditional wear and Western style.

What is emerging is a space where fashion is not about blending in or standing out. It is about wearing something that feels right – that reflects your story, your comfort and your sense of self.

Our Final word

From the busy souks of Dubai to the side streets of East London, the thobe is finding new life. The Emirati version in particular, with its calm confidence and smart finish, is becoming a quiet favourite for many men looking to balance tradition with modern life.

It is not about fashion for fashion’s sake. It is about feeling good in what you wear. It is about showing up as yourself with purpose, presence and pride.