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TRADITIONAL modesty does not have to be a bar to enjoying the island's sunshine and waterparks which is why 'the Burqini' is flying off the shelves.
The specialist swimwear, which allows the island's Muslim women to have fun in the sun while still covering-up in keeping with their custom, is made by Australian company Ahiida.
It is the brainchild of Aheda Zanetti, 38, a Lebanese woman who emigrated to the Land Down Under with her parents at the age of two.
She said: "I remember growing up in Australia posed a lot of challenges for a young Muslim/Arab girl. As an active person who liked to participate in community activities and sport, I found myself restricted due to cultural and religious beliefs.
"As the years went by, I noticed there are younger girls and women who are embracing Islam and obeying their Islamic belief in dressing modestly, in turn, having to miss out on opportunities and taking part in any sporting activities that Australia has to offer.
"By facing this on a daily basis and seeing girls struggle with what is around presently, we found a need to make specialised sportswear to suit the Muslim female."
And, such has been the success of the Ahiida brand that it was asked to custom-make the sporting Hijood which celebrated Bahraini runner Ruqaya Al Ghasara wore at the Beijing Olympics last year.
Now Bahrain's water babes are embracing the cover-up cossie to make the most of the island's leisure facilities.
The Burqini is made from high performance polyester, offers 50+ UV protection, which has also made it popular with non-Muslims in sunny climates, and is made from a chlorine resistant and water repellant fabric which offers low water absorption feature and fast-drying material.
Known as the Islamic swimwear to most women, as it fully covers a female from head to toe and is not form fitting, the Burqini is being sold at Wave Pro in the City Centre shopping complex and other outlets in the kingdom.
Shama Uchil, marketing manager at Wahooo! Waterpark which opens this summer, said: "I think, given the country we are in and the culture, women want to be in a water park but there are a few constraints.
"I think the Burqini covers these issues because it is not only a covered swimsuit but it is also a decent fit. It is not body hugging and it's very smart.
"I have read articles about this and how it is an extremely popular outfit to sport on the Gold Coast of Australia. It is an extremely decent swimming outfit and women are very comfortable in it."
The design of the Burqini includes a unique Hijood, shaped like a hood for hair coverage which can slide easily onto the back of the neck when not in use.
The swimsuit is also suitable for all sorts of water activities as it allows room for flexibility and has ties on the inside affixing to loops on the pants preventing the articles floating off in the water.
The Burqini comes in a range of fits with various print decorations.
