Middle Eastern and African countries, including the UAE, Egypt, and Morocco, are proving to be a hot off-duty destination for fashion’s Insta-set. When not enjoying the idyllic beaches or posing in front of some of the world’s greatest structures (the Burj Khalifa and pyramids), the famous faces are immersing themselves in the rich culture by dressing as the locals do.
After celebrating the Mall of the Emirates’ 10th anniversary, model Chanel Iman set off for Abu Dhabi to visit the breathtaking Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner were also spotted. The besties – who were in the UAE to ring in the New Year – looked stunning in the traditional veil; while Alessandra Ambrosio opted for a white robe and matching scarf to enjoy a leisurely camel ride in Dubai’s desert.
In Egypt, British model Lily Donaldson commanded a double take in a white scarf that cloaked everything except her stunning blue gaze. Meanwhile, in Morocco, models Emily Ratajkowski and Josephine Skriver reached for a scarves in an effort to conform to the North African country’s conservative dress code. Another model who opted to wear a veil was Arab beauty Imaan Hammam, who, on a trip to Kenya, gathered her flowing, larger-than-life curls under a headscarf.
