Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Ashbiliya: a Gulf house since 1970, in the UAE since 2000. We sell ghutras, shemaghs, kanduras, bishts, egals and accessories across 11 branches. Prices in-store; order via WhatsApp with UAE-wide delivery.
Related questions
How long have you been in business?
We began in Jeddah in 1970 as "Alsaadi", and have been in the UAE since 2000 as "Ashbiliya". The second generation leads today, with the founder in an advisory role.
Who founded Ashbiliya?
Sheikh Awadh Thabit Alsaadi, who founded the "Alsaadi" store in Jeddah in 1970 — it grew into Alsaadi Group, with Ashbiliya as its flagship UAE retail brand.
What is Ashbiliya’s relationship to Alsaadi Group?
Ashbiliya is the flagship retail brand within Alsaadi Group, the corporate descendant of the original 1970 Jeddah store.
What does your slogan "Between Authenticity and Luxury" mean?
We pair authentic Gulf dress — with its inherited details — with premium materials and manufacture: the authenticity of the piece, the luxury of its execution.
Where can I follow you on social media?
On TikTok and Instagram as @ish_bilia, with 60K+ followers across both platforms.
What do you sell?
Ghutras, shemaghs (yashmagh), kanduras (Emirati, Saudi, Omani, Kuwaiti), bishts, taqiyahs and gahfiyahs, egals, shoes and sandals, and accessories.
What is the difference between a ghutra and a shemagh?
The ghutra is plain white; the shemagh is patterned, in white or red. Both are worn with the egal. Our ghutra and shemagh guides cover the full detail.
Is the shemagh available in white and red?
Yes — we carry the shemagh in both colours, in full size runs.
What sizes do ghutras and shemaghs come in?
The Gulf size ladder runs from about 39 for children to 62 for the tallest men, with adult sizes most commonly between 54 and 62. Head circumference is measured with a soft tape from the forehead above the ears, and branch staff will fit you.
What does "mercerized cotton" mean?
Cotton treated with an alkaline process devised by John Mercer in 1844 that adds strength, lustre and colour-fastness — the middle grade between everyday cotton and premium Japanese/Swiss weaves.
What is the karkousha on an egal?
The distinctive tassels of the Qatari egal: four strands ending in four black knots hanging down the back, accompanied by the hadad cord — how the Qatari style is told apart from the plainer Saudi and Emirati rings.
When is shal tirmah season?
The winter months: the shal is a woollen winter ghutra whose finest grade is the tirmah; demand opens with the first cold and recedes in summer. Ask your nearest branch what is in stock.
Which kandura styles do you carry?
All four Gulf styles: the Emirati kandura, the Saudi thobe, the Kuwaiti dishdasha, and the Omani kandura.
What is the difference between kandura, thobe and dishdasha?
Three names for one garment whose details vary by country: "kandura" in the UAE, "thobe" in Saudi Arabia with a standing collar, "dishdasha" in Kuwait and Oman. Our glossary explains the differences.
When is the bisht worn?
At major occasions: weddings, Eid prayer, graduations and formal majlis gatherings. We have a full groom’s bisht guide.
What is the difference between a taqiyah and a gahfiyah?
Both are worn under the ghutra to anchor it; the taqiyah is simple cotton, while the gahfiyah is usually embroidered and more decorative.
What is an egal made of?
Traditionally wool and fine goat hair (mir’az), in a range of grades. Our egal guide covers the types and the Gulf style differences.
Which brands do you carry?
Our own label Ashbiliya (ISHBLIAH), alongside Al-Sheikh, Claridge, ALBAIRQ, and Dream Man for cotton underlayers.
What fabric grades do your ghutras and shemaghs come in?
Three: light everyday cotton, smoother and more durable mercerized cotton, and premium Japanese and Swiss weaves.
Do you stock children’s sizes?
Yes — graduated sizes from children to men across ghutras, shemaghs, kanduras and egals.
How do I find prices?
Prices are shown in-store. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 585 8687 or visit your nearest branch.
Why don’t you show prices online?
Our policy is to present prices in-branch, where pieces differ by grade, fabric and size and every customer deserves the right recommendation. Branch staff and WhatsApp are ready for any question.
How do I order?
Via WhatsApp at +971 58 585 8687, or by visiting any of our 11 UAE branches.
Do you deliver?
Yes — UAE-wide delivery is available for WhatsApp orders.
Do you ship to Saudi Arabia or Qatar?
Our branches and delivery currently operate within the UAE. For any special request, message us on WhatsApp.
Can I check availability before visiting?
Yes — send us what you are looking for on WhatsApp and the team will confirm stock at your nearest branch.
Where are your branches?
11 branches: Abu Dhabi (Mussafah, Shahama, Al Dhafra), Dubai (Al Mamzar), Sharjah (Muweilah, Al Shahba, Al Dhaid), Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah (Corniche Al Qawasim), Fujairah, and Al Ain. Each branch has its own page with address, hours and phone.
Do you have a branch in Dubai?
Yes — in Al Mamzar, open daily 10:00–23:00, the longest hours in our network.
How many branches in Abu Dhabi?
Three in the city area (Mussafah, Shahama, Al Dhafra) plus Al Ain — four branches in the emirate.
What are your opening hours?
Most branches: Saturday to Thursday, 10:00–22:00. The Dubai — Al Mamzar branch opens daily until 23:00.
Are you open on Fridays?
The Dubai — Al Mamzar branch opens daily, including Friday. Other branches run Saturday to Thursday.
How do I reach my nearest branch?
The branches page and each branch page carry a direct Google Maps link with phone and hours.
How do I wash a white ghutra?
Separately from colours, at a moderate temperature, and iron it slightly damp. Full detail in our care and storage guide.
How do I stop the ghutra slipping?
Wear a well-fitted taqiyah underneath and set the egal properly; the falcon fold also helps. See our folding guide.
What are the most common ghutra folds?
The simple daily fold, the falcon fold, and the formal fold with two even ends — all covered step-by-step in our folding guide.
What should I wear for Eid?
A crisp white kandura with a carefully pressed ghutra or shemagh and a well-set egal, completed by a bisht for Eid prayer and majlis visits. We have a full Eid attire guide.
Do you carry winter ghutras?
The selection changes with the season — ask on WhatsApp what winter fabrics, such as the shal, are in stock at your nearest branch.