The keffiyeh (Arabic: كُوفِيَّة, romanized: kūfīyah),[1] also regionally known as a hattah (حَطَّة, ḥaṭṭa), ghutrah (غُتْرَة), or shemagh (شُمَاغ), is a traditional headdress worn by men from parts ofthe Middle East and North Africa. TheGhutra, primarily worn in the Gulf region, is typically a square piece of cotton or cotton-blend fabric. On the other hand, the Keffiyeh, commonly worn in Palestine, Jordan, and Iraq, can be square or rectangular, and it features a distinctive checkered pattern. Keffiyehs in different colours and fabrics are now available around the world (AFP). Gulf countries like Bahrain, the UAE and Qatar favour a plain white ghutra, a spotless light cotton garment that acts as a barrier to the year-round heat. Explore ghutra, shemagh, keffiyeh, and agal—plus why Saudi men cover their heads and what the red checkered scarf means.The Main Head Coverings: Ghutra, Shemagh, andKeffiyeh. In Arabic, there are different names for this head covering depending on the color and the region. Worn both formally and casually, theGhutra is seen as a marker of respectability and status. It is particularly common on religious or ceremonial occasions, where it affirms both faith and cultural grounding. While the keffiyeh vs shemagh discussion focuses on patterns and regions, theghutra adds another layer. A ghutra is typically a plain white, lightweight square of cloth worn almost exclusively in Gulf countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The chequered head dress, known widely know as the keffiyeh, is a powerful symbol of Arab identity, tradition and practicality in the Middle East. This article explores its cultural significance, variations across the Arab region, and the meaning behind its colours and patterns. Ghutra, also known as a Keffiyeh is a traditional Emirati headdress made out of cotton for men that is worn usually with a Kandura.The Kufiyah or Ghutra Dubai is a traditional Arab coat-covered piece of a square. Usually, Arabic or Kurdish men wear cotton fabric.
