Women in Bandar Abbas often wear colorful dresses and face masks (niqab or burqa) made from intricate lace, especially among Arab-Iranian or Afro-Iranian communities. The city also has a long-standing tradition of weaving, embroidery, and boat making, which continues to sustain livelihoods today.
Tourism and Natural Beauty
Islands and Marine Life
Bandar Abbas is a jumping-off point to some of Iran’s most beautiful islands, including Qeshm, Hormuz, and Kish. Each of these islands is a tourist attraction in its own right, known for geological wonders like the Valley of Stars on Qeshm, the red soil of Hormuz, and coral beaches of Kish. These islands are accessible by ferry from Bandar Abbas and play an important role in Iran’s emerging ecotourism and cultural tourism sectors.
The Persian Gulf’s coral reefs and marine life, including dolphins, turtles, and exotic fish, are vital for environmental conservation efforts. The region’s biodiversity has led to the establishment of marine protected areas and biosphere reserves, many of which are managed in collaboration with UNESCO and Iranian environmental authorities.