Ashbiliya

Ashbiliya (Arabic: أشبيلية للملبوسات الخليجية) is an Emirati retail chain specialising in traditional Gulf menswear. It sells the ghutra (white headscarf), shemagh (red-and-white checkered headscarf), kandura (traditional robe), bisht (cloak), and related accessories such as the taqiyah (skullcap) and shoes. The brand operates 11 branches across the United Arab Emirates, with locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. It is part of the Al-Saadi Group, a family business founded in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 1970 by Sheikh Awad Thabit Al-Saadi. The Ashbiliya brand was established in the UAE in 2000 as the group's flagship retail identity. The company positions itself as a "Gulf house" for men's traditional clothing, combining heritage with a modern corporate structure. Its product range includes four national styles of kandura — Emirati, Saudi, Omani, and Kuwaiti — under one roof. Ashbiliya also operates its own private label, ISHBLIAH, which produces ghutras, shemaghs, and kanduras in three tiers: daily, mid-range, and luxury. In addition to its private label, the retailer carries selected third-party brands such as Al-Sheikh (Saudi traditional thobe), Claridge (soft cotton fabrics), ALBAIRQ (classic bisht with hand embroidery), and Dream Man (cotton underwear). Ashbiliya's retail strategy emphasises consistent fabric quality, continuous availability, size diversity, and value-for-money pricing. The brand has a notable social media presence, with over 60,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram under the handle @ish_bilia. Its branches typically operate from 10:00 to 22:00, Saturday through Thursday, with some locations open daily. The company serves citizens, residents, and visitors across the UAE, aiming to provide reliable traditional garments with deep product knowledge.

The story of Ashbiliya begins in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in 1970, when Sheikh Awad Thabit Al-Saadi opened his first store under the name "Al-Saadi." At the time, Jeddah was a historic trading hub and a gateway for pilgrims to Mecca, and traditional Gulf clothing — the thobe, ghutra, shemagh, and bisht — was an integral part of the region's identity. The founder's guiding principle was simple: "We started in Jeddah in 1970 with a small shop, and the only thing that has changed since that day is the number of branches. The rule remains: we do not sell a piece we would not accept for ourselves." During the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s, the Gulf region experienced major economic expansion, population growth, and rising demand for traditional menswear in its various styles. Over these decades, the Al-Saadi name evolved from a single store into a well-known Gulf house, offering traditional garments to customers who valued quality and craftsmanship. By the late 1990s, growth required an institutional decision. In the early 2000s, the family made a strategic move to transition from a family-store model to a full corporate structure. The goal was not to sever roots but to build a leading brand capable of regional growth. Thus, the Al-Saadi Group was formed as an institutional umbrella under the original family name. Within this umbrella, "Ashbiliya" was born as the flagship retail brand, designed with a coherent visual identity, unified service standards, and multi-branch expansion potential. The name "Ashbiliya" is the Arabic name for the Spanish city of Seville (Sevilla). In 2000, the brand entered the UAE market with a new identity and a complete corporate philosophy. Today, Ashbiliya operates 11 branches across the UAE, serving citizens, residents, and visitors with the same standard: a reliable piece and deep knowledge. The brand has also developed a private label, ISHBLIAH, and carries selected third-party brands such as Al-Sheikh, Claridge, ALBAIRQ, and Dream Man. Its social media presence, with over 60,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, reflects its engagement with a modern Gulf clientele.

• 2000

  Ashbiliya brand enters the UAE market as the flagship retail brand of the Al-Saadi Group.

• 1970

  Sheikh Awad Thabit Al-Saadi opens first store under the name "Al-Saadi" in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

• Ashbiliya operates 11 branches across the UAE, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

• Private label ISHBLIAH is established, producing ghutra, shemagh, and kandura in three tiers.

A Gulf house for traditional menswear, balancing authenticity and luxury with reliable quality and value across 11 branches in the UAE.

• Ghutra (white headscarf)

  Traditional white headscarf for men.

• Shemagh (red-and-white checkered headscarf)

  Traditional red-and-white checkered headscarf.

• Kandura (traditional robe)

  Traditional robe available in Emirati, Saudi, Omani, and Kuwaiti styles.

• Bisht (cloak)

  Traditional cloak, including ALBAIRQ classic bisht with hand embroidery.

• Taqiyah (skullcap)

  Traditional skullcap worn under the ghutra.

• Shoes and accessories

  Footwear and accessories for traditional Gulf menswear.

• ISHBLIAH private label

  Private label producing ghutra, shemagh, and kandura in daily, mid-range, and luxury tiers.

• Al-Sheikh

  Saudi brand known for traditional thobe with heavier fabric and precise tailoring.

• Claridge

  Brand known for soft cotton fabrics and reliable colors, ideal for daily kandura.

• ALBAIRQ

  Specialises in classic bisht with hand embroidery and light wool fabrics.

• Dream Man

  Core brand for cotton underwear: vests and trousers worn under the kandura.

1. 1أشبيلية للملبوسات الخليجية — غترة وشماغ وكناديرashabelia.ae
2. 2من نحن — أشبيلية للملبوسات الخليجيةashabelia.ae
3. 3ماركاتنا — لماذا اخترنا هذه الماركات | أشبيليةashabelia.ae
4. 4Ashbiliyawikidata.org