The abaya is a feminine garment worn above the others, traditional in Muslim countries in the Middle East, mainly in Saudi Arabia, the Persian Gulf countries and the Maghreb.
It covers the whole body except the face, feet and hands.
It is one of the traditional forms of the modest Islamic dress and can be seen as an extension of the veils covering the hair (hijab, tarha). The abaya can be completed by a veil covering the face (niqab, shayla)
According to the legislation of each state, its wearing is mandatory (or not) for all women, whatever their religion.
It is particularly mandatory in Saudi Arabia, in several Gulf countries (but not all, eg United Arab Emirates), and not in the rest of the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, etc.). ) or the Maghreb (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, etc.).