Fulla (Arabic: فُلَّة) is the name of an 11.5 in (290 mm) Barbie-like fashion doll marketed to children of Islamic and Middle-Eastern countries as an alternative to Barbie.
[6] Many other products carrying the Fulla brand (breakfast cereals, chewing gums, bicycles, ...) were released.
Her outdoor clothes have since become more colorful, but her shoulders are always covered, and the skirt always falls below her knees, as traditionally Muslim women are expected to dress conservatively, she also never wears a bikini.
[13] In Saudi Arabia, animated commercials display Fulla's life, such as showing the doll reciting her morning fajr, baking a cake to surprise her friend, or reading a book at bedtime.
Another series of commercials advertise her to be family-orientated, showing a group of Syrian actresses displaying Fulla silverware, stationery, and accessories.
Fulla's activities mostly include shopping, spending time with her friends, cooking, reading, and praying.
[18] According to the brand manager at NewBoy, there will be a doctor and a teacher Fulla in the future, as "these are two respected careers for women that we would like to encourage small girls to follow.
[19] Where Barbie dolls are made 'nude' beneath their clothes, Fulla's body has a vest and shorts painted on.
Fulla was sold with a line of accessories, including umbrellas, watches, bicycles, corn flakes, cameras, CD players, inflatable chairs, and swimming pools.
[25] Some Muslim parents have claimed that if girls dress their dolls in headscarves, they will be more encouraged to wear a hijab themselves.
Launched in October 2006, the monthly Fulla magazine is published in Arabic and is targeted at young females up to twelve years of age.