Burqini is fast becoming a huge rage among conservative women.
gulfnews.com
It's just right!
By Vivienne Swann, Staff Writer
Published: December 21, 2007, 02:31
There have been quite a few to the UAE throughout this year including those from Canada, Germany and Australia.
Everyone benefits from these missions - the visitors bring new ideas and the hosts have the opportunity to showcase their achievements in the business world and their countries.
The most recent delegation was the New South Wales Businesswomen's Trade Mission which was led by Kristina Keneally, the New South Wales Minister for Ageing and the Minister for Disability. The team of 25 delegates worked to an intense and constructive programme in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
One participant who made extensive trade contacts here is Aheda Zanetti, the director behind Ahiida - a sports and swimwear company which designs an active sportswear line to suit conservative women.
Like everyone else who follows their dream into business, the Lebanese-born Australian designer first had an idea which she transformed into a business plan. The rest, as they say, is history.
The Burqini, an item of clothing which is an amalgamation of a bikini and burqa, made a dramatic debut. Women can go to the beach, surf, ski, bike ride, climb mountains, roller blade, or go hurtling down the slides at the Wild Wadi without worrying about issues of modesty or the risk of having one's athletic prowess compromised.
If you haven't yet heard of the Burqini, it's about to take the Middle East, and possibly the rest of the world, by storm. Why? Because it allows sports-conscious female Muslim athletes, swimmers and beachgoers the freedom to participate in the most exhilarating sports, yet remain correctly attired.
Aheda is thrilled with the response she has received in the UAE: "The fact is, the Burqini is also sun-safe because the body is covered, so it offers sun protection and modesty - not too fitted and not too loose, just right."
The loose-fitting suit is being bought by women across the world. There's considerable demand from swimmers too who are worried about skin cancer or some of the nasty stinging jellyfish you find in some parts of the world.
The famous surf lifesavers in Australia have also found another use for the Burqini - it can also be used as a stinger suit. (Believe me, you don't want to get stung by a stinger - it hurts.) Now, of course, female Muslim lifeguards in Australia are saving more lives and making more contributions.
Iranian female athletes are examining this range of clothing very closely, so don't be surprised to see them in the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
The benefits of this garment have stretched to please women who wish to dress conservatively, to cancer patients, burn victims and senior citizens, among others who have shown an interest in wearing it.
Some people buy them to stave off chills during late night dips. The material is stretchy, lightweight, UV resistant. |
