The Ghutra
The ghutra is a square white headscarf folded into a triangle, worn over a taqiyah and held in place by the black egal. It is the everyday mark of Gulf elegance in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain. Fabrics range from everyday cotton to mercerized, Japanese and Swiss weaves; Ashbiliya stocks sizes from children to men across 11 UAE branches, with prices shown in-store.
What is a ghutra?
The ghutra is a square piece of white cloth folded into a triangle, placed on the head over a taqiyah (under-cap), and secured with the black egal. It is the most present piece of Gulf daily dress — worn to work, to majlis gatherings and to occasions — with its fabric and weight shifting between summer and winter.
The name changes by country. In the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, "ghutra" is the common word. In Saudi Arabia the red-patterned shemagh dominates daily wear, with the white ghutra favoured in summer and on formal occasions. In the Levant, the patterned headscarf is called a keffiyeh or hatta — similar in shape, different in use and symbolism.
Types of ghutra in the Gulf
Behind the familiar white ghutra sits a whole family of types, differing in fabric, borders and use:
- Safrah (plain): the unadorned white ghutra — the most widespread type and the near-daily formal choice for most men.
- Umm qalam: a ghutra framed by a printed rectangular border — black, brown or light green — distinctive yet still formal.
- Bu damah: a coarse cotton or linen ghutra in darker tones; practical and durable, historically tied to seafarers and working men.
- Shal and shal tirmah: the winter ghutra — heavier wool, larger than the standard ghutra, usually decorated in red, blue, green and brown. The tirmah, woven from fine animal hair, is its most luxurious form.
Ghutra fabrics and quality grades
Ghutra quality comes down to four things: the cotton grade, the precision and evenness of the weave, the fabric weight, and the finishing on the edges. The higher the grade, the softer the hand-feel and the longer the white stays white through repeated washing.
- Hold the fabric to the light: a premium weave is even, with no knots or stray threads.
- Feel the edges: clean, straight stitching is the mark of careful manufacture.
- Ask how the fabric behaves after washing: Japanese and Swiss cottons hold their whiteness and body longest.
| Grade | Material | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday | Light cotton | Daily and summer wear |
| Mid-range | Mercerized cotton | Softer feel, quiet lustre, higher durability |
| Premium | Japanese or Swiss cotton | Occasions and the finest, tightest weave |
Ghutra sizes
The right size depends on your head circumference and your preferred fold: styles that drape over the shoulders need a larger cut than raised folds. Ashbiliya carries graduated sizes from children to men, and branch staff will help you match size to head measurement and fold. See our sizing guide or ask on WhatsApp.
The ghutra in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar
In the UAE the white ghutra is the default for daily and formal dress, worn with the Emirati kandura in folds from the simple everyday style to the falcon fold. In Qatar the white ghutra is worn in high, firmly set folds — often starched to hold their shape all day — and the winter shal has its own busy season when the weather cools.
In Saudi Arabia the picture splits between the red-patterned shemagh — the more common choice — and the white ghutra, which many prefer in summer and on formal occasions. If you are used to a premium white ghutra from any Gulf market, our range is chosen to match it.
How is the ghutra worn?
Fold the ghutra into an even triangle, place it over the taqiyah (or gahfiyah) — which anchors it and absorbs perspiration — then set the egal on top, balanced on both sides. Then comes the fold: simple with both ends hanging for daily wear, the falcon fold with one end raised, or the formal fold with two even ends on the chest. Our step-by-step folding guide covers each one.
Caring for your ghutra
Wash white ghutras separately at a moderate temperature to protect the weave. Iron while slightly damp for the best finish, and add starch in moderation if you want a firmer fold. Store folded, somewhere dry and away from direct sun so the white never yellows. More detail in our care and storage guide.
Why an Ashbiliya ghutra?
We have been a Gulf menswear house since 1970 — founded in Jeddah, in the UAE since 2000. We select our ghutras from trusted names alongside our own label — Ashbiliya (ISHBLIAH), Al-Sheikh, Claridge and ALBAIRQ — across 11 branches covering the UAE from Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah. Prices are shown in-store, and WhatsApp ordering with UAE-wide delivery is available.
Related questions
What is the difference between a ghutra and a shemagh?
The ghutra is plain white; the shemagh is patterned and comes in white and red. Both are worn over a taqiyah and secured with the egal — the choice is taste and national custom.
What is the difference between a ghutra and a keffiyeh?
Keffiyeh is the common Levantine name for the patterned headscarf. In the Gulf, "ghutra" names the plain white one and "shemagh" the patterned one.
What is the best ghutra fabric?
Light or mercerized cotton for daily wear; Japanese or Swiss cotton for occasions and for the finest, most colour-fast weave.
What is an umm qalam ghutra?
A ghutra with a printed border in black, brown or another tone — named because the border resembles a pen line.
What is shal tirmah?
A luxurious winter ghutra woven from wool and fine animal hair, usually decorated in warm colours — historically the winter dress of notables.
Do you stock children’s ghutras?
Yes — graduated sizes from children to men in all branches.
How do I stop the ghutra slipping?
Wear a well-fitted taqiyah underneath and set the egal properly; the falcon fold also helps it stay put.
How do I find ghutra prices?
Prices are shown across our 11 branches. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 58 585 8687 or visit your nearest branch.