Here are some *Fabulous* tips and tricks to make life a little easier in the Khaleej:
No matter what anybody says, there are such things as classes and you will find many beauty salons and 3abaya shops are based as such. For example the salons that is a "Class A Salon" is managed and operated by Europeans/Westerners with some sort of degree in beauty/spa services and a manicure costs 150-200AED. "Class B Salon" is run by Arabs and commonly employ a mix of both Arab nationalities and Asians with a manicure 50-70AED. Finally, "Class C Salon" is owned by a local lady who manages alone & employs Nepalis/Indian/Filipinas and charge 1BD (10 dhirams) for a manicure. Likewise for the 3abaya shops. "Class A 3Abaya Shops" are the ones found in the malls such as First Lady, Al-Motahajiba and Hanayen with plain black 3abayaat starting 300AED and a shayla with one line of *authentic* Swarovski crystals at 150-180AED. "Class B 3Abaya Shops" such as Al-Ghatwa can be found in the Jamiya's & souks and DO bargain their prices. Both Classes have local designers. "Class C 3abaya Shops" are the small huddled stores where the Indian tailor can be seen sewing his work and the Swarovski crystals found in Class A & B are replaced with either "Chico" stones or plastic gems that fall off after washing. Their material used is the dreaded "Internet" or "Mutabal" stuff that is also the same material found online (oh I guess that's why it's called "Internet" LoL). An 3abaya from there is about 150AED and there's nothing wrong with that if you have a tight budget :-)
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