From Gutrah To Keffiyeh, What’s The Difference Between These Arab Headwears

Ask anyone in the UAE about Arab headwear and you’ll get more than a straight answer. You’ll hear stories, see someone adjust the folds with pride, maybe even get a quick demo. For many here, it’s not just something to keep the sun off. It’s a sign of where you’re from, who your people are, and sometimes, the way you carry yourself. Three styles often come up in conversation: the Keffiyeh, the Shemagh, and the Ghutra. These Arab headwears are from the same family, but each has its own personality.

From Gutrah to Keffiyeh, What’s the Difference Between These Arab Headwears

The Keffiyeh, A Story Woven In Pattern

The Palestinian Keffiyeh, or Kufiya, or even Hatta, if you ask an older uncle, is instantly recognisable. Farmers once wore it for practical reasons: shade from the harsh midday sun, a bit of warmth in the cooler evenings, and protection from the dust that never quite stays out of your face. Over the years, it turned into something bigger.

The black-and-white pattern is the classic. Locals say the fishnet-like design honours fishermen and the sea, while the thick black lines stand for olive branches and the old trade routes. Red-and-white versions exist too, tied to other regions or groups. Whether Muslim or Christian, Palestinians wear it with the same sense of belonging. You might see it in a market, thrown over the shoulders at a wedding, or even paired with jeans in a modern street look.

Ghutrah, The Gulf’s Signature Look

Now, here in the UAE, the Ghutrah or Gutra is a daily sight. Walk through a government building in Abu Dhabi or a souq in Sharjah, and you’ll spot it everywhere. Most are bright white, folded neatly, and worn with a black agal holding it in place. That clean look is part of the national dress and feels right at home whether it’s a Friday prayer, an Eid gathering, or an official meeting.

In Saudi Arabia, men switch between the plain white Ghutra and the red-and-white Shemagh depending on the mood or occasion. Qataris sometimes edge theirs with maroon for National Day. In Bahrain, it’s much the same, subtle changes that speak louder if you know what to look for.

Shemagh

The Shemagh sits somewhere between the Ghutra and the Keffiyeh. Thicker fabric, a bit warmer, and usually red-and-white in the Gulf. In Jordan, the shemagh mhadab is often embroidered with tassels that point to tribal heritage. Out in the desert, it’s not about style, it’s protection. But in the city, it becomes part of a polished outfit.

Colours Of The Arab Headwears That Say Something

Here in the Gulf, a crisp white Ghutra means formality and prestige. It’s the go-to for weddings, meetings, and national events. The red-and-white Shemagh feels more relaxed, something you’d see at casual gatherings or worn by younger men. In Jordan, though, the same colours can carry a national meaning.

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Why It Still Matters

These arab headwear are more than tradition. They’re living symbols. The Keffiyeh tells the world about Palestinian resilience. The Shemagh speaks of desert life and tribal pride. The Ghutra reflects Gulf dignity. In the UAE, when a man steps out of his home with a freshly pressed Ghutra, he’s not just dressed for the day, he’s carrying his heritage with him.

Cover Image Courtesy: CanvaPro/Oneinchpunch