The ghutra, agal, and bisht — small pieces that complete a distinguished look.
Ethnic Wear Guide
A kandura is only part of the traditional Emirati look for men — the ghutra, the agal that secures it, and, for the most formal occasions, the bisht all play their own distinct role. The Dubai Mall offers a genuine starting point for these pieces. Here is where to buy men’s traditional headwear and accessories at The Dubai Mall.
Bait Al Kandora — Located a short walk from The Dubai Mall at Souk Al Bahar, part of the wider Downtown complex, Bait Al Kandora offers a dedicated range of ghutras, shemaghs, agals, and the formal bisht cloak, making it the most complete stop for traditional accessories in the area.
Kandura Studio — The mall’s own kandura specialist typically stocks coordinating accessories alongside its clothing range, making it a convenient first stop for a matching ghutra and agal before venturing to a dedicated accessories specialist for anything more specific.
Understanding the Ghutra
The ghutra is the traditional headscarf, most commonly seen in plain white or the red-and-white checked pattern known as the shemagh. White is generally favoured for formal or everyday wear in the UAE, while the checked pattern carries different regional associations across the wider Gulf and Levant.
Fabric and Quality Considerations
Ghutras range from lightweight everyday cotton, comfortable in Dubai’s heat, to finer, more tightly woven fabrics reserved for formal occasions. Higher-quality pieces tend to hold their shape and drape better when folded, an important consideration since the ghutra is typically arranged fresh each time it is worn.
The Agal’s Practical Origins
The black cord worn atop the ghutra, known as the agal, secures the headscarf in place and is thought to have practical origins in Bedouin life, historically used to hobble camels when not worn on the head. Today it remains a defining part of the traditional look, available in various weights and finishes from simple to more elaborately corded designs.
Perfuming Traditional Wear
Bakhoor and oud are traditionally used to scent the ghutra and kandura before wearing, a practice that remains widespread today. Arabian Oud and Ajmal, both found within the mall, offer bakhoor specifically suited to this purpose, adding a final, distinctly Emirati finishing touch to the overall look.
The Bisht for Formal Occasions
The bisht is a formal, often finely woven outer cloak worn over the kandura for the most significant occasions — weddings, official ceremonies, and religious celebrations. Typically finished with gold or silver thread trim along the edges, it represents the height of traditional formal dress and is generally reserved for these more significant moments.
Caring for Ghutras and Bishts
Ghutras generally require professional pressing to maintain their crisp fold and shape, and many men use a dedicated laundry service rather than ironing at home, given the precision the traditional fold requires. Bishts, given their fine weave and often delicate metallic trim, almost always call for professional dry cleaning rather than any home washing.
Completing a Distinguished Look
From the coordinating basics at Kandura Studio to the specialist range at Bait Al Kandora, the area around The Dubai Mall offers a genuine way to complete a traditional look properly, piece by piece. For a first-time buyer, staff at either store are generally glad to explain the significance and proper wearing of each element.
Contributed by GuestPosts.biz
